rx8inator

iTrader: (3)

hey guys, on thursday last week i was driving home from classes and my check engine light came on. i took it to pepboys for them to check out the code and it came out to be p0661 something about intake manifold low circuit bank 1. anyone know how to get around this? it's been a week since the light came on and i don't wanna kill my engine. thanks

edit: i might add, in case you guys were wondering, my only mod so far that has to do with the engine is a Revi intake.

kma5783

iTrader: (7)

It's a problem with the SSV Solenoid, there's 3 solenoids mounted behind/underneath the upper intake manifold. Try cleaning the connectors, reset the ecu and see if the problem returns. If it does swap the connector and SSV vacuum line to the Air Pump Solenoid to troubleshoot this is fine the air pump is none essential, reset the ecu again and see if the problem returns.

rx8inator

iTrader: (3)

do i have to remove the intake to get to the solenoids? and what do you suggest using to clean the connectors?

kma5783

iTrader: (7)

It would be pretty tight to get to them if you don't remove the UIM. If you don't remove it you could probably reach behind the UIM from the right side and get to the connectors, I don't think you'd really have the room to clean them though.
Also I don't think you'll be able to get to the vacuum lines without removing the UIM.

Use electronic contact cleaner, you can get it at any autoparts store.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Looks like kma5783 is giving you good advice thus far.
Only thing I would add is if you're going to remove the UIM, you might as well pull the solenoid out and test it in case the solenoid itself is bad.
It'll save you from having to go back in there again later if cleaning the contacts doesn't fix it.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-test-solenoid-190364/

rx8inator

iTrader: (3)

thanks for the info and tips. im going to get on top of it asap.

rx8inator

iTrader: (3)

.... i'm having difficulty locating the solenoids (as to what they look like). i used that green red blue diagram showing where the solenoids are provided by Jon316G on his other thread but still no idea. Do I have to take off the black thing as well or should i see it right away once i take off the throttle body?

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Its under the UIM (Upper Intake Manifold)... the "black thing" you're referring to.
Here is a DIY on how to remove it:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...light=manifold

rx8inator

iTrader: (3)

dang jon if only you lived near me i would pay you to help me lol. thanks buddy.

rx8inator

iTrader: (3)

i haven't gotten the chance to clean the solenoids yet but today when i started up the car, the cel went away. anybody know the reason? it did this before. it came up and lasted about 3 or 4 days then it came back up. that was when i posted this thread. then today it went away again. i have a feeling its going to come back so that's why i'll still take the UIM apart when i get the chance. i was just wondering if anybody knows why it goes away and comes back like that

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

Solenoids can stick and your's probably just freed itself... doesn't mean it won't return.
After two drive cycles if the PCM no longer detects a problem, it'll clear the code.

rx8inator

iTrader: (3)

so when a solenoid sticks is it defective? as in it needs replacement soon? or could all of this be avoided somehow?

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

A sticking solenoid is an indication that its going to fail and will likely stick permanently over time (either open or close).
The coil within can also be the cause of failure.
We've even seen where the electrical contacts in the connector becomes tarnished and simply needs cleaned.

Another option you can do is swap the AIR and SSV solenoid since the AIR isn't used that often (only upon startup for ~60sec).
If you had a mid-pipe, then the AIR solenoid really wouldn't be needed.