Cleaning The Iacv

[Bobk528]

During the past month, my 2000 RX300 with 69,000 miles was having difficulty starting up particularly on warm afternoons. One afternoon, it would not start after repeated attempts, however after several hours of rest, I was able to start it although it would shut off if I let off the gas pedal. Once on the freeway, it ran nicely. The next day, I took the vehicle into my mechanic who discovered that the magnet for IACV was so heavily gummed up, he was not able to move it. The repair bill came to $135 to clean the IACV. My mechanic indicated that a Toyota dealership typically will replace the IACV instead of cleaning which is quite an expensive part but he stated that the IACV gums up about every 60,000 to 80,000 miles and there is no need to replace them – just clean it every 60,000 miles. After I picked my RX300 and drove it onto the freeway, I immediately noticed a big difference in the response, smoothness and power. I have read other threads in the Lexus Forum about IACV related problems and some attempt to fix the problem by putting in a fuel cleaner into a tankful of gas. The IACV does not receive fuel but takes in air and can only be cleaned by removing the IACV.

[BKD of CYP]

During the past month, my 2000 RX300 with 69,000 miles was having difficulty starting up particularly on warm afternoons. One afternoon, it would not start after repeated attempts, however after several hours of rest, I was able to start it although it would shut off if I let off the gas pedal. Once on the freeway, it ran nicely. The next day, I took the vehicle into my mechanic who discovered that the magnet for IACV was so heavily gummed up, he was not able to move it. The repair bill came to $135 to clean the IACV. My mechanic indicated that a Toyota dealership typically will replace the IACV instead of cleaning which is quite an expensive part but he stated that the IACV gums up about every 60,000 to 80,000 miles and there is no need to replace them – just clean it every 60,000 miles. After I picked my RX300 and drove it onto the freeway, I immediately noticed a big difference in the response, smoothness and power. I have read other threads in the Lexus Forum about IACV related problems and some attempt to fix the problem by putting in a fuel cleaner into a tankful of gas. The IACV does not receive fuel but takes in air and can only be cleaned by removing the IACV.

That's good to know. Where is it's location? Would my 2000 GS300 have this?

[riwyle]

During the past month, my 2000 RX300 with 69,000 miles was having difficulty starting up particularly on warm afternoons. One afternoon, it would not start after repeated attempts, however after several hours of rest, I was able to start it although it would shut off if I let off the gas pedal. Once on the freeway, it ran nicely. The next day, I took the vehicle into my mechanic who discovered that the magnet for IACV was so heavily gummed up, he was not able to move it. The repair bill came to $135 to clean the IACV. My mechanic indicated that a Toyota dealership typically will replace the IACV instead of cleaning which is quite an expensive part but he stated that the IACV gums up about every 60,000 to 80,000 miles and there is no need to replace them – just clean it every 60,000 miles. After I picked my RX300 and drove it onto the freeway, I immediately noticed a big difference in the response, smoothness and power. I have read other threads in the Lexus Forum about IACV related problems and some attempt to fix the problem by putting in a fuel cleaner into a tankful of gas. The IACV does not receive fuel but takes in air and can only be cleaned by removing the IACV.

A great example of the value of having a knowledgable independant mechanic willing and able to diagnose and repair instead of just replace parts.

Some people don't realize the IACV is completely separate from the fuel. Hence comments about fuel additive.

Did the mechanic also clean the mass airflow sensor, which may be the cause of your increased performance? The IACV would not affect performance above idle speed.

[Bobk528]

During the past month, my 2000 RX300 with 69,000 miles was having difficulty starting up particularly on warm afternoons. One afternoon, it would not start after repeated attempts, however after several hours of rest, I was able to start it although it would shut off if I let off the gas pedal. Once on the freeway, it ran nicely. The next day, I took the vehicle into my mechanic who discovered that the magnet for IACV was so heavily gummed up, he was not able to move it. The repair bill came to $135 to clean the IACV. My mechanic indicated that a Toyota dealership typically will replace the IACV instead of cleaning which is quite an expensive part but he stated that the IACV gums up about every 60,000 to 80,000 miles and there is no need to replace them – just clean it every 60,000 miles. After I picked my RX300 and drove it onto the freeway, I immediately noticed a big difference in the response, smoothness and power. I have read other threads in the Lexus Forum about IACV related problems and some attempt to fix the problem by putting in a fuel cleaner into a tankful of gas. The IACV does not receive fuel but takes in air and can only be cleaned by removing the IACV.

A great example of the value of having a knowledgable independant mechanic willing and able to diagnose and repair instead of just replace parts.

Some people don't realize the IACV is completely separate from the fuel. Hence comments about fuel additive.

Did the mechanic also clean the mass airflow sensor, which may be the cause of your increased performance? The IACV would not affect performance above idle speed.

The location of the IACV can be best found by doing search in this forum. There is a photo that shows the location below the throttle body. All newer model cars should it.

The MAF sensor was not cleaned but about 6 months ago, it was replaced. I believe the MAF became faulty because I earlier installed a K&N air filter.

[tmastres]

Hi All! Heres the link to the thread with the IACV Pic.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...topic=11748&hl=

[fonzo91121]

are the rx and gs models similar? i cant find any pics for a gs. is this a uncommon defect on gs models?

[fonzo91121]

are the rx and gs models similar? i cant find any pics for a gs. is this a uncommon defect on gs models?