New guy needs help clearing a CEL (IACV)

[djblingbling1]

Hi,

Just got a 1997 ranger a few days ago...and when I got it it had 2 CEL's.

One was a cyl. 3 misfire which has not come back, guessing it was old and the PO had sicne done new plugs and wires...and the second was a IAV code.

Now I am used to hondas which are notorious for dirty IACV's and so I cleaned it with MAF cleaner...I read online to use that although in the past I have used brake part cleaner...it got some dirt out but still looked dirty inside.

Anyway I put it back on and it did nothing....I also noticed when it is unplugged it makes zero difference so I know its a sensor issue.

Is it toast or is it still cleanable? Also if I unplug my valve cover vent leading to the intake, it kills the car...not sure if that's becasue it idles so low due to the IAV or if its unrelated.

Sorry for the jumbled words...ive been at this thing for a few days now and am running out of ideas...I also dont want to spend 100+ dollars for a new IAV if thats not the issue.

 

[NIPs]

If its not working its probably broke and all the life in it is gone, spend the $80-$150 for a new 1 problem solved

 

[djblingbling1]

Replaced the IAC, and fixed the misfire by getting new coils.

Truck ran PERFECT, for about 3 miles before the CEL came back on...

Just got back from running the codes:

P1506 again for the IAC, and P0171, bank 1 o2.

Here's my best case guess, correct me, share input, as im new to fords and obd2 cars

My power steering sensor is leaking, like the sensor itself.....I know that controls engine speed at idle so the engine dosnt die when the wheel is turned...maybe that's faulty and causing the high idle detected and throwing the code.

The o2 is just dirty from a rich condition from the car being driven with a misfire, and dumping unburned fuel.

Thought, need more info...im pretty desperate at this point...I have NEVER had this much trouble from any other vehicle in my life as far as tracking doen an issue and just fixing it....

Edit: just checked for vacuum leaks with carb cleaner and got nothing...also unplugged that leaky sensor and it made zero difference when turning the wheel at idle so im back to nothing now.