Intake Valve Actuators C-15

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by clmajak, Jan 21, 2010.

  1. clmajak

    clmajak Bobtail Member

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    Jan 20, 2010
    Red Deer, Alberta
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    Had fault codes shown especially on #6, the shop put in new ECM updates, problem solved for a while. From what they told me it changed the amps sent to the Actuator and also the number of times to try before flashing a fault. Under heavy load the other day, got a few brief engine light flashes again but not long enough to show any diagnostic codes on the CAT Messenger. Thinking I should change that No. 6 Actuator. Peterbilt tells me there is some special procedure for the upgraded ones. Another shop tells me they should be changed in pairs. None of which makes sense. 2006 C-15
     
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  3. pullingtrucker

    pullingtrucker Road Train Member

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    Dec 21, 2008
    Fostoria, Ohio
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    The IVAs are changed in pairs...thats how they are packaged from CAT. The check engine light could be from anything since there eas no code thrown. I wouldn't just start throwing parts at the motor until you know for sure what is wrong. Unless you have a CAT service book for your motor and understand it, I would have CAT replace the IVAs if you still want to go that route. If a IVA code does pop up it will derate the motor until the IVA functions correctly, but the code will still be stored. Usually if a IVA code does pop you can turn the truck off then on and sometimes the derate will go away for awhile. But you still need to get them serviced ASAP.
     
    New2Pete Thanks this.
  4. truckfixinsob

    truckfixinsob Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2010
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    They are very simple to change and yes they should be changed in pairs
     
  5. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Feb 4, 2009
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    The fault and derate will take 3 key cycles to clear once the code goes from active to inactive. I have seen many times the connector that plugs into the solenoid itself has spread terminals making minimal contact. If your truck is 3 or 4 years old, look at that too!
     
  6. Jfaulk99

    Jfaulk99 Road Train Member

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    May 16, 2009
    Couch
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    Last IVA code I had was due to a loose connector under the valve cover, truck is an '06.
     
  7. Jas

    Jas Medium Load Member

    Something else worth checking, I have seen a couple of engines where the wires to the IVA hang down and the rockers can hit them when they come up, the movement causes the connection to come loose on the solenoid and gives a fault code.
     
  8. Coal Bucket

    Coal Bucket Light Load Member

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    Nov 15, 2008
    Charm City
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    They aren't hard to change all.. something else to check for is for oil in the plug connections .. clean them with some spray electrical cleaner or a touch of brake clean, i add a little electrical grease, then make sure they connect tight and the retaining clip is snug....checking the things that others posted before me and possibly this , seems to get rid of the majority of code issues... plus checking that stuff is all free....
     
  9. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Feb 4, 2009
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    Those little screws that hold them down are real easy to strip the head. I think they are only a 10 or 7 torxs head. Most of the time I have to use vise grips on the head just to break it loose then use the screw driver the rest of the way.
     
  10. wwjd21678

    wwjd21678 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 7, 2010
    Fontana, Ca
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    The check engine light came on my truck. I took it in to my friends and he scanned it. The code was (Intake valve actuator #3 low current flow) came. Can someone help me out. Thanks
     
  11. Jas

    Jas Medium Load Member

    Open circuit to the number 3 IVA solenoid, either a bad solenoid or broken wire.
     
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