Intake Manifold Runner Stuck Open
New User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I have the same problem with my1998 ford windstar van(3.8L). I just replaced the heads and all now its running rough and shuts off when i drive it after awhile ,what can we do replace both of the runners mine says bank 2, what and how do we fix this?
New User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Hey guys i have the same problem with my 1998 ford windstar van(3.8l) i just replaced the heads , gaskets and all but when i drive over a period of time the van runs rough and wants to die out especially when i come to a stop . I just went to chech the code with a scan tool and it came up as INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL BANK 2 STUCK OPEN, what should i do?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: uk
hi, hope i have picked this up correctly if your truck is 1997 then it may be vacuum controlled so first check for vacuum leaks to the imcr units. it is possibly to remove the pipes and check by adding a pipe to the units and simply sucking and hopefully you will be able to feel / hear the flaps opening and shutting. only with the engine off. yes they do get choked up and stick on the shaft bearings. bokker.
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 567
Likes: 1
Hey guys i have the same problem with my 1998 ford windstar van(3.8l) i just replaced the heads , gaskets and all but when i drive over a period of time the van runs rough and wants to die out especially when i come to a stop . I just went to chech the code with a scan tool and it came up as INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL BANK 2 STUCK OPEN, what should i do?
2001 Ford Windstar fix for Check Engine Light code P1518 - Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open - YouTube
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Which side is the #1 side and which is #2, I'm assuming the #1 bank is on the driver's side and which way would be open? The relax position which is to the outside of the engine or the inside position? I've checked the vacuum line at the source there is vacuum there but not at the switch is that right? Does somebody have the answers on this?
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
Bank 1 is the bank with cyl #1 on it, doesn't matter which way it sits. O2 sensors are numbered the same way, HO2S1/1 or 11 is the front sensor on bank 1 exhaust, 1/2 or 12 is the rear one. HO2S2/1 or 21 is front on bank 2 2/2 or 22 is rear.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
I'm having a big problem finding the culprit here. I've replaced both IMRC valves and the truck is still kicking out that code. Truck runs great before I replaced and after I replaced the valves, there is no noticeable difference in the performance. Can somebody help this moron out with this problem?
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 567
Likes: 1
I'm having a big problem finding the culprit here. I've replaced both IMRC valves and the truck is still kicking out that code. Truck runs great before I replaced and after I replaced the valves, there is no noticeable difference in the performance. Can somebody help this moron out with this problem?
My 2001 4.2L V6 has SIX IMRC butterfly valves, one for each cylinder, 2 long control rods which move the IMRC valves on the right & left sides of the intake, & some other structures upstream from those rods that control whether or not the butterfly valves are operated.
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Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
We went through this on a 2000 model. I'm trying to remember what we found. There is an item called an Intake Manifold Runner Control Monitor that is located on the right (passenger side) top of engine. The 2000 had two vacuum diaphrams that operated the valves. It seems it was the link retainer clips had broken on one and the other had a bad diaphram.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
Sorry, your U-tube link addressed a Windstar. According to my information, you have two position sensors at the back of your engine. It looks like your system is like the Windstar in having vacuum operated runner control valves. It sounds like possibly one or both of the position sensors are sending wrong information. Unfortunately, further testing requires a more advanced scan tool than the little hand held ones the parts stores have.
New User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
1998 ford f150
hi guys i'm new to this site hoping to get some help
my 98 ford f150 4.2 liter has a code p1537 and says the( intake manifod runner control valve) is stuck open
i checked for a leak or rotted hose in all the vacuum lines i could get.they are all good. there is a spot in the back of the intake manifold i can't get at there are 2 coolant lines and 1 vacuum line going to it. could that be where the problem is,and if it is can i bypass it or do i have to take the intake manifold off to get at it. any help would be greatly appreciated
my 98 ford f150 4.2 liter has a code p1537 and says the( intake manifod runner control valve) is stuck open
i checked for a leak or rotted hose in all the vacuum lines i could get.they are all good. there is a spot in the back of the intake manifold i can't get at there are 2 coolant lines and 1 vacuum line going to it. could that be where the problem is,and if it is can i bypass it or do i have to take the intake manifold off to get at it. any help would be greatly appreciated
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
Hey Skipper,
Maybe some info from this search will help:
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Search Results
You can also try a search for IMRC or runner control, etc.
Pretty much a vacuum operated valves. Nothing extremely high tech.
Yep. Some of what you are going to have to access is there way in back.
If you have the cast aluminum intake (can't remember but pretty sure the 98 is cast) the coolant lines can be bypassed if something goes wrong, but they feed only the intake and don't have anything to do with the IMRC.
Maybe some info from this search will help:
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Search Results
You can also try a search for IMRC or runner control, etc.
Pretty much a vacuum operated valves. Nothing extremely high tech.
Yep. Some of what you are going to have to access is there way in back.
If you have the cast aluminum intake (can't remember but pretty sure the 98 is cast) the coolant lines can be bypassed if something goes wrong, but they feed only the intake and don't have anything to do with the IMRC.
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 567
Likes: 1
my 98 ford f150 4.2 liter has a code p1537 and says the( intake manifod runner control valve) is stuck open
i checked for a leak or rotted hose in all the vacuum lines i could get.they are all good. there is a spot in the back of the intake manifold i can't get at there are 2 coolant lines and 1 vacuum line going to it. could that be where the problem is,
i checked for a leak or rotted hose in all the vacuum lines i could get.they are all good. there is a spot in the back of the intake manifold i can't get at there are 2 coolant lines and 1 vacuum line going to it. could that be where the problem is,
However GETTING TO that area, simply to see it, much less to get your hands or a tool in to replace the bushing can be very difficult.
Go here for details & pics.
https://sites.google.com/site/fordf1...rc-bushing-fix
Note: I did remove the top half of the intake manifold of my 2001 F150 4.2L last year to fix a different problem. While I was at it I intended to replace the IMRC bushing. I wasn't able to, simply couldn't work my hands into that very tiny space. However, I did not have a problem seeing the the IMRC was working just fine, I was only intending to head off a future problem. Another poster here or on some other forum stated he was able to replace the broken IMRC bushing same engine & model series without removing the top half of the manifold, but I think he was an extraterrestrial with anatomy and moves not possible to regular humans.
