Hi guys, my CEL is going off b/c it thinks that the intake valves are stuck open on the intake manifold (I have an 04 6spd btw). However, the valves are NOT stuck open, it's just the secondary shutter valve switch getting hot, and is messing up, telling the PCM the valves are stuck open when they aren't. I've seen this with my own eyes, as well as had a mazda mechanic affirm the same thing.

So my question is: Does the PCM see this and in turn try to compensate for it or make adjustments or does it run along like normal, just throwing a CEL and calling it a day?

The part I need is 130.00 from Mazda, no one I know of has one used (I posted in the for sale-parts classifieds)...I'm going to buy the Cobb Accessport, so I can check to see if there are ever any other codes being thrown IF I decide to leave the switch alone...so what do you guys think? Leave it alone or replace it b/c it has secondary effects?

 

Which SSV switch are you talking about that is getting hot? The vacuum valve that opens and closes it or the switch that opens that valve?

 

As long as the valve is actually opening (and staying open) you shouldn't have any issues (just the constant CEL).
One thing I can't say for sure is when the switch isn't engaged when it should (and throws a code), does the PCM turn off the SSV solenoid and close the valve.
I can't see it doing that, but its a possibility and the only thing that could give you problems.

Have you checked onlinemazdaparts.com for that part.
I recall looking up that switch a few months ago and it was like $75.

 

I think that I have the same problem, I think that i need to replace the lower intake manifold.....I will take my car to the dealer to know exactly what it's the problem, because sometimes my CEL turns off and the car runs very well (normal), and when the CEL turns on, my car loss power (I'm 100% sure because my friend has another rx-8 and my rx-8 it's slow compared to his car)

 

It is common for the RX8 to loose power if the CEL is on. It is called limp mode and is designed to not let you damage your car. You need to find out what your CEL code means. Take your car up to an autoparts store and they will read it for you. Assuming that it is the lower intake manifold/SSV is silly.

 

Wanted to clarify... just because the CEL is on doesn't mean the car is in limp mode.

 

True...but if it is that much slower odds are in my favor.

 

The vacuum valve that opens and closes I believe, the ground gets hot and somehow someway tells the PCM that the valves are stuck open when they in fact, are not.

 

I looked on their site, couldn't find that part at all.

 

If Mazda gave you the printout for ordering the part, it should have the part number on it.
Do you have the part number?
I'll look through the manual and see if I can find it.

 

So here is what I found:

The build of material shows that switch/sensor with a reference designator 18-707


Looking up that number gave me the part number N3H4-18-9B1


On the home page at onlinemazdaparts.com I typed in the part number and got this:

 

Awesome, I realized that I couldn't see the part b/c I didnt have an account with them yet. Thanks a ton for looking it up for me : )

 

still havnt fixed this problem huh? seems it would have been easier to buy my complete manifold for 200...

 

Wha?

 

intake manifold.. ? whats confusing?

 

What is the exact DTC? Is it p2070? If it's p2070 the valve is sticking, perhaps not constantly and not fully, but it's not operating smoothly enough causing, generally, negative spikes in performance.

However if it's something like "SSV Circuit High" code, or similar, then it's more likely the harness leading to the SSV vac solenoid. The wire is tightly bent over, when it gets hot over time the wire's begin cracked, slowly corroding, and eventually either gain huge resistances or breaking apart all together. Due to this the computer will not receive a proper response form the solenoid and will set the code.

If it's is a circuit high code the computer will attempt checks on the system, if it regains proper connection it will continue use of the SSV Solenoid, if it loses response again it cycles thru this. If it nevers regains a proper signal it will not activate the solenoid.

What did the mazda tech say specifically?

a CEL only causes (sometimes) the car to no longer enter "closed loop" where the o2 sensors take over a lot of PCM control, instead it will remain in "open loop" allowing the computer to use presets not specifically set to whatever failing component you have, basically making an estimate of expected data. Your car thereby will not be performing at maximum efficiency for the exact conditions you're in and will therefore possibly feel "slower" sometimes measurably so.

When a car goes into "limp mode" it is nearly impossible to drive safely anywhere other then a 25mph zone, you will KNOW youre in limp mode because it describes the situation perfectly, your car is literally only able to limp to the dealership or shop. A car only enters limp mode when potentially serious engine damage may occur while this code is set. Great example is any failure to the OMP system, without the omp injecting oil in your motor you could experience extensive damage so the car is restricted to i think 3k rpms if not less and all kinds of things, throttle input is limited to 30-ish% so even with your foot to the floor the TB isn't opening.

Two very big differences.

kevin.

 

Good info... thanks Kevin.

 

Yeah...I don't have the specific code it's throwing and won't until MazdaManiac sends me my AP I ordered 2 weeks ago (his deadline is tomorrow for when he has to ship it out). So I'm thinking about buying the other part.

To whoever said I should have just bought their manifold for 200, with the help of a forum member (thanks to John), I can obtain the last part I need for 75, not 130, bringing my total of parts to 189 : )

I'll update this thread with more info once my AP gets here, I'm hoping it arrives next week ~weds, provided that MM sends it out on time.

 

Good luck with that last part lol hope you get you zoom zoom back up

 

I know that MM is behind on his AP orders based on what has been said on the forums. The turnaround time is listed as 2 business weeks and last week he was off on a personal so I can pretty much assure you that you won't have it tomorrow. But why does that mean that you can't just get the code pulled at the local autoparts store?

 

Yea if it's a code based on something in the SSV system then you don't need an entire manifold, nevermind the fact that removing the lower intake manifold is more of a bitch then replacing any part of the SSV system.

The dealership only sells manifolds for SSV codes on cash tickets, mazda won't warranty the manifold it'll charge back the dealership.

Just run to autozone and get the code scanned. i can tell you exactly whats wrong and how to repair and exactly what parts you'll need if it's SSV based, helps save you money, free code reading and free professional instructions to repair.

kevin.

 

hey (teknics) i send you a PM!!....