andrewgt3

When pressing the sport button, the exhaust note does not change (it currently does not sound good).

I know the usual response to this is damaged actuators or a vac leak, but I'm looking for some more ideas before I give up and bring it into the dealer (out of warranty).



+ The actuators do not look bent or damaged. I can manipulate the mechanical arms.

+ I unplugged the electrical connection to the actuators, still no change in exhaust note

+ for the last year I have been getting these codes intermittently:
P0455 Tank system - major leak
P0461 Fuel level sensor

I clear the codes and they return every other refueling or so.

Could the tank system leak have anything to do with the sport button no longer working?

Thanks in advance.
Andrew

DC640

maybe the valve flap is stuck (needs replacement) From the picture, it has a slight scratch on the outer edge and maybe you hit something like parking lot concrete block or steep driveway? That little actuator costs less than couple hundred from my recollection. I remember mine was just crushed. Local shop lied to me to replace the WHOLE side muffler ($6k) since it cannot be detached. LOL

modoz61

I have been through two sets of actuators under warranty within 2 years but now running akrapovic race system (problem solved)

Seriously though these do seem like a highly unreliable device

andrewgt3

Can anyone decipher the part number?

DC640

I got mine from Sharkwerks guys... Dan and Alex actually helped me when I first got the car. With labor and parts.. Should be around $500..

almeena58

Akrapovic My favorite but it voids warranty so I could not buy and install.

10 GT3

Most of the time when this happens the actuators are not bad. I have unstuck mine a couple of times. The valves stop working due to getting some debris or surface rust where the valve pivots in the pipe. The actuators don't have enough force to overcome the extra friction around the valve pivots. This is really a very easy fit. Just let the exhaust cool and get some WD40. Spray both the top and bottom pivots. Push the actuator rod few times to open and close the valves by hand. This works the WD40 into the pivot points. Wipe off the excess fluid. Start the car up and it should work fine. One of mine will freeze up typically after driving in the rain and when it has been over 6 months since I last lubricated them.

andrewgt3

THANKS! Good suggestion. I'm going to try this right now.

andrewgt3

ok - cleaned the valve pivots and shafts. no luck. i'm reluctantly taking this in to the dealer.

uggggg.

10 GT3

Next basic thing to check is the fuses. Make sure the solenoid is getting power. Then check if the actuator valves work. Disconnect the hose from each and apply vacuum to see if they open and close. Since you've lubricated the pivots, they should work under very light vacuum. If the actuators work, check if the solenoid works and for vacuum leaks. If not, try running a pipe cleaner down the actuator ports to see if they are plugged.

andrewgt3

the solenoid has power - i had a friend watch the actuators. he said they move, but only a little. i suspect a leak, but we soaped and could not see bubbles.

Thanks for your suggestions. i'll post back with the damage from the dealer.

andrewgt3

OK - dealer called. One of the actuators is damaged internally. Fun fun. I think i'm going to have them order the part and I'll do the work to replace it. Any pitfalls i should look out for?

Also, they said the codes I keep popping (P0455 Tank system - major leak, P0461 Fuel level sensor) are a bad valve (no idea what valve) that costs $450 + $300 for labor.

Any info is appreciated.

andrewgt3

if anyone is interested- the vacuum actuator (exhaust flap) part number is : 997 111 901 90 and available at worldimpex.com





...out with the old and attaching to the bracket


Installed - all better now!

entityx

Andrew,

How difficult is it to replace the actuator? I just bent mine and its rattling and needs to be replaced.

andrewgt3

Not hard at all. Hit the bolts with PB nut blaster or the like. Unbolt - swap bracket to the new actuator and reinstall.

The only tricky part is breaking the oem hose clamp. You will need to replace with a new hose clamp.