Actuator Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Honda Accord, 2001 Honda Accord, 2000 Honda Accord, 1999 Honda Accord, and 1998 Honda Accord. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required

Vacuum Pump/Gauge, 0-30 in.Hg A973X-041-XXXXX

Disconnect the actuator cable from the actuator rod and disconnect the 4P connector (A).

Fig 1: Identifying Actuator 4P Connector Terminals
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Connect battery power to the No. 4 terminal and ground the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 terminals.
Connect a vacuum pump to the vacuum hose. Then apply vacuum to the actuator.
The actuator rod (A) should pull in completely. If the rod pulls in only part-way or not at all, check for a leaking vacuum line or defective solenoid.

Fig 2: Checking Actuator Rod Movement
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
With voltage and vacuum still applied, try to pull the actuator rod out by hand. You should not be able to pull it out. If you can, it is defective.

Fig 3: Pulling Actuator Rod By Hand
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect ground from the No. 3 terminal. The actuator rod should return. If it does not return, but the vent hose and filter are not plugged, the solenoid valve assembly is defective.
Repeat steps 2 through 5 , and disconnect ground from the No. 1 terminal. The actuator rod should return. If it does not return, but the vent hose and filter are not plugged, the solenoid valve assembly is defective.
If you replace the solenoid valve assembly, be sure to use new O-rings on each solenoid.
Disconnect power and ground from the 4P connector. Disconnect the vent hose from the actuator. Connect a vacuum pump to the actuator vent hose port, and apply vacuum. The actuator rod should pull in completely. If not, the vacuum valve is stuck open. Replace the actuator.