This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine to address idle quality issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Idle Air Control Valve × 1 — Use OEM specification
• IAC valve gasket or O-ring × 1 — Usually included with valve

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 30 minutes
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clip retention points

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the IAC valve
   The IAC valve is typically mounted on the throttle body assembly on the intake manifold. On this engine, locate the throttle body on the driver's side of the engine bay. The IAC valve may be integrated into the throttle body or mounted as a separate unit adjacent to it.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the tab on the IAC valve electrical connector and carefully pull it straight off the valve. If the connector is stubborn, gently wiggle it while pulling. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
3. 3

   Remove IAC valve mounting screws
   Using a 10mm socket or appropriate tool, remove the screws securing the IAC valve to the throttle body or intake manifold. Note the screw locations and lengths for reinstallation. Keep screws organized.
   Torque spec

   IAC Valve Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove IAC valve
   Carefully pull the IAC valve straight out from its mounting location. If it resists, gently twist while pulling to break the gasket seal. Avoid prying against aluminum surfaces.
5. 5

   Clean mating surfaces
   Use a plastic scraper and shop towels to remove all old gasket material from both the throttle body/intake manifold surface and the IAC valve mounting area. Ensure surfaces are completely clean and dry. Spray throttle body cleaner on a towel and wipe surfaces clean. Do not spray cleaner directly into throttle body passages.
6. 6

   Install new gasket
   Place the new gasket or O-ring onto the new IAC valve, ensuring it seats properly in its groove. Verify the gasket is not twisted or damaged.
7. 7

   Install new IAC valve
   Align the new IAC valve with the mounting holes and gently press it into position. Ensure the gasket remains properly seated. The valve should sit flush against the mounting surface.
8. 8

   Torque IAC valve screws
   Thread the mounting screws by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Using a torque wrench, tighten the IAC valve screws to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even gasket compression. These are low-torque fasteners requiring careful attention.
   ⚠Over-torquing these screws can strip threads or crack the valve body. Use a proper torque wrench
   Torque spec

   IAC Valve Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly onto the IAC valve until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating it is fully seated. Tug gently to verify it is locked in place.
10. 10

    Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
    Align the engine cover with its mounting points and press down firmly until all clips engage. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all electrical connections are fully seated and secured
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the engine bay
3. Ensure engine cover is properly clipped in place

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it idles smoothly without stalling or hunting
• Check for any vacuum leaks around the IAC valve (listen for hissing sounds)
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify idle stabilizes correctly
• Test idle quality with accessories on (AC, headlights) to ensure proper compensation
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner; clear any codes related to IAC function if repair resolves the issue

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