Stepper Motor

[Paul M]

Is there a recommended interval for cleaning the stepper motor?

Have been experiencing minor idle problems of late - nothing dramatic just the car getting a little "moody" on occasion before settling quite happily. It occurs usually at start up, revs drop then stalls or almost stalls. I know it could be a number of things but thought cleaning the stepper motor may be a start.

[sapper]

I had something similar, so i took the stepper apart, gave it a good clean then re-set it , problem gone.

[Paul M]

sapper said:

I had something similar, so i took the stepper apart, gave it a good clean then re-set it , problem gone.

I'm fairly confident with regards removal and cleaning of the stepper motor but how exactly do I re-set it?

[GreenV8S]

Paul M said:

I'm fairly confident with regards removal and cleaning of the stepper motor but how exactly do I re-set it?

You don't. The ECU resets it each time you switch the ignition off. Ignition on, ignition off, et voilà one "reset" stepper motor.

[Al 450]

I have symptoms that sound similar. Does your stepper motor make a funny clicking noise when you key off or is it just mine?

[blitzracing]

That funny noise is it retracting for the next start. Quite normal.

[Paul M]

GreenV8S said:

Paul M said:

I'm fairly confident with regards removal and cleaning of the stepper motor but how exactly do I re-set it?

You don't. The ECU resets it each time you switch the ignition off. Ignition on, ignition off, et voilà one "reset" stepper motor.

Thanks GreenV8S

I think even my limited technological know how can manage that

[Fat Boy Chim]

I have removed in the past and cleaned the "pointed end" with meths, is that it or can the unit be stripped down to clean?

[blitzracing]

You can clamp the cone sides in a vice, and then pull whilst rocking the motor, and it will slowly pull out as the motor unwinds (unless its really glued up). A bit of WD40 or like may help. You can then clean the shaft with chrome cleaner. To get it back in, you carefully screw the cone / shaft back untill it just catches its locating lug. Then reconnect it and cycle the ignition on /off, and it will pull fully home. Another method is to remove the stepper, leave it connected, but block the hole with your palm and get some one to start the engine. It will race as their is no stepper control , and the ECU will wind the cone out to try and reduce the RPM. Bit brutal, I prefer option 1.

Mark

[lifebegins@400]

cotton buds handy also for cleaning the seat etc inside the chamber once motor removed - kids gloves though to make sure you don't leave any bits of the bud inside as you're effectively working blind.

Bit of PTFE on the threads etc is good idea when replacing (as per 'Bible' advice).

As for intervals it is probably worth doing this a couple of times a year irrespective of mileage - it's such an easy quick job there's no reason not to.

Andy

[Paul M]

lifebegins@400" Target="_blank">class="forumQuoter">lifebegins@400 said:

cotton buds handy also for cleaning the seat etc inside the chamber once motor removed - kids gloves though to make sure you don't leave any bits of the bud inside as you're effectively working blind.

Bit of PTFE on the threads etc is good idea when replacing (as per 'Bible' advice).

As for intervals it is probably worth doing this a couple of times a year irrespective of mileage - it's such an easy quick job there's no reason not to.

Andy

Agreed, it was fairly straight forward - apart from starting with the wrong sized spanner
Good tip with regards using cotton buds on the chamber