Dear norEast,

May this find you well. I suspect the Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) needs cleaning. This item is mounted on a bracket, beside the intake manifold (driver's side of the engine, USA/Canada models). It is secured by two, 10mm hex-head bolts. It has two hoses at the front end (closest to the radiator) and a single electrical connector at the rear (the end facing the firewall).

Dirt/oily deposits can make the valve work irregularly. That produces a rough idle.

You remove the electrical connector, by pressing the wire catch so that it is against the connector body. Pull the connector free. You'll need a 7mm socket to remove the hose clamps. Remove the hoses. It usually is easier, if you remove the two hex-head bolts, and then remove the IACV with its rubber mounting.

Clean the Valve, per the procedure in the FAQs. You can use cotton-tip swabs to clean the valve. Be sure to flush thoroughly, to remove any fibers.

Be sure to keep the front end of the valve pointed downwards, so that carb cleaner - the best solvent for this purpose - does NOT get into the motor compartment (which is at the end of the valve, with the electrical connector).

Please post back, after you've removed/cleaned the IACV.

Yours faithfully,

spook