Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting IMRC Actuator

Is it possible to replace the IMRC Actuator with the UIM in place?

Yes, it is easier though if you take off the UIM. The only problem with leaving the UIM in place is the routing of the cable. Are you replacing your IMRC with a new one? If so, where did you get it and how much was it? Thanks.

There is no need to remove the manifold. I found it easier to change if I removed the throttle body for access to the cable end at the lower intake.

I've got a spare used IMRC box for sale if anyone is interested.

Thanks,
Rick

Me too.

I seems my IMRC is actually ok. Just from revving the engine with the car in park, I can see it open the secondaries fully in the 3,000 - 4,000 RPM range. I just completed a rebuild / thorough cleaning of the LIM, UIM, TB, etc. There was some pretty heavy carbon buildup inside the intake (at 73k miles). I used a Berryman's chemical dip to soak all the aluminum parts and then used some B-12 to finish them off. I gave the injectors a little squirt of B-12 to remove some of the gunk built up on them. I replaced all gaskets, o-rings, PCV valve and checked the operation of the IAC. I also cleaned the MAF with some electronic contact cleaner. I originally started tearing into this thing to fix a problem where there was no horsepower in the 3,000 and higher RPM range. The Ford dealer wanted to replace the IMRC and do a few other things for $1,400 - I decided to take care of it myself. ;-) After all this work, I got the power back! It feels very strong in the upper RPMs. I still have a little hesitation at the low end - not quite sure what that's all about yet.

Also, FYI - my car failed a recent inspection - I had a check engine light on, so I figured it probably would. It failed because of P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshhold (Bank 1). It turned out to be faulty catalytic converters. The dealer replaced both of them free of charge. :-) They told me that emissions components are covered up to 80,000 miles. That was news to me, but I won't complain.

Thanks everyone for your input. I got a lot of useful info from this site and these forums.

So you just walked into the dealer, they read the code and swapped out your cats?!?!? I'm startingh to think I have "bad" cats as well, but somehow, I don't think they would let me off that easy....

That was pretty much the case. I already knew the trouble code prior to talking to the dealer - P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshhold (Bank 1). They told me if the problem truly was the cats, they would be replaced - parts and labor free of charge. In addition, they said "because it's the emissions system, warranty covers it until 80k miles" (even though my warranty ran out at 36k). When I dropped it off at the dealer they gave me the same story - they told me they would first do a "diagnostic" and if the cats were bad they would be replaced free. I don't know if the "diagnostic" is anything more than reading the codes from the PCM, but their verdict was that the cats were bad. They told me they would have to order them and it usually taked 2 weeks, but they actually came the next day. They called me around 4pm and said my car was ready. No more check engine light, and it passed inspection. Almost seemed too good to be true!