idle controller thingy

[Aren Jay]

What is it called and how much should it cost?

[Fourth Horseman]

What is it called and how much should it cost?

Are you referring to the IAC (Idle Air Control valve)? It sits on the throttle body, left side behind the throttle position sensor. That what you're after? They're about $75 from rockauto.com.

[Aren Jay]

yeah, how much time would it take a mechanic to replace one?

[Fourth Horseman]

yeah, how much time would it take a mechanic to replace one?

10 minutes, maybe. I had mine off today to clean it up. Total time to pull it, squirt it down with throttle body cleaner, let it dry and re-attach it was maybe 15 minutes.

Piece of cake. If you can use hand tools I'd recommend buying the part and a new gasket (if it doesn't come with one in the box) and do it yourself. It's a piece of cake. Two bolts and one electrical connection. That's it.

[Paul]

I agree. I took mine off today and cleaned it, too. Removal and replacement should take no more than 10 minutes, most of that time being spent on getting another cup of coffee and telling your 3-yr old to leave the damn cat alone (again). I actually took longer because I let it soak in TB cleaner and penetrating oil for awhile, just to make sure it was really, really clean.