The Catera multi-ram system uses variable air induction tuning in order to achieve maximum performance and efficiency over the entire operating range of the engine. The system consists of two main parts: the plenum switchover valve and the intake resonance switchover valve. The engine control module (ECM) controls two solenoids that apply vacuum to each of the valve actuators. When the ECM commands the solenoid ON, vacuum is supplied to that actuator, causing the valve to open or close. Vacuum is supplied to each of the solenoids from a vacuum reservoir located near the intake air duct. The reservoir is required to maintain the vacuum supply during extended acceleration conditions. The intake manifold contains the intake plenum switchover valve. This vacuum operated valve is a moveable divider that changes the airflow characteristics of the intake manifold. The second part of the multi-ram system is the intake resonance switchover valve. This vacuum operated valve is located in the air intake duct assembly. This is a moveable divider that changes the tuning of the air intake system. By opening and closing these valves independently, in different combinations, four different air flow configurations can be created, each optimizing a set of engine operating conditions.
Both solenoid valves are supplied switched battery power from the engine controls power relay. Both solenoid valves have a control circuit to the ECM. The ECM controls a valve by grounding the control circuit. If a fault is detected with either of the solenoid valve control circuits, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will set.
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
The solenoid valve control circuits must be diagnosed first, if DTC P1112 or P1113 is set.
This step is to confirm that the valve inside the housing is moving correctly and is not loose or damaged in any way.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||||
Is DTC P1112 or P1113 set? | -- | Go to Step 3 | ||||||||
3 | Visually inspect the system for the following conditions and repair as necessary:
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 4 | ||||||
4 |
Do both valves operate? | -- | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 6 | ||||||
Do both valves operate properly? | -- | System OK | Go to Step 12 | |||||||
6 |
Is vacuum present at either actuator? | -- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 7 | ||||||
7 |
Is the vacuum above the specified value? | 33 kPa (10 in Hg) | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 8 | ||||||
8 |
Is the vacuum above the specified value? | 33 kPa (10 in Hg) | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 10 | ||||||
9 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 11 | ||||||
10 | Repair the leak or restriction in one of the following components of the vacuum supply system:
Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||
11 | Replace the affected solenoid. Refer to Intake Plenum Switchover Solenoid Replacement or Intake Resonance Switchover Solenoid Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||
12 | Replace the affected valve actuator assembly. Refer to Intake Plenum Switchover Valve Replacement or Intake Resonance Switchover Valve Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 13 | -- | ||||||
13 |
Do both valves operate? | -- | System OK | Go to Step 2 |