Chrysler Repair: idle air control motor, throttle position sensor, electrical coils

Question
I was just told I need a new idle motor for a 2002 town and country 3.8.  I can't find this referenced in the repair manual. I find idle valve etc, but no motor.  Could you point me in the right direction?  I find starter motor, but no idle motor.  I feel certain the diagnostic is correct form the shop.

John

Answer
Hi John,
The item you are seeking is called the idle air control motor. It basically is an electro-magnitically driven pintel valve that open or closes the air passageway that by-passes around the butterfly valve of the throttle body. You will find it mounted on the side of the throttle body that faces the front of the van. It is the upper item on that side, in particular, with a 4-wire connector. The lower item is the throttle position sensor. You may want to put some water on the surface of the new o-rings to lub them to help them slide into the cylindrical opening in which it fits. You would want to clean the air passageway while you have it out with solvent and a q-tip. The old one may be gummed up rather than failed so you can decide whether or not to replace it after you remove it. There should be continuity between the two outer pins, and between the two inner pins if the electrical coils that drive the 'motor' are patent. If not, that would be a sign of a sure failure.
Roland