Ford Repair: Idle problem, air control valve, air jackets

Question
QUESTION: My 2001 ford escape just started to barely run when the engine is cold.  When the engine warms up it idles fine.  I see there is an idle control valve listed under problems.  Could this be it?  Where is this valve located?  Is it easy to replace?  Thanks

ANSWER: Try cleaning it before replacing. It is located on the throttle body. I just got through giving very detailed instructions on the how to of cleaning the throttle body and IAC.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you.  Where can I find the detailed instructions for cleaninf the IAC?  Is this on a web site?  Thanks

Answer
No it is not on any website. However, I did just give instructions in several idle related questions. I will go ahead and give them to you. What you will be cleaning is not necessarily the idle air control valve. There is a bypass hose located after the air filter that comes off the valve cover. This bypass air has carbon deposits in it by nature. So, by definition, the carbon has to go somewhere. Ideally, we would like to see it burned in the combustion chamber, but it doesn't always happen that way. So the throttle body takes the grunt of the deposits. As the throttle opens, air is increasingly allowed through the throttle body. When the car is at an idle, the butterfly valve in the throttle body is closed. There are air jackets in the butterfly valve and throttle body to let enough air through allowing the motor to idle. These airways get clogged similar to the way arteries get clogged with cholesterol. Cleaning is rather simple. Remove all the air intake duct work. With the engine off, hold the throttle wide open. Spray air intake and throttle body cleaner into the throttle body. Clean with a cotton towel. Carburetor cleaner must not be used as it eats the coating inside the throttle body. Cleaning should be done about every other oil change.