1997 Ram 1500

I've got 285k on my Ram. Three days ago I suddenly had issues again with the Idle Speed Control. The issue is that I need to keep my foot on the accelerator to keep the truck from konking out at low or no speed. I limped into my local repair shop and they told me I needed a new Idle Speed motor. I'm the original owner of this truck and this may be the 3rd new motor I've installed on this truck.

1. Do this things go bad or would regular cleaning preclude this issue?
2. Where is this thing located on the throttle body?

 

yes, they go bad. its a little electric step motor called the IAC (idle air control). about $40-50 at any parts store.
its on the rear of the throttle body. 2 #25 torx bolts and an electrical connector.
be sure and clean out the port that the pintle slips into, including the air port at the bottom. if its dirty, poke it out clean with a wire.

 

Thanks. Sounds kinda' simple. Perhaps I can do it myself next time.

 

Yea, its not too difficult. It didn't fix my problems, so personally I would suggest seafoam next if that don't work.