Nope, unless it is worn or leaking.

Do you need to... no
But its always a nice thing to replace if you are.
I've removed the housing a few times on the same vehicle without replacing the gasket.

If you do it once... you're probably OK.
If you do it twice... I would consider replacing it.
Third time... highly recommend it.

P0661 low circuit/P0662 high circuit; are these related to having to clean the possible build up in my SSV? Or am just needing to replace the switch? I do experience power loss in higher rpms. Cel is off and on every few days at a time and is the same code each time.

With those codes I would focus on the solenoid itself.
The first page of this thread shows you how to troubleshoot that.

Anyone happen to know how serious of a case it has to be to get a CEL for this? I'm having issues after open throttle, once the car is hot. I was thinking about this issue, and then I saw Jon's video, and I don't want to think about it anymore. lol. For some reason, I don't get too many CEL, which I'm sure most would think is a good thing, but the issues I have, I'm having a hard time troubleshooting without a place to start. It was overfilled at one point, so I'm curious. Thanks. and great write up Jon!

If you need a place a to start, first get the CEL code pulled whenever it does show up.
Places like Autozone will do it for free.

Without further details on your particular issue, its difficult to say for sure.
Could be ignition related, clogged cat, dirty MAF, low compression...

Like I pointed out in the first post of this thread, you can easily test the valve to ensure its not stuck.
What I recommend you do is get the CEL code pulled and go from there.
Once you know the code, come back to this site and search for related terms.
You'll likely come back with MANY threads explaining your issue.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/im-just-lost-199004/ is my thread full of issues...*sigh*
Thanks for the quick response. I don't want to jack your thread with my issues. The only code I have now is the p2259 for the air solenoid circuit low. So I plan to take off the upper intake and see if I can just clean the connection. I was asking about the cel for the SSV because I haven't gotten it, however I have had problems that I believe could be linked. So I was curios as to if I should take a look, even though the CEL hasn't come on. Thanks again.

AHH... now I know who you are...

I've worked on a car with a stuck SSV and it only produced a SSV CEL once, other times it was different codes (can't recall them at the moment).
But if you plan on taking the UIM off, might as well take a flathead screwdriver and move the SSV for peace of mind.

Pretty much what I was thinking...I've had this car apart so many times, my wife doesn't even notice the parts all over the kitchen anymore...my throttle body was a centerpiece of a birthday dinner once...no joke.

Thanks again. Will take a look. Here's to hoping its not like Vyndictive's! (lol, no offense Vyn)

:rollingla You have no idea how funny this comment really is!
Lets just say... I sure hope so too!

:ar:thats what i say to this project... but sheesh bro good work!!

if the ssv were to be stuck would it make my car rattle like this


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXzcYmHOrew

Nope... not at all.
Last time I heard an engine sound like that, the apex seals were blown.
Though your car idling doesn't appear like it is.
Almost sounds like when I run the car without the mid-pipe/cat attached, though not as deep sounding.
Sorry bud... not the usual signs of a stuck SSV...

awesome video! Makes me a bit more comfortable about doing this!

Would it be a good idea to do air pump removal and waterpump upgrade in conjunction with this?

Sure... especially the water pump since you'll need to drain the coolant again if you don't do it at the same time.
Going off this DIY video... once you remove the pulley and alternator bracket, you simply remove the bolts around the water pump and it'll come right out.

Bump. Thanks for all the info Jon -- as usual.

I finally tackled this today. I had P2070 a long time ago but it never came back. I had to take of the UIM for an different reason today but i thought i would take a look. This is what i found :lol2:



http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9286/photo3sn.jpg
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9610/photo2dy.jpg
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2558/image1wxr.jpg
]http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/4744/imagetme.jpg

Tasty...

Even though my car is out of warranty my dealership is checking with Mazda to see if they will do anything for my intermittent 2070 cel that I get. When I had my engine replaced, it specifically says on the paperwork they cleaned up buildup on the SSV and APV motor. I don't even want the updated parts...I just want them to clean the damn thing. Then in spring it's time to upgrade to an R3 or something else.

hey guys i have somewhat the same problem. mazda told me i have to replace intake for 2610 or pay 1600 to clean the ssv. im not mechanically incline, do you guys think i should try it i was planning on doing it this saturday and sunday or maybe next week.

^You should list where you're located... maybe there are members near you that can lend you a hand if you're a little intimiated.

im located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

good stuff Jon, just did this today!

Got a CEL downshifting after 30mins steady cruising on the interstate, went to autozone and got the P2070 code.

It was good and stuck couldn't activate the valve by hand. It took me a while to get the valve out, after a few select words, lots of shaking/tugging, sore hands and good amount of time it came loose. Think it was trying to grow diamonds just needed the pressure, had tiny carbon 'rocks' growing on the valve (can't see in picture but they were large sand grain size)!

Checked the switch before I reassembled to be safe and got 2ohms. Also compressed the actuator and covered the hose port to see if it would hold vacuum, it did. Reinstalled everything and finished the day with an oil change.

Before:
Attachment 247538

After:
Attachment 247539

Do as Jon suggests and remove the ACV hard pipe. I was too lazy to get the wheel off and paid for it. Working around the pipe is a PITA!!!

Got that cleaned today and now sea foam tomorrow. Little bit of pre-spring cleaning.

Nice job EdwardsB... and also a good idea to check the switch and actuator before reinstalling!
And Sea Foaming is another plus after this since some of that crud likely ended up in the engine.

I have a pretty annoying ticking sound coming from what I believe is the SSV. I have read all the ticking threads and still havent found the right answers. I am not mechanically sophisticated enough to do this procedure alone.

My question is this. If I am not having any hard idle, performance, or other issues, is a ticking SSV a faulty SSV? What damage can be done if I do not repair it and just let it continue ticking?

Pardon my ignorance, but I cant afford a 1200-2000 repair especially if its something that is just an annoyance and wont cause any real problems.

I am dont know where your sound is coming from, but last year I had two ticking sound that came from so solinoid and one that I thought that it came from the ssv. I took it to the dealership and they replaced the solinoid next to the intake. They didnt know what the other noise was so the gave me a reman engine. I was still under the 8 year and 100000 mile warrenty. I endend up replacing the ssv though.