The idle control valve is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment, near the throttle body. It is attached to the throttle body by two bolts.
How to Clean the 1988 Cavalier Idle Control Valve
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. This will prevent the engine from starting while you are working on it.
2. Locate the idle control valve. It is a small, black cylinder with a single electrical connector.
3. Remove the two bolts that hold the idle control valve in place.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the idle control valve.
5. Use a can of compressed air to blow any debris out of the idle control valve.
6. If the idle control valve is very dirty, you can use a cotton swab dipped in carburetor cleaner to clean it.
7. Once the idle control valve is clean, reinstall it in the reverse order that you removed it.
8. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
9. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. The idle speed should now be stable.
