Idle control valve - a favour needed.

[Tetleysmooth]

I hope this post doesn't come across as me being entirely stupid.
My car is an R reg 1998 V70 2.5T.
A few weeks ago, I cleaned the idle control valve, or IACV as some members like to call it. Since then, I've have the EML come on at random times. Sometimes in a couple of days, maybe a week or more. I've got a hand held code reader, and its always the same code P0505, idle air control. I understand that by cleaning out the valve, I've probably uncovered or created a fault.
Now comes the stupid part. When I removed the valve, which is the T shaped one with the three pin electrical connector, to me, the connecting plug was to me, upside down. The metal spring clip which secures the plug was underneath. As far as I can remember, the metal clip you depress to remove the plug is usually at the top. So, could someone in the past have fitted this valve the wrong way up? If so, the air would be flowing in the wrong direction.

So, this is the favour. Does anybody on the forum own a pre ETM cable throttled V/S/C 70 2.5 turbo? Would it be possible to have a look at your idle control valve and let me know if the spring clip on the electrical plug is at the top, or underneath? Also, where the air inlet/outlet pipes are, there's a directional arrow showing which way the air should be flowing. Could you let me if this is is pointing towards or away from the engine?

I know I'm probably clutching at straws and need a replacement valve, but this is something that's bugging me a bit.

Also, if anyone has an idle control valve from a pre etm 2.5 turbo, with the air inlet/outlet opposite each other and the three pin electrics, and you don't mind parting with it, please drop me a pm
Phew !! Hope that all makes sense.
Thanks in advance.

[volvo again]

If you can hang on 'til tomorrow morning I'll have a look at mine and take some pics for you.
Recently changed mine 'cos the idle speed was too high

[Tetleysmooth]

Thanks chap.

I felt a bit silly posting this, but that plug being, what I think, upside down, is really nagging at me.

I'll look forward to your reply, and if possible, pics.

[PNuT]

The plug will only go on one way, I would be shocked if it went both ways without modification.... IIRC bottom!

[Tetleysmooth]

I understand the plug will only go in one way, I'm wondering if the entire ICV has been fitted upside down. It's only held on by that rubber band. If it were upside down, the air would be flowing through it the wrong way.

Like I've said, I'm probably being entirely stupid here, but I'd just like someone to confirm I'm being stupid by checking their car, if possible.

[acshortt5]

The connector clip should be on the bottom and (if still present) the sticker on the body should be facing the front end of the car.

Personally speaking I don't think it should matter which way round it is fitted as it is just a flap which is normally shut but is opened when required to allow the engine to pull an air supply under vacuum from the intake piping but I am open to be corrected on this.

I think it is more likely that you might have a dirty electrical connection.

[cyclogenesis]

The idle control valve has an arrow on it for airflow direction.

[Tetleysmooth]

I've asked Bosch UK a question about these iacv's.

The number on the identification label on mine reads 0280 140 542.
The number on the BMW versions, which look identical, read 0280 140 545.

I've asked Bosch what that different last number signifies.
There is also a smaller number, which is circled, which is 816, the same on both iacv's.

[Baffler]

The last time I priced one of these from Bosch I needed to lie down for a few hours

When cleaning it wear rubber/nitrile gloves, cover one aperture, fill it with appropriate cleaner, cover the second aperture and twist it from side to side vigorously...there should be a nice crisp action/bounce of the spindle. This could take several attempts depending on how much carbon deposits are in there. The end result should look and feel like an automatic Swiss watch movement.

The air should flow from the fresh air hose, gets metered flowing through the IACV and then onto the inlet manifold.

[Tetleysmooth]

I'll try cleaning again.
Last time I did it was as you said, spray some carb cleaner in, cover both inlet and outlet and give it a good shake. I then sprayed a little PTFE in there.