This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the idle air control valve (integrated into the throttle body) on the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine in 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Throttle body assembly with integrated IAC × 1 — Mopar 04891735AC or equivalent
• Throttle body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for systems to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on four retention points
4. Relieve any residual fuel pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and attempting to start engine

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect air intake system
   Loosen the clamp securing the air intake tube to the throttle body. Disconnect the intake air temperature sensor connector if present on the intake tube. Remove the air intake tube from the throttle body and set aside.
2. 2

   Disconnect throttle body electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the throttle body. Press the red safety tab and slide it away from the connector body. Depress the connector release tab and pull the connector straight off the throttle body. Do not pull on the wiring harness.
3. 3

   Disconnect coolant hoses
   The throttle body has two coolant hoses for engine warm-up. Use pliers to compress and slide the spring clamps away from the throttle body connections. Have a towel ready as small amounts of coolant will drain. Disconnect both hoses and plug them to prevent additional coolant loss.
   ⚠Coolant may still be warm. Allow engine to cool completely before proceeding.
4. 4

   Remove throttle body mounting bolts
   Remove the four bolts securing the throttle body to the intake manifold. Note the position and length of each bolt as they may vary. Remove the throttle body assembly by pulling straight away from the intake manifold.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove and inspect old gasket
   Remove the throttle body gasket from the intake manifold surface. Inspect both the throttle body and intake manifold mating surfaces for damage, warping, or deep scratches. Use a plastic scraper to carefully remove any remaining gasket material. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with throttle body cleaner and lint-free towels.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces as this can cause damage requiring manifold replacement.
6. 6

   Inspect throttle bore (optional cleaning)
   If cleaning the old throttle body, spray throttle body cleaner on a clean towel and wipe the throttle bore and plate. Never spray cleaner directly into the bore with the throttle body removed. Do not manually open the throttle plate. If installing a new throttle body, proceed to next step.
7. 7

   Install new throttle body gasket
   Position the new throttle body gasket onto the intake manifold. Ensure all bolt holes and coolant passages align correctly. The gasket should sit flush against the intake manifold surface without gaps.
8. 8

   Install throttle body assembly
   Position the throttle body assembly onto the intake manifold, aligning it with the gasket and bolt holes. Install all four mounting bolts hand-tight first. Tighten the bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque to ensure even gasket compression.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect coolant hoses
   Reconnect both coolant hoses to the throttle body fittings. Slide the spring clamps back into position over the hose connections. Ensure both hoses are fully seated and clamps are positioned correctly to prevent coolant leaks.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align and firmly press the throttle body electrical connector onto the throttle body until it clicks into place. Slide the red safety lock back into the locked position. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated.
11. 11

    Reinstall air intake system
    Reconnect the air intake tube to the throttle body. Ensure the tube is fully seated. Tighten the intake clamp securely. Reconnect the intake air temperature sensor connector if applicable.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the engine cover by pressing down on all four retention points until they click into place
2. Reconnect the negative battery terminal
3. Check coolant level in the overflow reservoir and top off if necessary with Mopar OAT Purple coolant

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Verify no check engine light or throttle body fault codes are present
• Start the engine and verify smooth idle with no vacuum leaks (hissing sounds)
• Check all coolant hose connections for leaks while engine warms up
• Test throttle response by gently accelerating. The engine should respond smoothly without hesitation
• Allow vehicle to complete throttle relearn by driving normally for 10-15 minutes through various speeds and loads
• Verify idle speed stabilizes between 600-800 RPM when fully warmed up

More procedures for this vehicle