Exhaust vacuum pump checks 2006 vantage

[leerandle]

I've re-fitted a valved exhaust to my 2006 vantage after having a non valved exhaust for many years. I've combined this with the remote control device to allow the loud or quiet modes. I can hear the pump starting as soon as you turn on ignition. The remote works for the first 5 minutes, but then seems to get 'stuck' in loud mode. On the basis the remote works initially but then doesn't, any ideas to potential cause of failure ? Just trying to get some advice before removing wheels, liners and possible bumper to get access and start diagnosing.

[LTP]

My first action would be to remove the remote and wire/plumb the car as it left the factory, with the engine ECU opening and closing the valves depending on "Sport" setting and RPM. Then see how it performs and if it gets "stuck" on full loud. This way you can establish whether the base system is performing as expected before you start trying to work out what the remote is up to

[john ryan]

I think there is confusion about how the system works., but here is my understanding.
Fuse 22 controls the vacuum pump and solenoid valve.
The exhaust valve is normally open (loud), and can be closed (quiet) by vacuum.
Normally the vacuum pump runs at ignition on until the vacuum reservoir is satisfied; then it switches off, and runs only when required to again draw down the reservoir.
The solenoid valve is normally closed, but can be opened by the ECU to allow vacuum to close the exhaust valve (quiet). In the closed position, the solenoid valve connects the exhaust valve actuator to atmosphere, so that it can be opened (loud) by a return spring.
If fuse 22 is pulled, the vacuum pump will not operate - hence the exhaust is loud because there is no vacuum.
A 3-way switch interrupts the solenoid earth wire to allow the solenoid valve to open (exhaust quiet) either by switched earth or ECU earth; or to leave the solenoid valve closed (no earth). I have fitted such a switch.

So, as suggested, I would try standard operation, and check for exhaust valve actuation. Or use your 3-way to check valve functionality. You might need a helper. I have done this by feel, but I think it is possible to see. One side is more accessible than the other.

Your vacuum pump appears to run. A sticking solenoid is a reported issue- maybe hot exhaust related. Exhaust valves can stick closed, again maybe related to a hot exhaust system, but unlikely to affect both valves.

Edited by john ryan on Sunday 13th July 17:21

[LTP]

I would agree with most of what john ryan says, with the exception of pointing out there are two different remote exhaust systems available. The more complex 3-way, which john ryan has and has described (allowing normal operation as per OEM; always loud; always quiet) requires a modification to the wiring harness and a switch to be fitted somewhere in the interior that the driver can access.

The simpler system, as provided by CCharger (and others) reversibly plugs into the fusebox by replacing a fuse and a relay and allows either normal OEM operation or valves open all the time (full noise at all times). These systems use (I think) Bluetooth (or similar) and are operated by buttons on a separate little remote control, so no hard-wired switch. What they do not offer is "quiet all the time". Again, there are two "flavours" of this system:

• "latching", which remembers the last setting selected
• "non-latching" (like mine) which resets at key-off, so if you want the valves open all the time you have to reselect it on the little remote every time you start the car.

typo and omission fixed

Edited by LTP on Sunday 13th July 17:27

[leerandle]

As I've got the Ccharger then maybe the valve is operating as it should. I'll put the fuse and relay back in and check the exhaust is operating as 'stock'. Then I'll install the ccharger and cross check the differences. Appreciate the responses 👍

[john ryan]

Obviously the only thing to feel/see is operation of the valves in quiet mode, which occurs roughly between 2000 and 4000 rpm under ECU control. In 'noisy' mode, nothing happens with the exhaust valves.