intanke manifiold runner control ???'s

[jsam]

so i got a check engine light on and the code was for bank 1 intake manifold runner control stuck closed.

the parts house did not list a sensor for the imrc so how does the ecu know that there is one stuck closed?

the car runs fine. i would think if there was one stuck it would run like crap. i cleared the code and it has not came back yet.

how do i fix this problem? i don't really want to delete the intake flappers

 

[Safe Zone Msp]

I'm dealing with the exact same issue, I haven't got it quite sorted yet, but I'm going to watch this thread.

Thad

 

[jsam]

ttt

 

[hornsfan10609]

The 03s had a problem with the VICS screws coming loose, could have to do with that. VTCS and VICS are both flaps in the intake manifold.

 

[dirtysouth_msp]

The solenoids mazda used for vtcs and vics control can go bad or get stuck. I've seen the same solenoids used on other mazdas fail. If the code does not come back, you should not really sweat it. I doubt it is goning to be the issue with the screws coming loose because you would notice symptoms other than the CEL. The solenoids are more likely to throw the code because they are the only electrical component controlling the flappers. I believe the same part number solenoid is used for both vics and vtcs. If the code returns, you can swap the solenoids and see if a differnet code sets. If so, you have a bad solenoid. If you can give me the actual code number, I may be able to tell you which solenoid the code is referring to. Hope this helps. Let me know...

 

[jsam]

thanks for the info. i don't remeber the code number. what are the solenoids you refer to called at the parts house?

 

[hornsfan10609]

You can probably only get them from Mazda, VTCS or VICS soleniods. I'm not positive but I believe the solenoid with the green plug is the VTCS and the white plug is the VICS.

 

[jsam]

thanks for the info

 

[dandan2]

yah just erase the light and dont worry about it. my car used to throw it randomly all the time and i dont even have vics or vtcs.

 

[dirtysouth_msp]

yah just erase the light and dont worry about it. my car used to throw it randomly all the time and i dont even have vics or vtcs.

You probably do have the solenoids hanging out somewhere connected to the plugs connectors and one of them is probably sticking intermittently. Not that it matters.

 

[dandan2]

why would it get stuck if there isnt even any vacuum goin to it?

 

[dirtysouth_msp]

It is an electronic solenoid that moves a small pintle (probably spelled that wrong, but oh well) back and forth which opens/blocked air paths so it can control when vac is applied to the mechanical, vac operated flapper actuator that was on the stock intake. The pintle can stick in one position for various reasons (dirty, soenoid failure, etc.) and the ecu will throw that code. I've been running the 626 mani for years with those solenoids ziptied away and I've had that code set before. The solenoid got some dirt or something in it. After cleaning, the code did not return, but I've had to replace those type solenoids before on other mazdas and mitsubishis. The solenoids are actually made by mitsubishi I believe.