jrok1313

Hello everyone I am having a CEL caused by the ssv. it says low citrcuit but does that mean its the solenoid or the actual ssv? I heard on another thread that you can clean the ssv actuator and solenoid. is there some type of DIY on how to clean or replace the solenoid. any help would be greatly appreciated

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

remove the alternator, air pump, and bunch of wires between and you can have access to the SSV.

its going to take a couple of hours. but its worth the try

RenKat

Clean the connectors on the back side of the upper intake manafold.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

The code is for the SSV solenoid.
Check the connection at the solenoid and also clean it as RenKat mentioned above.
If that doesn't work, swap the connector and vacuum hose with the AIR solenoid above it so the SSV is using a different solenoid.
The AIR solenoid can be sacrificed for troubleshooting purposes.

RenKat

^

Good one Jon316G on the swap idea.

RenKat

A little more info on the connectors.

Depending on how much grit has wedged between the plastic shells, it can be hard to get them off (it can lock them solid). You need to wiggle the shell in a circle while moving it in and out until it starts to release, all the time keeping the lock tab pressed.

This can be done without removing the upper intake manifold if You have strong small hands. To clean the pins best remove the UIM.

Reseat all three connectors one at a time (unplug replug twice) This is the first thing to do if you get any of the codes for these three solenoid valves. After you do this and two driving cycles the CEL will go out if it was a bad connection on any of the 6 pins.
Reseating will be a temporary fix you will need to clean them eventually.

jrok1313

Thank you all so much for great input. I will get to work on cleaning the connections first and then swap the solenoid above it to troubleshoot in case the cleaning doesnt work. Thanks everyone

@!!narotordo

Good read. I'm going to try and clean them today.

MrBuddhalicious

so did this help with the CEL?? and the problem??

Jenn Jenn's RX8

I would actually be very interested to know if it worked and what the symptoms while driving were because my 04 6speed is also reading the same and as much as i would love to try all this I'm 8 months pregnant and cannot work on my car myself, so I'm just taking it up to the rotary doctor but it is driving me nuts not being able to do it myself! I would like to know the outcome!

sroka88

Yeah my rx8 is throwing this code and i took all 3 of the connectors off and cleaned them and inside the selonoid and its still throwing the code. my friends a mechanic but he doesnt really know anything on rotary but he tried that also and cleaned them and i had 4 lights on when he ran the emissions but then 2 lights went off and the 2 that staid on were EVAP and Secondary Air. What would you suggest for me to do to fix this problem?

RX8 Newby

I have totally taken apart everything down to the SSV. Cleaned all parts and connectors, CEL went off for a short time after, then came back on with the p0661 code again and a P0410 code. Any suggestions is most appreciated. It's time for emissions!

sroka88

yeah same here. i had my friend who is a mechanic do that and he cleaned them really good and it still came back up and i have no idea how to get it totally fixed. any other suggestions from anyone?

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Did either of you actually test the solenoid or had someone test them?
Another thing you can do is swap the AIR and SSV solenoid... which I mentioned above in an earlier post, but neither of you said that you tried this.

Here is a thread for all things SSV related:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-remove-ssv-beta-teaser-video-184663/
One of the links will show you how to test the solenoid.

BReal-10EC

I just wanted to post to say thank you for that image.

I got the P0661 and P0662 errors, and have been searching for something that clearly showed where the plug is located.
That is by far the best diagram I found, and helped me locate the plug and see that the plug had literally popped back out of the connection (my 04 6sp RX8 engine was just replaced my Mazda dealer under warranty at 42k mile).

Again, thanks.

AirlockRX

Bringing this thread alive again...
How did this work out for most of you?

foxyRoXy8

Had exactly the same issue a while back.

Cleaned the connectors of the solenoid valves, pinched them together a bit for a tighter fit and all was back to normal!!

For good measure, I swapped the SSV solenoid valve with the air solenoid valve, figured it is less critical if it were faulty...

AirlockRX

Sounds great, thanks!
I have put it off long enough... was dreading it, actually.
I'll perform the swap as well.

BlackRX8_04

So what exactly does this SSV solenoid do anyway?

What long term effects can driving with a bad one have?

I have the code that keeps popping up... don't notice any difference in performance or anything. Anyone?

BlackRX8_04

Guess I'll try the same and see what happens!

AirlockRX

The SSV allows the Secondary Intake tract to open in sequence at around 4-6k RPM... runs rough or sputters when the weather is hot.

Does it clear at times?
I eventually did the swap and it worked.
Cleaning the contacts didn't fix it for me.

Cold down there in OP right now, huh?

BlackRX8_04

Thanks for the explanation.. so it's kinda like the MTV (manifold tuning valve) on my intrepid(?)

Yep, it clears every 3-4 driving cycles. I'll try cleaning it first.. then replace if that doesn't work.

Thanks again for the reply!

Yes, its cold down here!

AirlockRX

Exactly the analogy of the earlier "Tuning Valve", only more sensitive.
Glad to share....

DMaverickRX8

iTrader: (1)

I had p0661 a while back. I didnt waste my time cleaning it. A new $20 solenoid later and she was good to go. The solenoid is a common vacuum solenoid made by Mitsubishi and can be bought cheap. Dont fall for Mazda's solenoid which costs $99.

AirlockRX

Wish I woulda known that sooner, I paid $82 at Rosenthal for OE...
Thanks for that info though, great advice. Do you have the part # ??