If your Chevy Blazer is having a problem with idle control, then it likely needs to have its idle control valve replaced and the throttle bore cleaned out. The great news is that even if you have no idea what this means or where those parts are located, you can still make this very minor repair yourself from home using a Robertson or square head screwdriver.
Diagnosing the Idle Control Issue
If your Blazer dies when you approach a stop sign or won't hold a consistent idle speed when parked, then it's very likely the idle control valve has failed or has a carbon buildup problem.
Supplies Needed to Fix the Problem
For less than the cost of a steak dinner at your family's favorite restaurant, you can fix this problem in about fifteen minutes.
To replace the valve and clean the throttle body's bore, you need the following three things from the local auto parts store:
A replacement idle control valve
An inexpensive can of throttle body cleaner
A Robertson (square head) screwdriver
Removal of the Idle Control Valve
To remove the Blazer's current idle control valve, follow each of these steps in order:
Remove the negative battery cable.
Locate the valve on the driver's side of the throttle body.
Remove the small electrical cable attaching the valve to the air intake.
Remove the idle control valve by removing its two square head screws with a Robertson screwdriver.
If you find an o-ring, remove that as well.
Throttle Body Bore Cleaning Procedure
The same carbon buildup that ruins idle control valves also builds up inside of the bore into the throttle body. Since you are removing the valve, you also want to clean out the bore by spraying it with throttle body cleaner.
Replacement of the Idle Control Valve
The last step is to replace the Chevy Blazer's valve. To do so, follow the instructions in order:
Put the o-ring on the valve and insert it into the throttle body's bore.
Attach the two parts with the screws you previously removed.
Reattach the electrical cable to the air intake.
Reattach the negative battery cable.
Once you are finished and your tools are put away, start up the Blazer and enjoy the steady idle.
If the idle problem isn't resolved by replacing the valve, then it's time to take your Blazer into a local auto repair shop, such as H & S Tire & Auto Center, for further diagnosis and repairs.
Share26 September 2018
After my car died and I was stranded on the freeway a few years back, I knew that I had to do what I could to avoid similar issues in the future. I began working hard to identify different issues with my car, so that I could prevent problems. I began working with a mechanic to get help, and he taught me a lot about going through my car and being able to evaluate different things that were problems. It was really interesting to explore the possibilities of different car failures, and before I knew it, I could tell when my car was struggling. Read more about the early signs of car trouble on my blog.