CEL P2070 and seafoam
 

I have an '04 MT 8. I've had it about 6 months. All recalls were taken care of by previous owner. The car has around 74000 miles on it now. Anyway, it has always idled kind of rough but I've never really thought anything about it because it's never attempted to stall on me. A few days ago I got a CEL P2070. I'm wondering if the valve has always been stuck open and it's just now showing the CEL. Browsing the threads I've found instructions and video on how to clean the valve myself. My dad has all the tools and I think this would be a good project we could do together. I also want to decarb the engine. Would you guys recommend this be done on the same day? I wonder if it will be ok to do the decarb procedure then after all the seafoam is worked out clean the valve. Or will the seafoam clean the valve and get it unstuck?
Thanks

If the valve is truly stuck, Seafoam will not help.
First thing you need to do is see if the valve is actually stuck or not.
That code could have been generated by other factors such as a bad impact switch (which tells the PCM if the valve is open or closed) or the SSV solenoid stuck open.
Don't always assume the worst case scenario.

Another thing is some people get that code, clear it, and it never returns.
You rough idles could be more ignition related such as the coils, wires, and/or spark plugs.

In another thread I read someone had this same CEL and at 5000rpm they had a sudden burst of power. I experience the same thing. If it is just a bad impact switch would it do this?
Maybe the valve I am referring to is the SSV solenoid. I am still learning. The diagnostic equipment at O'Reilys says... Intake Manifold valve tuning stuck open.
Some CEL list I have found says it is P2070. Other list say P2070 is SSV stuck open. Same thing? I cleared the code and it came back on a day later.

Maybe not the switch, but it doesn't convince me that any part of the SSV is the culprit. This is why you need to troubleshoot this further before jumping into this.

The SSV is the valve (stands for Secondary Shutter Valve)
The solenoid for the SSV is the electric "switch" so that vacuum from the intake operates the SSV actuator and opens the valve.

And you have a lot to learn ;)
Do an advanced search for SSV in the Tech Garage area and you'll see many threads where we discuss this valve in depth.

Yes... same thing.

Since you already watched my video on removing/cleaning the SSV, watch this one on how to test the valve and see if its really stuck.
http://www.vimeo.com/5353829
If the valve moves freely for you, we'll go from there.

I watched the video testing the SSV, it shows it removed from the vehicle. Was that just for video purposes or can it be tested while still installed on the car?
Thank you for your help!

Sorry I answered my own question. I should search before I post. After working 12 hours I'm kinda off. LOL :mchase:

LOL... no problem.
You can manually move the valve with a long screwdriver since you can't push it with your finger like I did in the video.
The actuator can be accessed easily with the manifold still in the car.
Also, the valve should close easily on its own.
Any resistance or hesitation is a sign that the valve is sticking.

I haven't had a chance to test anything yet. But... Tuesday night I filled up my tank (at BP) and on the way I got on it a little harder than usual. Wednesday when I cranked up to go to work. No CEL. ? I normally fill up at BP. They have that invigorate additive. The day before I got the CEL I filled up at a place with Exxon gas. Could it have just been the gas? Maybe bad gas or something? Or could have me getting on it a little harder than normal caused the possibly stuck valve to unstick?

I don't think the P2070 was caused by different gas... just a coincidence.

Ok. If i'm not getting the CEL anymore should I still manually test that valve? Or was that just the engine saying I WANT ATTENTION! REV ME! LOL
Thanks

It only takes a second to do so you can if you're curious.
If you feel resistance or if the valve doesn't return smoothly on its own, you know what should be done.
Remember... this may not have been the valve itself to begin with... could have been a flaky solenoid or connection to it.

Don't mistake a shaking shift knob for rough idle.

It is recomended that you disconnect the cat when you decarb as all that crap goes in there and kill the life of the meow.........