Auto Parts: 1990 Buick Regal Idle Air Control Valve Replacement, air control valve, mechanic friend

Question
What steps would I take to replace an Idle Air Control Valve on a 1990 Buick Regal?  I am having major idling issues to the point that the car stalls out all the time.  Had a mechanic friend look at it and diagnose the problem, but he doesn't have time to fix it.  It doesn't seem like it would be too hard, but then again, I am not even close to being knowledgable about cars.  I appreciate the help, just trying to save a few bucks from garage costs.

Answer

IAC     There isn't anything that I can think of that would be easier.  I will attach a photo of the IAC so that there will be no confusion.  First, disconnect the ground side of the battery.  You unplug the harness from the valve, remove the two screws and pull it out.  You'll want to get a can of throttle body cleaner and a small wire brush (a gun cleaning kit would be about right).  Spray the cleaner down into the hole then run the brush up in there.  When it seems clean, use the cleaner again to flush out the debris.  Install the new IAC and plug the harness back in.  Lastly, hook the battery back up.  You'll want to drive the car around for a while to give the computer a chance to relearn its routine.  Then you should be fine.  The reason that the IAC fails is that gunk you cleaned out.  It keeps the pintle on the IAC from moving and overloads the little stepping motor inside.  The motor burns out and it doesn't work anymore.  It's not a terrible idea to spray clean the throttle body at least once a year, and even to take off the IAC and clean it out as well.