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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace an idle control valve?
Where can I get my idle control valve replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my idle control valve?
What happens when your idle control valve goes bad?
What is an idle control valve?
Can I replace my idle control valve myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace an idle control valve?

You can expect an average total replacement cost of $260 for an idle control valve replacement, with $159 for parts and $101 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace an idle control valve? In general, it takes around 0.9 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

Here’s an overview of idle control valve costs for different vehicles:

Idle control valve replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 17, 2024	Georgia, 22 Denver, CO	Mitsubishi Eclipse	$237	$149	$89	0.7 Hours
April 16, 2024	Jeffrey, 24 Austin, TX	Mazda 3	$186	$98	$88	0.7 Hours
April 16, 2024	Larry, 23 Fort Wayne, IN	Infiniti G25	$172	$98	$74	0.7 Hours
April 15, 2024	Angel, 25 Surprise, AZ	Chrysler 300	$339	$251	$87	0.7 Hours
April 9, 2024	Mattie, 36 Memphis, TN	Ford Focus	$232	$149	$83	0.7 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my idle control valve replacement and how much do those parts cost?

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s the main thing you need:

Idle control valve: This is the main component that needs to be replaced. It is responsible for controlling the engine's idle speed by regulating the airflow. On its own, an idle control valve costs anywhere from $50 to $500.

Gasket: In most cases, you’ll also need a new gasket to ensure a proper seal between the idle control valve and the intake manifold. A new gasket will cost approximately between $10 and $60.

You can buy idle control valve parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, or from online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Three of our recommended brands for idle control valve parts are Standard Motor Products, ACDelco, and Bosch. Keep in mind that the best parts for your vehicle will depend on its year, make, and model.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket idle control valve?

When it comes to your IAC valve, there are advantages and disadvantages to choosing either the OEM or aftermarket option. While it can be cheaper to choose an aftermarket idle control valve, OEM idle control valves are typically more reliable long term.

Where can I buy an idle control valve replacement?

You can buy idle control valves at auto body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. Another place you can buy them is on Amazon.

Pro tip: Before searching for any parts, consult your vehicle’s owner manual for lists of all of the specs for replacements you need and dealership warranty information.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my idle control valve replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your idle control valve a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our vetted shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

168 Reviews

JCB Auto

8a Rugg Rd, Allston, MA

Idle Control Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$244

(Parts - $154, Labor - $90)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (617) 202-9600

189 Reviews

L&M Automotive Service Center

20622 Pascal Way Suite A, Mission Viejo, CA

Idle Control Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$296

(Parts - $154, Labor - $142)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$80

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (949) 770-3265

152 Reviews

Velasquez Auto Care - Morgan

5811 W Capitol Dr, Milwaukee, WI

Idle Control Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$259

(Parts - $154, Labor - $105)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$35

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (414) 482-5888

153 Reviews

NuAuto

43-58 11th St, Queens, NY

Idle Control Valve Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$264

(Parts - $154, Labor - $110)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (929) 522-0460

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my idle control valve?

When you take your car in for a faulty idle control valve diagnosis and replacement, the mechanic will take these following steps:

Run a scan to pick up any car codes

Search for leaks in the vacuum lines

Ensure the functioning of all electrical connections

Remove the IAC valve if it’s faulty and replace it with a new one

Reset the check engine light

Get rid of carbon build-up in the intake manifold (a group of tubes and cylinders that evenly distribute the air coming into the engine)

Road test the vehicle to check for error codes

What happens when your idle control valve goes bad?

If you have a bad IAC valve, your car’s engine will start stalling.

A stalling engine shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially if you’re driving in a busy intersection. It’s not worth waiting until the issue worsens to the point of total engine failure.

What is an idle control valve?

The idle control valve is vital for your car's performance, whether it's at a standstill or in motion.

When the engine is idle, the valve maintains a consistent idle speed and controls the airflow to your engine. In an internal combustion engine, power is generated by a mix of air and fuel. When you press the gas pedal, the throttle body opens, allowing a controlled amount of air into the combustion chamber.

However, when the car is stationary, like at a stop sign or red light, the throttle body closes, preventing air from entering and causing the engine speed to increase.

To prevent stalling during idle moments, the idle control valve bypasses the throttle body and supplies air to the engine. This ensures your engine can keep running while you're parked or waiting at a red light.

What are the symptoms of a bad idle air control valve?

You’ll usually know something is off with the idle control valve when you notice the following signs:

Your check engine light turns on

The engine stalls even when it’s not moving (idle)

Rough or noisy engine idling

The car backfires or is hard to start

How often should the idle control valve be replaced?

Your idle air control valve should last you the lifetime of your vehicle. However, due to wear and tear, this oftentimes isn’t the case and you’ll need to replace it.

Pro tip: Have an air induction service performed by a mechanic every three to four years. Regular cleaning of the idle control valve helps prolong its lifespan and allows root causes of IAC valve issues to be addressed before any failure occurs.

Can I replace my idle control valve myself?

If you want to replace your idle control valve yourself, you need to be sure of your auto repair and DIY skills.

Replacing this part can be tricky if you’re not prepared or experienced. For the average driver, we recommend visiting a reputable auto shop and letting a trained mechanic perform the job.

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FAQs

Can I drive with a failing idle control valve?

Although you could technically be able to drive with a failing idle control valve, it’s not recommended because it can lead to stalling, which puts you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk. Moreover, by driving with a faulty idle control valve, you might not pass your state’s emission tests.

How long does it take to replace an idle control valve?

The whole idle control valve replacement procedure takes around one hour to complete.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.