SSV Solenoid help
 

I have an AutoX this weekend, and need some quick advice on the SSV solenoid.

My car is showing code P0661 (SSV solenoid valve control circuit low).
I read through the guide and tried cleaning the connectors first. I managed to disconnect all three solenoid connectors and sprayed them with cleaner. I thought the issue went away, but it takes consecutive drives to trip the code, and it's back on.

I'm going to take off the intake manifold next and remove the solenoids for testing. I ordered a replacement, but it won't be here for this weekend.

If a solenoid is bad, is there a best location to install it in that won't affect power or damage anything when pushing the car (AIR, SSV or VDI)?

Still reading, but I can't find what all the systems do and how a faulty solenoid would affect them.

thanks

If you have a bad solenoid, you will need it in order for the valves to operate. You may not have any luck getting the issue sorted by the weekend :( You can try reading through these links (<== click).

Where are you racing? You should post in this thread and introduce yourself https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum...thread-207204/. I'm sure there will be locals that can possibly offer some assistance :)

EDIT: also, read this thread (if you haven't already) https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-remove-ssv-beta-teaser-video-184663/. Very nice write-up

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-maj...setups-228581/

Looks like the SSV and VDI solenoids are important. Still checking on how the AIR solenoid comes into play.

the air solenoid only comes on for a bit when the car is first started. I think it preheats the converter. notice the air pump stop soon after start up.

Use the AIR solenoid for the SSV....swap them around carefully....if the SSV solenoid was bad you will get an air solenoid code...but it won't effect the way the car runs

Instead of bullshit from the bottom, listen to the guy above

I followed the pictoral directions here...

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...-171612/page3/

and it was fairly easy to get to the solenoids. The hidden bolts are a PITA, but you should be able to get it.

I don't think the solenoids were my problem.

I took out the three solenoids, only snapping one of the locking tabs. They all tested fine for continuity (had approx the same resistance reading as well). They all tested fine for air flow. No delay or intermittent operation. The wire harness connections tested fine as well (as per the shop manual), but I couldn't find what they referred to as the main relay. Since all three solenoid connectors work back to the same pin on the main relay, I'm guessing my problem isn't there.

My only thought is that I have a poor wire crimp in the connector. It is not a sealed connector, so it likely corroded over time. I wiggled it around, sprayed it with electrical cleaner and have reconnected everything. I swapped the AIR solenoid with the SSV just in case there is something wrong with the solenoid.

While it was out, I looked in the connector, and it looks like there is some type of tab that holds the contacts in there. Does anyone know what tool you can use to remove the terminals? I would like to solder the connection to make sure it has good contact. I tried a screw driver, but couldn't make it work. So if anyone has removed them with a screw driver, let me know.

Going to go and start it up to see if the issue is still there, or if it's gone away. Thanks for the posts. Unfortunately I missed my race today.

Well, so much for the diagnostics in the manual.

Fired the car up, did a few runs to make sure the full diagnostics check happens, and I get a code. But, it's not P0661 anymore, it's now P2259, AIR solenoid valve control circuit low.

Guess there is something wrong with the solenoid after all. Now I just have to wait for the replacement to arrive. Still seems to function properly, but guess it's starting to fail? I'm going to take a closer look at it when I take it out to change it.

I've been researching the SSV and other such issues since my racecar has a slight hesitation around 6500 and 7500 RPM when the other valves open. I suspect the SSV is not opening or is losing vacuum. One of the links in this thread mentions locking the SSV open in a racecar since it is never in the low RPM band; has anyone done that and if so what were the results? I'm short on time and am considering that as a test since I don't need low-end power/smooth idle, the car is normally above 6000 RPM so the SSV is open anyway.

Those Solenoids almost ALWAYS test out fine when it's cold. but when it hot ... (heat from engine) different story.



if you keep your SSV on at all times, you lose power at the lower end.

when SSV opens your power stops for maybe a second or so. cuz it changes air direction. but it's there for a reason (to control velocity)

if you truly believe you will never ever use low end, you can just take keep it on at all times. remove the spring on the valve, remove the hose, have something to keep the lever at on at ALL times. done.

Check the actuator diaphram for a leak...if it is old it can fail from the heat (racecar :) )

You could try keeping it open...but i think your throttle response at to in will suffer more than you think

I found that using a zip-tie to tighten the connections between the solenoids and their connectors can eliminate the failures. Worth a try for the price of a zip-tie.

More details here:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...7/#post4809222

Starting trouble after replacing ssv?
 

I have just in the last 20 mins finished changing all 3 solenoids. I have gone to start the car and it cranks but won’t fire. It almost fires but not quite. This car has started first time every time and has never had a start issue prior to today.

Where do I start looking? As I’m fairly certain everything that I disconnected was put back. (Didn’t take that much out tbh