How do you test the IAC valve?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 60
From: Pasquotank, NC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I have a 1990 XJ with the 4.0L, AW4, and 231 TC.
The idle is all over the map. When I start the Jeep it idles at 800 rpms the first couple minutes. Then it is up to chance where it idles from there. Anywhere from 400 - 1500 rpms in neutral. Last few days it has been mostly around 1500 rpms.
Today I pulled the throttle body and cleaned it. Cleaned the IAC too. Started the Jeep and it idled at 2500 rpms (after adjusting the TPS). Shut it down and immediately started it back up, idled at 800 rpms. Took it for a quick drive, idled at 800 half the drive, then 1000 the other half.
I'm beginning to think the IAC is going bad, but I am unsure how to test it. I read the FSM and it says to use an exerciser tool. Thats not an option. Other methods?
The idle is all over the map. When I start the Jeep it idles at 800 rpms the first couple minutes. Then it is up to chance where it idles from there. Anywhere from 400 - 1500 rpms in neutral. Last few days it has been mostly around 1500 rpms.
Today I pulled the throttle body and cleaned it. Cleaned the IAC too. Started the Jeep and it idled at 2500 rpms (after adjusting the TPS). Shut it down and immediately started it back up, idled at 800 rpms. Took it for a quick drive, idled at 800 half the drive, then 1000 the other half.
I'm beginning to think the IAC is going bad, but I am unsure how to test it. I read the FSM and it says to use an exerciser tool. Thats not an option. Other methods?
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,577
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I have a 1990 XJ with the 4.0L, AW4, and 231 TC.
The idle is all over the map. When I start the Jeep it idles at 800 rpms the first couple minutes. Then it is up to chance where it idles from there. Anywhere from 400 - 1500 rpms in neutral. Last few days it has been mostly around 1500 rpms.
Today I pulled the throttle body and cleaned it. Cleaned the IAC too. Started the Jeep and it idled at 2500 rpms (after adjusting the TPS). Shut it down and immediately started it back up, idled at 800 rpms. Took it for a quick drive, idled at 800 half the drive, then 1000 the other half.
I'm beginning to think the IAC is going bad, but I am unsure how to test it. I read the FSM and it says to use an exerciser tool. Thats not an option. Other methods?
The idle is all over the map. When I start the Jeep it idles at 800 rpms the first couple minutes. Then it is up to chance where it idles from there. Anywhere from 400 - 1500 rpms in neutral. Last few days it has been mostly around 1500 rpms.
Today I pulled the throttle body and cleaned it. Cleaned the IAC too. Started the Jeep and it idled at 2500 rpms (after adjusting the TPS). Shut it down and immediately started it back up, idled at 800 rpms. Took it for a quick drive, idled at 800 half the drive, then 1000 the other half.
I'm beginning to think the IAC is going bad, but I am unsure how to test it. I read the FSM and it says to use an exerciser tool. Thats not an option. Other methods?
Which method did you use to adjust the TPS?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 60
From: Pasquotank, NC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I've completed 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 31, 34, and 37. Set TPS as per instructions on your site. You may recall I had a thread about it slow to start and idling rough. Got it running good now with exception of the rpms all over the map.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,577
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,577
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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Thread Starter
CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 60
From: Pasquotank, NC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Will do next time I'm under the hood. The .003" clearance, is that between the set screw and the throttle linkage? Or between the butterfly and the throttle body bore? Thanks again.
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,577
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0


