ICV not moving by ECU

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gsa60
Started learning about 480
Posts: 99
Joined: Tue May 21, 2013 10:18 pm

ICV not moving by ECU

Post by gsa60 » Sat Nov 08, 2025 11:15 am

Hi,
My ICV is not moving anymore...
I however have tried directly shorting the pins and it moves if I apply some voltage.
Also, while removing the icv, i tested manually opening it a bit in various angles. And this is the odd part: when opened too much
The ecu would not try to close it .. when i closed it manually too much... The ecu would not try to open it.
Maybe it's jus lt the common earth pin.. but IDK

So I am guessing there is some issue with the wiring.
Does any one know wich pins of the ecu, the 3-pin icv connects to? That way i can check for continuity.

Engine : 1991 B18FTM.

Other than that. If anyone has some more ideas, let me know.
Cheers

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jamescarruthers
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2563
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:19 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: ICV not moving by ECU

Post by jamescarruthers » Mon Nov 10, 2025 12:05 pm

There are three connections. One is permanently powered, the other two are both earths that the ECU controls with a varying frequency. I am guessing one side does ‘close’ and the other ‘open’?

Nice fix: Maybe you have a broken wire on one of the earth/return wires that the ECU pulses to get the desired position? Ring out the three wires to the ECU plug?

Nasty fault: you’ve blown up the output on the ECU by probing. Hopefully not though.

The valve itself could be faulty of course. There is a mechanical limp mode which just has it sprung to a certain air hole size.
1987 Volvo 480 ES, 507274, 217 - Red (Ness)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)

Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)

User avatar
jamescarruthers
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2563
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:19 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: ICV not moving by ECU

Post by jamescarruthers » Mon Nov 10, 2025 12:22 pm

Drop me a PM with your email and I can send you the Green Book for the Turbo engine which should have all the details in for troubleshooting and hopefully fixing.
1987 Volvo 480 ES, 507274, 217 - Red (Ness)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)

Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)

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