Today's vehicles come with a number of actuators that allow their engines to run efficiently. The idle air control valve allows the engine computer to maintain the right idle speed when various loads are placed on the engine. Your 2002 Dodge Dakota with the V-6 engine can have trouble idling if the IAC fails or becomes dirty.
Park the vehicle on a flat surface and set the parking brake. Open the hood. Remove the air intake tube by unscrewing the wing nut on the top of the engine. To find this, follow the black plastic intake tube from the air filter to the top of the throttle body. Lift the front of the air intake housing until it clears the wing nut stud, then pull the housing towards you to release it from its retaining clip on the throttle body. Move it to the passenger side of the throttle body. Inspect the gasket on the top of the throttle body, and replace it if it is damaged or cracked.
Locate the idle control valve on the left side of the throttle body. It has four wires going to it. Remove the wiring connector by lifting the locking tab and pulling it free. Remove the two torx-head screws from the idle air control valve. Remove the idle air control valve from the throttle body. You may need to twist it gently while removing it.
Clean any carbon buildup from the idle control valve mounting hole with the throttle body cleaner. Install the new idle control valve. Torque the mounting screws to 60 inch-pounds with a torque wrench. Install the electrical connector by snapping it into place.
Install the air intake duct into the clip on the back of the throttle body. Push down on the front of the housing until the wing nut stud is visible. Install the wing nut. Start the engine while holding the gas pedal down slightly, to clear out any excess throttle body cleaner from the engine.
