My 2001 civic (147,000 miles) tends to idle low when I stop in local traffic. This only happens during the spring/summer weather when it is warm (no problems in the winter). If I stall, my car starts right up. I don't use the a/c since it doesn't work that well anyway. I have taken it to mechanics but I am told it is not a big deal. I don't know much about cars, but I have read some and some have suggested that the rotary air control valve (I am not sure what that is) may need to be replaced or cleaned. The problem is inconsistent - but seems to be prevalent on warm days. Any idea of what is going on before I pour money into it - and take it to another mechanic? Much thanks.

 

Idle air control valve?
Its the port in the side of the throttle. Take it off the IM and get some throttle body cleaner.

 

I just did this with my car. Pick up a can of throttle body cleaner (spray can). Follow the directions. When you take your air filter off and look into the air intake, you'll see a small port. That leads to your RACV. Make sure you get the spray tube in there and give it a good spray.

Oh, and you've got the name right (rotary air control valve). As I was researching it, apparently that's what Honda calls their IAC.

 

Thank you both so much. I think I will try to get someone to do this for me as I am very inexperienced with working on cars

 

if you know where it is heres a pic:

 

Hi, just wondering if this (cleaning) fixed your problem?

Thanks.

 

Just as a head's up, it's been over a year since the last response to this thread. I wouldn't get my hopes up for a response.

 

At least he did a search.

 

Hence why I just didn't delete his post.

 

i have a honda civic 2004 model im having idle problem when on stop idle go up and down .and engine dies automatically rpm drop i already clean the idle control valve w/ the carburator cleaner but the same thing happen to the car by the way is idle control valve same as rotary air control valve if it not the same thing where is the location of the rotary air control vave in the engine

 

Your car does not have a Rotary Air Control Valve... only an Idle Air Control Valve.

 

ok ive clean remove the idle control valve from my car use the whole can of clean. after start the car and use it it was ok at first few day but the problem is still there it was not fix. any more ideas what wrong in the car