QuestionQUESTION: I have a code read out of p1495 (manufacturer control auxiliary emission control). The van drives fine but once in a blue it will stall. I was told to replace the idle control valve. Can you tell me if they are correct and if so where it is located. Thank you
ANSWER: Hi Carlos,
I don't believe the idle air conrtol valve should be replaced because of a stall. More likely I would look at the egr valve to possibly be sticking slightly ajar if this happens at idle or when slowing down and the throttle is closed. Here is how to check that out on a 3.3/3.8L engine:
The valve is located near the throttle body air intake at the end of the engine, mounted in pipe that recirculates exhaust gas from the rear cylider bank exhaust pipe back around to the intake manifold. The exhaust gases have some fumes that can plate out a crud on the valve stem and thus keep it from closing tight when you are at idle. That makes for a too lean mixture so the engine stalls. The valve proper is mounted horizontally with the stem visible in a space between the body of the valve mounted on the pipe and the round top of the valve which is flanged and so if you look carefully you will see a metal rod (stem of the valve) with a slot around its circumference. You can take the tip of flat blade screwdriver and insert it in the slot and then lever the valve back and forth to check if it is moving freely (against spring action in one direction) or not. If it doesn't seem to close easily with the help of the built-in spring, then I would spray the base of the stem with solvent from a pressure can (such as WD-40 or carb cleaner) while moving the stem back and forth. Then see if that solves the issue. You would also do well to clean out the throttle body throat, both sides of the 'butterfly valve plate', and the idle air side passageway in the throttle body throat.
The 1495 code is about an electical solenoid vapor valve, that is involved with the vapor emission/collection system, not functioning as it should. My '98 manual shows the solenoid to be located directly behind the the windshield washer bottle/cooling system filler bottle. I am not sure that it is located there in the '97 but see if you see a small round countainer with a 6- rib top at that location. If not, tell me which engine you have (location depends on which engine in some cases) and we'll look elsewhere. I would recommend looking at the hoses to which it is attached for condition. Also, let me know how many wires run to it. It can be tested out, but first check out the price of a replacement and then decide if you want to trouble shoot its circuit or take a chance and buy a replacement unit. If you want to check the circuit you would want to have a volt-ohm meter.
Roland
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QUESTION: Does the elec solenloid that you say is behind the washer fluid have 2 vacuum and 1 plug. Also could that make the van stall if its not good? i forgot to metion that i recently changed the egr valve. Once again i would lie to thank you for your time and advice.
AnswerHi Carlos,
What I described is the 'purge solenoid' and that is what you found. BUT the 1495 code is about a solenoid on the leak detection pump itself, so let me expand this answer before you do anything.
It could be the wires that control the solenoid, or the pump's solenoid itself, or the fuse-like device called a 'positive temp coefficient' device in the fuse box under the dash that is blown and which supplies the power to the solenoid.
So I would start by checking the fuse-like device (PTC #1) in the horizontal row of such PTC's and unused sockets located just under the 4 large plugs at the top of the box. See if the left-most PTC is conducting or is blown open and replace it if blown open. It is 9 amp size.
If that is OK, then check that the wires are ok. The pump is mounted under the van on the frame, directly under the driver's seat in the cast cradle under the steering gear. You would want to disconnect the plug as follows: raise the vehicle and support it. Reach through the hole in the frame to get to the plug. Push locking tab on connector to unlock it. Push down on connector latch and pull connector from pump. The white/black wire on pin 3 comes from the PTC #1 and it should show 12V with the ignition switch in run position. The dark blue/white wire on pin 1 should show continuity to pin 72 of the engine control module, and the white/dark green wire on pin 2 should show continuity to pin 77 of the ecm. If those all check out, then I would remove the pump by disconnecting its hoses and unbolting it, and then see if the solenoid can be bought as a separate part or whether the pump has the be replaced.
Sorry for the earlier incorrect answer. And thank you very much for the nomination.
Roland
