"IAC circuit", says the Haynes manual...

[VTbikerguy]

I have a 91 Legacy L FWD auto sedan. It idles very low, and 'clunks' like it's going to stall.
When I start it, I have to hold the gas down for about 20-30 seconds or it wont idle on it's own.
The check engine light is on, and the Haynes manual says: IAC circuit.
I talked to some friends who work with Subarus, and following their advice, I took out the IAC valve and sprayed it out with brake cleaner. That did nothing.
It has a brand new battery, the alternator is good, it's only got 52K miles; i'm stumped. Any ideas

[Huffer]

airflow sensor - MAF

[jey]

:confused: He has an IAC CEL and you tell him to change the MAF? How does the car run normally, off idle?

Check for vaccuum leaks. Though IAC valves/solenoids do sometimes fail.

[Huffer]

if the MAF is bad the car won't run without throttle. At least that's been my experience.

vac. leaks is also a good tip.

[decke48]

the IAC might be bad itself, cleaning will only fix a sticking IAC. might want to try a used IAC.
on the MAF note, there wierd, will stall at idle or die under load

[VTbikerguy]

The car runs fine while driving, occasionally it will hesitate, but 90% of the time it's fine.