The 2001 Grand Marquis is a full-sized sedan manufactured by Ford Motor Company and sold under the Lincoln-Mercury brand. The vehicle is equipped with an idle air control valve. The valve's primary job is to control the amount of air that enters the engine while the Grand Marquis idles. This component is important, as it prevents the vehicle from stalling. It's time to clean the valve if you notice the vehicle stalling more frequently or idling roughly.
Place the Grand Marquis in "Park" on a level surface. If the car was recently driven, allow an ample amount of time for the components under the hood to cool -- up to an hour.
Open the hood of the car and find the idle air control valve. The valve is located on the Grand Marquis' throttle body. The idle air control is a cylinder with a wire connector plugged into it. If needed, refer to your repair manual for an exact diagram.
Remove the electrical connector by pulling it straight off. Place the wires to the side to ensure no damage is accidentally done. You will now see two screws that secure the valve in place. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove each screw. The idle air control valve can now be removed. Grasp the valve and pull straight off the throttle body.
Apply throttle body cleaner to the idle air control valve and the valve mount. Allow five minutes for the cleaner to penetrate stuck-on dirt and grime. Clean the valve mount using a rag and, if needed, a wire brush. This will allow for a proper connection.
Clean the idle air control valve completely using a wire brush and clean rag. If needed, dip the rag and brush into warm water to rinse off debris. Continue to clean the component until all buildup is gone. Allow the valve to air-dry before reinstalling it.
Place the clean idle air control valve into the appropriate spot on the throttle body; ensure the holes are aligned for the screws to fit properly. Tighten each screw with the socket wrench. Connect the electrical connector into the valve. You will hear it click securely in place. The idle air control valve is now cleaned and installed. Close the hood of the Grand Marquis.
