OK, I did a lot of reading on here about the IAC which is also called ISC or stepper motor. I am assuming all these names stand for the same thing right?

I think I either have a dirty IAC or a faulty IAC and here is why:

when computer is re-set (i.e. battery was disconnected for long period of time) and vehicle is driven for first few run periods, it has a tendancy to almost stall out after driving and letting off the gas pedal, like at a red light and coming to a stop. Also, when air kicks on, it almost stalls out, but then catches itself and recovers.

to put it simply, the idle is 'lazy' and extremely low in rpm, like about 300 rpm or so, just barely above stalling.

after you drive it a few times, I think the computer 'compensates' for whatever is wrong which I think is the IAC and it starts idling a little better, but is still very low in rpm and idle is still somewhat lazy when air conditioning kicks on.

I think this is why my volts gets so low at idle, the alternator can't maintain correct output at 300-400 rpm. I think rpm should be around double that shouldn't it?

So, I need to know if the IAC should be the first thing I troubleshoot, or could it be something else?

I also would like in depth tips on cleaning the IAC and intake. I hear that carbon build up or residue will prevent IAC from working properly, can someone explain to me how?

I would think that the port is either open or closed or somewhere in between, how would a little carbon affect this function?

what is the important parts that need to be clean? I am going to take it out tomorrow and clean it, I want to know what is important to making it work right. Any possible way for me to identify the difference between just a dirty IAC and a faulty IAC?

Sorry for all the questions, but I need to understand the concept of how this part works in order to properly troubleshoot it and rectify it. Thanks in advance.

Scottie