• Discuss
• View
• Edit
• Rename
• History
• Attach
• Print
• Backlinks

Cleaning Boost Control Solenoid

Introduction

This article provides a procedure for cleaning your boost control solenoid. There are many reasons why you want to, or have been advised to, do this including:

• hesitation, holding back and/or misfire feeling usually between 2K → 3k RPM
• wastegate creep

3 port solenoid

Locating the boost control solenoid

The solenoid is mounted on the drivers side wing as indicated by sensor number 3 on our Sensors page.

It should look like this if it’s a 3-port solenoid (click thumbnail for larger picture). If it’s a 2 port solenoid the top port will not be there and the restrictor ‘pill’ will be in the short pipe between the turbo outlet and the small plastic ‘t’ piece.

Solenoid cleaning procedure

Note: when removing pipes please remember which ports you took them off - number them if required

Green 'test' connectors

1. If you undo the x2 10mm nuts and remove the x2 or x3 pipes (depending on which solenoid you have) but leave it electrically connected
2. Look under the dash on the drivers side and locate a pair of green 2 pin connectors like this:
3. Connect the 2 green connectors together (see pic on right) and turn the ignition on (dash lights on but engine off).
4. You should now hear the solenoid clicking and also the radiator fan(s) and fuel pump will run too - this is normal.
5. Place some clean cloth/kitchen roll under the solenoid and use clutch or carburettor cleaner to spray through the ports of the solenoid. If you have a 3 port solenoid block the uppermost port with your finger and spray cleaner through the middle port until you get clean fluid out.
6. This fluid evaporates and leaves next to no residue, however it also gets rid of any lubrication. It is a good idea to put a tiny squirt (no need for a huge soaking) of WD40 in it to keep it lubed inside.
7. Switch off the ignition, disconnect the green connectors.
8. Refit your pipes, taking care to plumb them back to the original locations and take it for a run.

Information Source - SIDC forum thread, Hesitation / Holding Back