If your Harley IAC is freaking out, there could be two basic reasons for that: it's not clean enough to work properly or it's dead. Usually, recalibration or resetting will not help you get literally any results because the IAC valve resets to its zero position every single time you turn on the ignition.
So, in this article, I'm going to give you a very quick and short overview of resetting the IAC valve in your Harley Davidson bike. Also, I will tell you if this is going to help you get rid of the problems.
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Why will you want to reset the IAC on your motorcycle?
Well, there are several reasons for that:
- the bike is not idling properly;
- the idle speed is too high or too low;
- the engine is stalling once you release the throttle.
Will resetting the valve help you much?
If the IAC valve is stuck, there should be a mechanical reason for that. It may be clogged or broken. There is a little chance that this valve can get stuck because of electronic failure, so simple resetting may make sense before you disassemble and clean the system.
Here's how you can reset the IAC valve in your Harley bike:
- let the motorcycle cool down entirely;
- turn the ignition switch on for 5 seconds and make sure you hear the valve moving;
- after 5 seconds, turn the ignition off and make sure the valve is moving;
- listen to the buzzing sound that should come from the upper part of the throttle body;
- you may take off the air filter to see the valve moving;
- complete this key cycle 3 times and then start the engine and let it warm up.
This may help you in some cases and this helps the valve recalibrate. But the same procedure happens when you are attempting to start the engine, so there is still a high chance that nothing will change.
What to do with a broken IAC valve on a Harley Davidson?
You have two options to deal with such a problem:
- Cleaning the valve. Take off the air filter and locate the valve in the upper part of the throttle body. Now use a carb cleaner and while turning the ignition on and off, spray the cleaner with short portions directly onto the valve. Alternatively, you can take it off and clean it more thoroughly.
- Replacing the valve. This makes sense if the valve is pretty old. Over time, it will have some wear on the metal pintle. Even tiny wear may lead to serious issues with idle speed. So, replacing the valve will make sense after thoroughly inspecting it.
What if nothing helps?
If after all the procedures, your Harley keeps freaking out when idling, you should know that there are other things to be checked like electronics, fuel injection, combustion process, etc. If you can't locate the issue on your own, just let a good mechanic do that. Proper inspection will take an hour and will answer all your questions.
But dealing with the IAC valve is pretty much the DIY job for every motorcycle owner, so you may give it a try first!
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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