Evening guys,
My 2002 "52" wrx will only make 1 bar of boost. The car has a ninja sport cat, decatted mid cat, and full system further back after that! a green stuff pannel filter, and an ecutec remap. everything else is standard.
My problem is that the car is struggling to make even 1 bar of boost, and i'm not exactly sure where to start my fault finding quest.
Will a sensor fault cause this kind of issue?? (i don't have any fault diagnosis equipment!)
Or should i look at replacing my boost solenoid??
Any ideas would be greatly welcomed and appriceated!!!
Thanks in advance.
Matt.

 

i had a similar problem and it was the boost solenoid.

if you connect the test leads under the steering wheel the car will cycle the boost solenoid, see if its clicking when doing this and give it a clean out

 

Thanks Jim, the green ones right?? Do i do it with the ignition on radio/fully/engine running???
If it does start clicking, whats the best way to clean it out???
I'm just a fountain of questions i am!!!

 

What boost was it making when mapped?

 

yep the green ones

no car doesnt need to be running, think ignition might have to be on

when its clicking, give it a spray with some brake/carb cleaner down each port

 

It needs to be on the second click on the ignition.

 

Thanks Jim/Duncan! i'll give it a go, the car has only ever managed to make 1 bar, but now it seems to be deteriorating to a point now where its struggling to make even that, which is starting to make me think something is failing!

 

actuator probably failing.. see if you can move it by hand..

Simon

 

So it was mapped at 1 bar - What did the mapper say as to the reason it only made that at the time?

 

Just won't go higher, it was the lovely simon who did it! (lovely as in personality- i dont have a crush i swear hahaha) by actuator to you mean wastegate actuator simon??

 

Just for clarification, i think we were trying to get it to 1.3 but it just wouldn't go any higher.

 

Simon did look quite puzzled as to why it wouldn't play ball. Just wanted to remove any obvious points before he has another look, as time is money! But she just seems to be losing her boost more and more these days. i.e some days (in 1st and 2nd) im reading only 10-12psi. in 4th and 5th i am getting 15psi, but its so irratic i can't even find words to describe it...... with out being sexist or embarrasing. haha

 

from memory it was just a touch under what I wanted in the higher gears but still made good power so wasn't a major cause for concern but the fact it has dropped lower since means there must be an issue there somewhere.

Simon

 

would you be able to diagnose it for me Si?? or should i get it sorted before i see you??

 

no happy to sort..

seen faulty 2ports, ecu with blown boost circuitry, actuator gone etc..

mostlikely 2port boost solenoid faulty.

Simon

 

Ok, im now looking at my online bank account to see when im financially available to come see you! i want my baby punching its correct weight again! if you can get a better/more reliable solenoid for me i'll be happy to purchase one off of you.

 

Sorry to interupt this thread. I've just bought a 3 port solenoid as Duncan is going to map my car in February so if you need a working 2 port solenoid give me a shout, (you can have it for free just pay for postage),regards,Mike

 

Not enough people like this in the world!!
you got paypal mike?? drop me a pm, i'm happy to pay postage!

 

Check over and tweak for new solenoid wouldnt be much matt.
Try mikes 2port and go from there

 

Right, thought id give my boost solenoid a clean tonight. Put my head under the steering column and found the two green connector plugs (one pin in each plug) plugged the two together with the ignition on, and absolutely nothing happened to my solenoid, no buzzing/clicking/classical jazz, nada! Was going to put a multimeter on the wiring to the solenoid then it dawned on me.......... number 1. Have i connected the correct plugs together?? number 2. What voltages should i even be seeing at the solenoid plug? and number 3. Is it fused?!! I need some advise if im doing this right guys- any help would be just great!!!

 

Green plugs under dash.
It must be getting a voltage else you would only see 0.5bar.
Immobilser off?
Simon

 

yeah they were green Si, the ignition was on and the alarm definately disarmed. The connectors only have one wire each, is that right??

 

Yes 1 wire.
Did rad fans pulse?

 

Oh and as I mapped it previously I am happy to look at it for free btw

 

Yeah, scared the crap out of me as i thought i'd put the wrong connectors so i unplugged them once the fans started to come on. Throughout the whole time of me messing with the connectors and solenoid itself, the solenoid never buzzed or clicked once! My good friend has a greddy 2 port at his house, i might try that tommorrow, or is there anything you can recommend me to do (i.e check supply voltage/earth. What should i be seeing ?)
Matt.

 

I wouldn't expect you to do stuff for free buddy. I'll sort you for your time

 

sounds like duff boost solenoid..

probably got a 2port here you can have for nothing..

 

Oh i love you............but seriously, when are you out and about in town?? (london) if you arent, my cousin is in hythe, im sure he could swing by you, to get it. With a little drink for yourself also!!!

 

or you are welcome to pop over either down to maidstone or over to surrey rr when i am there (next thursday) and we can fit and check it then..

Simon

 

Well what can i say......... always as ever, JGM customer aftercare shines through!! I'll give you a pm tommorrow buddy as i have to check my work rota to see when im off.