Idle Air Control Valve?

Tiny
MARKSMAN121
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 2002 Volkswagen cabrio 2.0 I recently had it hooked to a computer and it threw the IAC code. So I bought a new one but cant locate the bad one on the engine anywhere. Everything I research only shows results for 99 and older. There are slight differences with this 2.0 than the 2.0's from 1999. Any help explaining where the idle air control valve is located will be greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, May 20th, 2014 AT 5:41 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
MARKSMAN121
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
So I need to replace the throttle body?
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Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I have to be honest, even my parts list doesn't show one on this vehicle. However, the same manual shows the attached picture of the IAC on a 2002. It appears to be below the air induction tube between the air filter box and throttle body. See pic and I hope it helps.
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Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 AT 6:18 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
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No. It depends on what the problem is.

If you post the actual code that the ECM is setting, someone might be able to help you diagnose the issue. Or at least tell you what to check.
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Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 AT 6:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I see Thomas has answered while I was looking. That's a good thing. He knows VW! His answer explains why I couldn't find the part. The pic I sent must be for a different year.
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Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
MARKSMAN121
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The only information I could find was a diagram of the motor with the IAC on the right side of the intake. I don't know the specific code it threw advanced auto put it on the computer and said it was the IAC. Its running like crap. Idles rough sometimes and just about every time I drive it it spits and sputters and dies.
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Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
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I think '97 was the last year to have the little IAC motor.

These motorized throttle bodies are sensitive to battery charges. Meaning a weak battery can cause idle issues, a dirty throttle bore can cause idle issues.

When the electronics fail, then yes, off idle issues can also surface. If you only had an idle issue, then cleaning the throttle and performing a throttle adaptation / alignment might be all that is needed (same for after a low charge battery issue).

Not knowing what the exact code(s) is / are, it is difficult to take a guess as to what the problem is.

"Generic" scan tools might not show all codes that are stored in the ECM. VCDS (Vag-Com) is the best aftermarket "dealer equivalent" scan tool that is available to the general public. A bit expensive but worth the money if you plan on maintaining the car yourself.

I am not affiliated with the makes of VCDS. My user name just happens to include those letters.

Thomas
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Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 AT 9:19 PM

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