Idling drive: the main thing to remember
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Idling drive: the main thing to remember

The idle actuator, also known as the idle speed control, plays an important role in regulating the idle speed of your vehicle's engine. Thus, it is close to the air and fuel injection circuits, especially in gasoline engines. In this article, we'll share with you the basics to remember about an idle actuator: how it works, the signs of wear, how to check it, and what the cost of replacing it!

🚘 How does the idle speed actuator work?

Idling drive: the main thing to remember

The idle drive has the shape solenoid valve controlled by the injection control system... Thus, it consists of a servo amplifier and a nozzle holder. His role adjust the injection air flow at idle speed.

It is important to adjust the amount of air present in the engine when the state of charge changes suddenly, this happens during inclusion air conditioner or when you are driving with first gear included.

The amount of air and fuel required for proper engine operation will increase. Thus, the role of the idle speed actuator is to allow more air flow, while the opening times of the nozzles will be longer.

Depending on the car model, you may have two different systems:

  1. Idling drive on step motor : This model has many windings that are computer activated. Working with an electromagnetism system, the core will rotate, also called stages, that increase or minimize the flow of air at idle speed;
  2. Idling drive with Butterfly body Motorized : It works in much the same way as a stepper motor, however, it is the throttle body and its electric motor that will regulate the air flow during the idle phases.

⚠️ What are the symptoms of an HS drive idle?

Idling drive: the main thing to remember

Your vehicle's idle drive can be damaged. When this happens, you will be quickly informed because you will have the following symptoms:

  • Idle speed is unstable : the engine will have difficulty stabilizing during idle phases;
  • Le engine warning light lights up on dashboard : it informs you about a malfunction in the engine;
  • Engine stalls regularly when idling : the air flow is insufficient, the engine stalls when driving at low speed;
  • The idle drive is completely dirty : when this part is contaminated, it can no longer fulfill its role. In particular, this can lead to a short circuit inside the coil.

👨‍🔧 How to check the idle speed actuator?

Idling drive: the main thing to remember

The idle actuator can also show malfunctions if it is no longer supplied correctly with the ECU. To test your vehicle's idle drive, you can test several methods to determine the source of the problem:

  1. Monitoring the supply voltage : can be performed with the ignition on, it must have a value between 11 and 14 V;
  2. Measuring coil resistance and mass : With a multimeter, you can measure with two connecting pins. Resistance should be about 10 ohms, and for mass, more likely 30 megohms;
  3. Checking the coil winding : this allows you to check whether the winding is short-circuited or broken;
  4. Mechanical check of correct operation of the idle speed actuator : a visual check to ensure that the bypass opens and closes when the valve stem starts to move.

💶 What is the cost of replacing the idle speed actuator?

Idling drive: the main thing to remember

The idle actuator is a part that can be quite expensive depending on the make and model of your vehicle. For a stepper motor, it costs only From 15 € to 30 €... However, on a regulated engine, its price will be between 100 € and 300 €.

In addition, you will need to add the cost of labor for the time worked on your vehicle. In general, the bill will be between 50 € and 350 €... Note that the idle drive does not wear out. Thus, with good maintenance of your vehicle, there is little risk of damage to this device.

The idle actuator is a little known part, but its function is important in protecting the engine during the idle phases. Indeed, without it, the engine would stop dead in its tracks when you are in first gear. If your idler drive is no longer working, use our online garage comparator to find the one closest to you and get the best price for repairs!

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