Can the Idle Motor Be Repaired?

[AlyssaLynn]

Idle motor can be repaired. Below is the relevant information about repairing an idle motor: Idle Motor Problem Detection: Pull out or push in the core valve at the center of the motor. After installation, start the engine. If the idle speed increases or decreases, it indicates no problem. If there is a persistent high idle speed that cannot be lowered or a persistent low idle speed that cannot be raised, it suggests a fault in the idle servo motor. Idle Motor Repair: Common failures of the idle motor are mostly caused by carbon deposits and dust accumulation. Since the idle motor controls the idle air flow and is connected to the electronic throttle, it is prone to carbon deposits after some time of use, along with dust accumulation, which can affect the precise control of the idle motor. After removing the idle motor, spray carburetor cleaner. During cleaning, ensure the motor cone head is facing downward, then spray cleaner on the cone head and the carbon deposits on the sleeve part. Wipe it clean with a cloth to prevent the cleaner from entering the motor and causing damage.

[MiaMarie]

I helped a friend deal with this issue recently. A faulty idle control valve usually requires replacement, but repairs are possible in specific cases. For instance, if the motor is seized, disassembling and cleaning carbon deposits can revive it. Worn bearings in older valves can also be replaced to extend their lifespan. However, removing the intake manifold is particularly labor-intensive, and the labor cost for disassembly and reassembly on a regular car often exceeds the price of a new part. Aftermarket parts now cost around a hundred bucks, making repairs less cost-effective than replacement. Post-repair, you'll still need a diagnostic tool to recalibrate the system, otherwise, the engine will continue to misfire and shake. Last time after cleaning the carbon deposits and reassembling, the RPM fluctuated wildly like a rollercoaster, so I ended up replacing the entire assembly to finally resolve the issue.

[OwenLee]

From my experience of disassembling it twice: You can pry open the motor housing to add lubricating oil to solve jamming issues, but there's really no fix for worn brushes or burnt coils. The most frustrating part of motor repair is the sealing ring—it easily cracks during disassembly, causing air leaks and making idle even more unstable. I've repaired the gear set on my motorcycle's small motor, but car motors are too highly integrated; most repair shops find them too troublesome to fix. The key is whether it's worth it—repairing might make sense for original parts costing around a thousand, but for aftermarket parts priced at a hundred bucks, you're better off just replacing them. The time saved could be better spent enjoying a barbecue—now that's satisfying.

[LilyDella]

Replacement over repair is the consensus. Professional equipment is required to measure coil resistance and gear clearance before determining if repair is worthwhile. Cleaning carbon deposits from a regular motor costs just thirty bucks, but repaired worn parts often fail within three months. The bigger fear is mechanics forcibly disassembling and damaging the stepper motor rack during removal, rendering it useless upon reassembly. Last time the repair shop claimed they could fix it, charged 200 for disassembly, yet still ended up ordering new parts. Nowadays even dealerships can't be bothered with repairs—they directly recommend replacement assemblies upon detecting faults.