2.3L ('02-'11) Code p2004 how to test imrc solenoid and actuator

[tatermatt90]

Check engine light came on showing p2004. After tons of reading about this code I connected a vacuum gauge to the hose leading to the irmc solenoid from the intake and got a pressure of 20. There is no vacuum going to the actuator at any rpm therefore the solenoid isnt opening. I took the solenoid out and applied pressure to it with my vacuum pump. Then i connected voltage to it and the solenoid opened releasing the pressure... does this prove solenoid is good?

Then i attached the vacuum pump to the hose leading to the imrc actuator. I pumped it up and release it several times. I can hear the actuator and flaps moving each time.

Im assuming the problem is no electrical signal to open the solenoid is causing the p2004 code? I didnt get a chance to check the voltage coming from the plug. At what rpm should i be getting voltage?

 

[tatermatt90]

Should there be vacuum at the actuator at idle

 

[Dirtman]

There should always be vacuum from the line from the intake manifold to the electric solenoid since that is direct manifold vacuum, the line from the electric solenoid to the vaccum actuator should only have vacuum when the electric solenoid is commanded on by the PCM. When that electric solenoid is commanded on by the PCM I am not sure of. The system fails in the open position 99% of the time (p2004) so if vacuum is lost it stays open. Most common issue I've seen is a vacuum leak caused by the hoses simply falling apart.

The butterfly shaft can also seize, the vacuum actuator can leak, or the electric solenoid can fail. The whole system is crap and ford got rid of it after 2 years so most people just delete the whole thing.