V8 Vantage Exhaust Flaps

[David Ramsbotham]

Yesterday, I discovered that, in my newly acquired, pre owned car, fuse 22 has been pulled and taped to the underside of the fuse box lid. Of course, being new to the car, I have no way of knowing how long the fuse has been out.

This in it’s self is not a problem, I like the sound but I would like to know if the flap actuators still work or are siezed.

I know I could just replace the fuse but am not sure if I will be able to notice the difference, besides I like to touch and feel the physicals so to speak. So does anyone know if the actuation rods can be reached by laying on the ground at the rear of the car and, if so, is it possible to move them to and fro manually?

Many thanks, David.

[dbs2000]

Yes they can be reached from the back of the car and moved manually. (On a cold car obviously) Locate them first (from memory the driver side one is a little harder to see). Wiggle them, see if they move. Start the car and open and close the valves. You'll hear the difference even at idle.

[David Ramsbotham]

Thanks dbs2000, that’s just the sort of response I was hoping for! All I need now is a slightly warmer day to go crawling about the garage floor.
Cheers, David

[S1-NOS]

You can of course purchase a remote control for the exhaust to switch between quiet and “loud” modes.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...

I have this on my 4.3. I understand the noise difference is less noticeable on the 4.7.

[David Ramsbotham]

Certainly looks like the way to go! Did you find it as easy to fit as claimed?

[Gday2]

This unit is from Clive and dead easy to install, he is a great guy and very helpful if necessary.
Cheers
Christian

[TR-Spider]

After putting back the fuse you may want to check if the air compressor (which operates the flaps) stops working when reaching the pressure.
It can happen that some of the rubber tubes are missplaced/leaking or the valve stucks.
In that case the compressor just doesn't stop - and its not designed for continuos operation.
Its easiest to hear for the sound of the compressor (locaed behind the rear wheel) with the engine off/ignition on).

[David Ramsbotham]

Thanks for all the advice on this subject.

I have checked that the actuation rods have free movement but now want to check out compressor issue. To do this I need to replace “fuse 22”.

So looking down on the uncovered box, there appears to be 2 rows of potential positions for fuses. Can someone give me a clue where I should be looking to replace the fuse as I don’t remember seeing any numbering on the box ( maybe I haven’t looked hard enough or
do I work it out from the fuses that are there!) ?

Cheers, David.

[bogie]

Fuses are definitely labelled but you made need to use a torch and look closely to be sure you get the correct one. Assuming you are in the boot fuse box of course

depending on model year, guides on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyF82sj6TYc

[David Ramsbotham]

Reinstated fuse 22, yep was labelled as you said bogie, and started car.

Compressor kicked in and closed flaps to dampen done exhaust note and compressor cut off once flaps closed.

So despite fuse being withdrawn when new in 2007 ( by selling dealer ) everything is still functioning correctly!

Next step is to purchase the remote “loud noise “ activating kit.😁

All help from forum contributors has been greatly appreciated, thanks again, David.