Vacuum Solenoid Valve testing

[@tanalee229]

If you see a blue cloud of smoke around this comment, it's because I just tested a NEW aftermarket vacuum solenoid valve using the blowing-through-the-tube method and blowing-through-the-tube while activating the solenoid method. Air blew in one inlet and out the other even with the solenoid activated. I've been without my car for a couple of months, and hoped this would be the fix. Now I have to wait again. Bah! Super helpful video! Thanks!

[@robertorebola7532]

would love to have this gentlemen as a teacher , my bi turbo diesel just doesnt have the kick it used to ,going to test my solenoids asap

[@peterlogan1623]

From an experienced mechanic , very well explained your doing your job well !

[@noHandle1776]

Excellent video by the way, thank you for taking the time to cover the atmosphere filter, element, and how that all works. Most of the videos that go over basic solenoid testing don’t do that, but so many solenoids have that filter. It often leads to people thinking their solenoids are good when they’re really not.

[@notaboutthebike8495]

Found one of my four vsv's was fudged thanks to this vid - cheers

[@Conflictofinterest902]

Thank you mate. It’s so simple but if you don’t know then you don’t know. And I didn’t know…. But now I do. I’ll be testing mine tomorrow as I’ve narrowed it down to possible solenoid (flashing 4x4 light on k74 l200)

[@stvynix3687]

Thank you. I don't think anyone is laughing at you when they're desperately looking for help!

[@luminositymusic3810]

stvynix true. Great work. Thx-

[@bergatube60]

Excellent video Andy

[@hilltopwoodworking]

Thanks for posting this vid i was able to find out why my mercedes vito was in limp mode tested the solenoid and no clicking so replaced it with another and now not in limp mode so again thank you you keep these vids comming

[@AndyMechanic]

Will do Ian, thanks for the feedback & pleased to know you sorted the problem on your vehicle Have a great day Cheers Andy

[@hansolo9674]

Very easy to understand your instructions. Thank you!

[@aleksandar8044]

Thanks Andy. I will test mine this week and write about the result. My car didn't quite run as it should have on uphill roads so performing an computer test it turned out that the vacuum valve didn't quite work well. I will definitely test it like this and figure out if it needs to be changed or not. Thanks again. GREAT VIDEO

[@flappingarms9335]

Great video with clear instruction. Thank you Andy. You sound as though you’re a long way from your origins!

[@kosson]

Thank you for the lesson! Now, a bit clear in my head! Cheers!

[@johnbeagmartin5809]

Brilliant Andy; from Outer Hebrides

[@claytonius3]

A thorough and helpful video. Thank you.

[@AndyMechanic]

Thanks :-)

[@johnmarshall9945]

Very good teaching techniques

[@AndyMechanic]

Thanks John, appreciate your feedback. Cheers Andy

[@johnmarshall9945]

@@AndyMechanic Cheers back at ya mate

[@ggua92722]

Great DIY video. Thank you.

[@mrnutsy1]

Thank you for the clear and easy to understand of the testing process. I greatly appreciate it.

[@Buzzlitonian]

Yes. Good Video demonstrating how to perform this. Pipes and all. Nice work. I have subscribed. 5/1/2020

[@rhkips]

I've been bitten before by a VSV; there are times when it's good to pay attention to direction of flow. Sometimes applying vacuum to the "wrong" side can actually cause the valve to open just enough to bleed off vacuum, but if you test the valve from the other port, it's solid as can be. I've also seen VSVs that operate as restriction valves, particularly with transmissions from the early to mid 90s. When the valve is "closed," it lets a small amount of vacuum by, and when it's open, it lets full vacuum by. :)

[@AndyMechanic]

+rhkips Great input, and some things that I didn't know...interesting too to see how manufacturers vary the component design to achieve different outcomes. Thanks again for your advice...... Cheers Andy

[@MrSparkums]

I was just going to post Andy a question about that.. 92 Yota pickup, shifting issues, but originally I had no acceleration. I replaced the tps and all vac lines, not sure tps is right on yet... PFU VSV works w/ 12v but it doesn't release pressure(rev vacuum I mean) instantly, bad? My tahoe has a bad freeze plug on the back of the block.. X (..

[@MrSparkums]

Forgot, before the TPS and vac lines I had code 31 & 41, after replacing and resetting codes are gone but problems shifting now..? Ehh, thanks for the vid either way.

[@charliediver1560]

Great video thanks for posting

[@kwesigaaa5179]

Thank you Andy for the great video. I now understand fully!

[@Litesnip2022]

Brilliant video, You have educated me a lot on this, turns out 2 of mine don’t hold vacuum and I don’t hear any clicking, Thanks for explaining how they work

[@Hehatwsmashultimate]

Great video! Wish more were like this! My question relates to the vent and its purpose. What is the vent for? Should a sealed valve seat between the inlet and outlet bleed off vacuum pressure if you lift your finger from the vent? Should it only vent from one side (i.e. inlet or outlet)? I'm confused because based on its purpose it should only act as a switch by either applying vacuum or not to the device its controlling...? In my application, I nave a negative back pressure EGR valve type that I am controlling and by design bleeds or vents vacuum from 20" to 0" over a 20 second interval. So why would a vent even be needed?

[@formyears8305]

Magnífic explanation, very educative!!

[@Asian_Connection]

This is amazingly good!!!!!!! I'm sure this taught some SEARS mechanics something, if they still have a job.

[@JamesJames-um5xq]

Great video, what if a solenoid has 3 pipes into it, like in my vw caddy, how do i do a blow test on that ?

[@AndyMechanic]

Hi James, One of the pipes will be the vacuum supply. When energized will go to one of the other 2 pipes then when not powered vacuum should go to the 3rd pipe. That's usually how they work Cheers Andy

[@JamesJames-um5xq]

@@AndyMechanic Thanks pal !

[@NitrosDen]

Great informative video thanks. Do you have an electric EGR Valve that you can show us the testing of? new sub. The Toyota manual says to test with 6v. Why do you state 12v? Lastly, will you still have the correct continuity if there is no click? Both mine have the correct continuity but neither make the click sound, nor can I do the blow test with the battery. I will have to buy a pump to test but I just bought a vacuum pump to test the EGR so I have to wait till I get paid, so I'm trying to diagnose as much as possible with these in the mean time.

[@jontheroofer1968]

Outstanding instruction! Thank you!

[@rish.khurana]

Hey, thanks for so clear information. I am feeling these valves could be it why I have my check engine light, creating codes p2004,p2005,p2006 and p2007 banks open and closed for Audi A6 C7. I have checked everything below the supercharger, seems fine. Can you suggest if valves can give all 4 codes? Much appreciated.

[@icemann661]

thank you.. before this video i had a black hole around vsv and never touched them..

[@davidsstfarrelltighe]

another great vid Andy them hand held vacuum pumps are so useful and so many mechanics I know don't even own one and I don't know why

[@AndyMechanic]

Thanks for the feedback David, you are right, there aren't many workshops that I have been in recently that have a hand vacuum pump on their inventory of tools. Odd really since these VCVs are so popular now...

[@davidsstfarrelltighe]

Even for a decent brand one there very cheap and I deal with allot of turbo diesels where I work vag psa and others and they all have allot of them and seem to cause problems that others can't fix because they have a 7 grand diagnostic machine and think it's the only thing to use when diagnosing a system or the usual thing 'I plugged it in there was no faults '

[@AndyMechanic]

Haha.....so very true! :-)

[@dodynabir]

Thanks Andy

[@mkivst180]

What's the use case for the 2port + air vent version if you could give an example? There is already an air vent to atmosphere, what is the other port use for then?

[@jezdimsevsim9906]

Thanks man! Nice instruction.

[@Arthur-ee1vd]

clearly understandable and simple .. thank you so much !!!👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@JoeBob79569]

Really great video.

[@AndyMechanic]

Thanks Joe :-)

[@timdabeast1796]

Thank you, my cmax dm2 keeps coming up with this code p1549 but no engine light. So a garage says no nothing wrong, blaming my obd2 tool. Now I know what it does and it can leak inside I shall replace it hopefully not too hard. Subscribed and liked 👍

[@rushymoto]

Relays and solenoids often have a diode across the winding to shunt back EMF upon release to prevent the spike going back up the line. So the connection will have a polarity. If you connect the wrong way the diode will short circuit the supply and blow the fuze. And likely blow the diode.

[@noHandle1776]

Most of these very basic ones actually do not have that

[@rushymoto]

@@noHandle1776 most of them actually show the diode on the pin out diagram on the side of the relay case.

[@zataralasname8833]

Thank you. Excellent video ..

[@kaeolian]

Really helpful video thanks! off to fix my RX7 now....

[@salal2845]

Nice quick and informative video,. I actually own one of those vacuum handheld testers, but I never though of using it to test VSVs. I usually use it to bleed brakes, diesel filters, test vacuum actuating valves and other stuff on my car. I subscribed to your channel after coming across this video.

[@tobycameron2830]

Hi Andy, I have a 2002 WH Holden statesman, The issue I am having could very well be what you just showed in your video. The air flow is only coming through the windscreen demister vents and won't change to face or feet vents, it was working fine previously but only started doing this today. I can't find any leaks on the rubber tubes at all and was wondering where I can locate the Vacuum solenoid Valve on my particular car model?

[@jaffersharief3089]

Great, very informative, clear nice explanation

[@invain143]

Thanks man. Im gonna test my crv tomorrow.

[@User_Bobb]

good job buddy!

[@jessejules2092]

Hey it's a fellow kiwi with a Brittish accent 😆 Hi 👋 from the USA.

[@AndyMechanic]

Hi Matey, where are you in the US? Cheers Andy

[@stevensarabia3221]

Thanks for info!

[@brianweekes1]

This is very good. Am wondering about the ones that vent to air, in particular, which side of the solenoid it does that (presumably downstream from the suck source), what’s your experience?

[@Asian_Connection]

Can't you also do the Ohms test also?

[@sstevensuperbike9964]

Mine is a pierburg solenoid for a insignia diesel… with no power to it I apply 25hg of vacuum via hand pump and it bleeds down ever so slowly. I also get a overboost code limp mode when I boot it. Is mine knackered??

[@AndyMechanic]

Yes. Unfortunately

[@sstevensuperbike9964]

@@AndyMechanic I’ve only had it 4 months is that the average life expectancy of these do you know? Thanks

[@AndyMechanic]

No. They should last years... Cheers Andy

[@sstevensuperbike9964]

@@AndyMechanic thanks Andy, I can buy loads off eBay for under £30 but different brands out there (probably copies). I can buy the original GM part from the Vauxhall car dealership for £80 so I may go down this route.

[@charlesgee83]

Hey Andy thanks for the video very informative I want to know do I need my ignition turn on in order to test an EGR solenoid resistance?

[@OpelFronteraXTR]

Hello, congrat for the explanation. I have a different valve of vacuum, how to do the electrical check? Isuzu rodeo, vacuum sistem.

[@sentiamongjamir1294]

Can a faulty vacuum solenoid valve be a reason why rpm drops when AC is on?

[@AndyMechanic]

Yes, definitely Cheers Andy

[@sentiamongjamir1294]

@@AndyMechanic thanks alot.

[@carlosk8103]

Mine was leaking but I thought it might just be stuck so I smacked it few times now it closes and holds vac... Not sure it won't just get stuck again but I check it again later and see..

[@pablomarquez4431]

Question. I have a 2005 kia sportage 2.7L. It has 2 actuators. When I rev it up 1 opens. Are both suppose to work at the same time?

[@AndyMechanic]

Sorry Pablo, I have no idea. Best to source the Service Manual. Cheers Andy

[@pablomarquez4431]

@@AndyMechanic yea I can't find any info on that

[@Asian_Connection]

Can I just hook up two wires to the car 12v battery to test the solenoids?

[@raf2011ify]

What could be the problem when one of the valve socket voltage reads 8v while the other one is reading 13v when the vehicle is running.

[@Kecman24]

Most notable: don't suck! 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣. Thanks for good tips.

[@thebipolarbear2639]

Thanks Handy Andy. How do they cost mate? For a Delica 4x4, 3.0LT PETROL??? Thanks heaps from across the ditch. (Australia).

[@AndyMechanic]

Hi Bipolar Bear, they shouldn't cost all that much as they are a relatively simple part. Maybe $20 to $30 for an aftermarket one. I'm guessing a Genuine will be a lot more.... Cheers Andy

[@shutter.mechanism]

What should we check so the EGR gets a ground contact?

[@AndyMechanic]

Just unplug the EGR. run a wire from battery positive with a bulb (say around 55w so 4 amps) to the ground wire in the EGR plug. Bulb should be bright. If not then you have a bad earth. Hope this helps Cheers Andy

[@jasonputtock4428]

even though the units work. Can these units still throw problems to the ECU or cause the ECU to see such issues then FORCE limp mode on the cars.?

[@webpro607]

how to check if EGR is stuck open/closed?

[@themineingmaster]

Super helpful!

[@arturssalons267]

Hey! Can't find answer to my problem anywhere.... Have you ever seen leaking valve which doesn't close properly with symptoms when vacuum is leaking through valve and not stopping when valve sort of closes? Thank you!

[@DanielAlvarez-xl4qy]

Omg thank u.. i bought a new vsv for my 1995 4runner n air flows when i blow how u did n i passes air i hope this fixes my code 71 i checked everything else egr,modulator ets thanks!!

[@yeshayem5402]

Great video, 148K views and only 1.3k thumbs up. That's sad ............

[@AndyMechanic]

Yep.....seems hard to click the like button! Cheers Andy

[@marianatequiero28]

Check the manual? Find info for solenoid on your car ,?

[@virgiliosalonga3638]

thanks for the knowledge

[@yusifresul5567]

Hello, my car doesn't have a super selector. It's a selenoid problem. I opened it, cleaned it, it worked, but I installed it instead, it didn't work again. Do I have to clean it again?

[@aliyahebonite2532]

is it ok to use either the 2 tube or 3 tube vaccume

[@eugeneboltman]

Good day, please advice me I have an Isuzu kb250, my turbo actuator kept fluctuating up and down on Idle, I replaced the VCV valve with a fong kong brand which improved my performance but above 2000rpm the turbo actuator fluctuates again up and down So On my vacuum solenoid valve I have 3x connections (vac=in. vac=out and atmospheric) I tested the VCV ports and found there is vacuum on the atmospheric port, does this mean the internal plunger diaphram bypasses the vacuum into my atmopheric cavity?

[@hanoemanmanishkoemar2482]

Hello .ihave atoyota vigo 2012 and the vacuum solenoid stays on when you take out your keys. Please can you help me? I am from south america . Suriname

[@jdsalvosa8]

What is the purpose of a vacuum solenoid valve?

[@AndyMechanic]

It's an electrical device to turn on & off a vacuum supply, usually to control something. Cheers Andy

[@jdsalvosa8]

How is the vacuum produced in SUV!

[@jdsalvosa8]

Does it have a vacuum pump?

[@jakematney8226]

What are some symptoms of a faulty vsv? My car currently has a slight pinging sort of like spark plug pre-ignition . Would that contribute to my issues??

[@dawoodk103]

Great video sir, is it the same procedure for my 1989 jeep Cherokee with a 4.0 L ?

[@AndyMechanic]

+Dawood K There are a few types of vacuum solenoids around so you'll have to work out when it should be sealed (closed) & when it should be open. Any leakage during the closed state is a fail. Also it needs to open when it should! Hope that helps. Cheers Andy

[@dawoodk103]

Andy Mechanic You are a professional young man, god bless and thanks sir.

[@aravindachandrakumar6409]

This is Very useful, thanks for it. I have a mitsubishi Montero 3.5l V6 (2003 model). It blinks the cd light on a normal run and the 4wd is always on. Hope i have a faulty solenoid.

[@nissan300bhp]

AWESOME VIDEO, THANKS

[@AndyMechanic]

+SUPRAGZAEROTOP Cheers :-)

[@arios1977]

My problem is, my solenoid always has vacuum, even at idle. And yes, I did put a new one in and it does that same thing. Engine runs like crap when the hose is hooked up to the valve. When its warm, Itll shut off as soon as I connect the hose. Not sure what it could be. How would i know if its the ECU? or even the wires on the EGR valve? I'm completely stumped here. It's a 94 accord ex with a 94 JDM prelude H22A with a prelude ECU. any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Update: Turns out the pins for the EGR control solenoid and the O2 sensor are switched on the prelude ECU. You have to switch the around to get the right signals

[@roberteverett9359]

I kinda have the same problem will your car not start after running for a while?

[@roberteverett9359]

Usually to get it to start i squeeze the hose going to thefuel rail and jump the starter with a wrench. I'm totally stumped it starts super easy sometimes others?like it's way too rich

[@arios1977]

Robert Everett no. It ran great when the egr solenoid wasn’t plugged in. Switch the wires around today on the ecu and now the car runs better than it ever has. Well, if I left the vacuum line hooked up, it would run like shit and die. Make sure you’re not getting any vacuum at idle going to the EGR valve

[@roberteverett9359]

Switch witch wires exactly

[@roberteverett9359]

Also one. Bank1 sensor 2. Is stuck. At 1.3 volts

[@fermingarcia7207]

Great Job! Thank you.

[@deseremere]

Thank you, man! When these fail you get very rare codes P1077 or P1078 in some Hondas, and they mark up cheap valves 300% by adding their own connector :( "Whatever you do - don't suck"... ROLF

[@tranced4ever]

excellent explanation thanks

[@AndyMechanic]

Thanks for the feedback, please you found the video helpful. Cheers Andy

[@nissan300bhp]

after this i tested my vsvs as my twinturbo is not running right. second turbo not coming online! my egbv vsv is just dead lol. i recently replaced one other as i thought it was that, the one i replaced works perfect lol. need to order another one now

[@AndyMechanic]

+SUPRAGZAEROTOP It's useful to know how to test these valves so you don't spend money on things you don't need.....oh wait, that doesn't work....what about Beer!

[@nissan300bhp]

yeah for sure, if you were closer id buy you a beer , cheers

[@AndyMechanic]

+SUPRAGZAEROTOP Cheers :-)

[@jamespreston5757]

brilliant top info vid

[@AndyMechanic]

Thanks James :-)

[@sheronbayona9151]

need some help sir. i cannot locate where to tap my vaccum solenoid purge valve ...mine is a mitsubishi galant eci 2.0 '96 model. kindly help me sir andy. im sheron bayona from the philippines. thx in advance sir !

[@nayabnoba5482]

Hi Andy I have hyundai santa fe 2008 p2187 and p2189 can you help me to fix i will be very helpful

[@lorenreyes2855]

Another great video! I have a 1992 Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel. You should take a look at that as many people call it the rats nest!😉

[@RichardWilliams-ig4nv]

Ok i hace a 1997 ford xlt exsploer my 4x4 lights flash my egr vacume silanoid aint haveing no vac and nether dose my 4x4 silanoid eany ideas??

[@AndyMechanic]

Is the vehicle a petrol or diesel?

[@85Studios]

Yep. EGR Vacuum Solenoid is bad, it vents whether it is energized or not through all 3 ports on my 96 Ford F250. I am sad, but it is onl a $28 part, better than the EGR valve.. Which brings me to this. How do I test the EGR valve?

[@AndyMechanic]

+85 Studios If the EGR valve is stuck open, even a little it's likely that the engine will idle rough. Otherwise just take it off and give it a good clean. If actuated electronically you could check for a signal from ECU. If signal good but has symptoms then the clean may fix or fit a new one. Sorry for the late reply. Crazy busy with work at the moment. Cheers Andy

[@itsmountainmike]

Great info.

[@khalidmalik1157]

Great information .... A*****

[@carlosbanegas7577]

tank you

[@ride4kix]

thank you helped a lot

[@mssdifesapersonale]

An interesting video. I advise you to make your logo appear on the top left and not on the bottom right. It buys an interesting part of your video.

[@AndyMechanic]

Hi, yes, I altered it on more recent videos - much smaller :-)

[@JonPFS]

lool, pause the video at 12:17 😆

[@egidijusstasiukaitis596]

It doesn't matter anything if it leaks a little because all vacuum system is under active vacuum. It matters when some component fails to operate even on continuous vacuum. What will happen if you turn upside down this leaking valve? :) maybe it will stop leaking. Why one solenoid valve was upside down and another not? Maybe there is a reason for that :)?

[@301steady]

I've got an old 1990 Jeep Comanche. I can't find availability of part # EF 8933002298 do you know part numbers that I can retrofit in to replace the EGR Solenoid?

[@AndyMechanic]

Sorry, unfortunately I don't know but Eric O from South Main Auto may know - send him an email - he's great with the old jeeps :-) Cheers Andy

[@gogomumin64]

Hahaha I wasn't laughing until you said I know you're laughing now, didn't even notice till you said it 😁

[@DanielAlvarez-xl4qy]

Damn bro thanks just became a new sub i have a 1995 4runner and this is my last resort i replace the egr i have a good modulator and my hoes are not plugged i still have code 71 i hope this is it!

[@firebladex8586]

Where's all the ladies!?

[@AndyMechanic]

Holley will be back in a few weeks :-)