Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA1998CL V6-3.0L SOHC (VTEC)REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTDESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONIDLE CONTROL SYSTEM
1998 Acura CL V6-3.0L SOHC (VTEC)
Idle Control System
1998 Acura CL V6-3.0L SOHC (VTEC)SECTION Idle Control System
System Description

The idle speed of the engine is controlled by the Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve.
The valve changes the amount of air bypassing into the intake manifold in response to electric current controlled by the ECM/PCM. When the IAC valve is activated, the valve opens to maintain the proper idle speed.
1. After the engine starts, the IAC valve opens for a certain time. The amount of air is increased to raise the idle speed about 150 - 300 rpm.
2. When the coolant temperature is low, the IAC valve is opened to obtain the proper fast idle speed. The amount of bypassed air is thus controlled in relation to the engine coolant temperature.
3. When the idle speed is out of specification and the scan tool does not indicate Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0505 or P1519, check the following items:
- Adjust the idle speed
- Air conditioning signal
- ALT FR signal
- Starter switch signal
- PSP switch signal
- Brake switch signal
- A/T gear position signal
- Hoses and connections
- IAC valve and its mounting O-rings
4. If the above items are normal, substitute a known-good IAC valve and readjust the idle speed.
If the idle speed still cannot be adjusted to specification (and the scan tool does not indicate DTC P0505 or P1519) after IAC valve replacement, substitute a known-good ECM/PCM and recheck. If symptom goes away, replace the original ECM/PCM.
The idle speed of the engine is controlled by the Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve.
The valve changes the amount of air bypassing into the intake manifold in response to electric current controlled by the ECM/PCM. When the IAC valve is activated, the valve opens to maintain the proper idle speed.
1. After the engine starts, the IAC valve opens for a certain time. The amount of air is increased to raise the idle speed about 150 - 300 rpm.
2. When the coolant temperature is low, the IAC valve is opened to obtain the proper fast idle speed. The amount of bypassed air is thus controlled in relation to the engine coolant temperature.
3. When the idle speed is out of specification and the scan tool does not indicate Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0505 or P1519, check the following items:
- Adjust the idle speed
- Air conditioning signal
- ALT FR signal
- Starter switch signal
- PSP switch signal
- Brake switch signal
- A/T gear position signal
- Hoses and connections
- IAC valve and its mounting O-rings
4. If the above items are normal, substitute a known-good IAC valve and readjust the idle speed.
If the idle speed still cannot be adjusted to specification (and the scan tool does not indicate DTC P0505 or P1519) after IAC valve replacement, substitute a known-good ECM/PCM and recheck. If symptom goes away, replace the original ECM/PCM.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.