IMRC troubles

I've read alot about the IMRC troubles, but still havent been able to get rid of it. I got a code P1538.

I checked both IMRC's and both are moving as they should, forward and backward. So, I cleared the code, but am sure it will come back.

There isn't a vacuum leak before this or the actuators wouldn't work properly, right? There has been alot of talk about this sort of thing. Any new answers come about?

If you have a 1996 through 1998 3.8L, then you have the vaccum version.
Double check the vaccum connections and the electrical connections.
It is possible that one of the actuators is getting weak......or starting to leak.
In that case.....I would wait until the problem becomes more solid....so that you can troubleshoot to find out which one is leaking.
1 can leak and cause the other one to not work.......and they are too expensive to just throw one in on a guess.
They are different......for right bank (rear) and for left bank (front), so you cannot buy 1 and try it in both positions.

If they fail.....you can unplug the vaccum line from 1 actuator and quickly put a finger over that vaccum line....and see if the other one works.
If not.....then the one still connected is the problem.
If it works.....plug the vaccum line back in......and repeat the process with the other actuator.

However, these test instructions are only going to help if you have a solid failure......

Thanks for the tips.

When I first looked at it, the IMRC's were a tad sticky by the base rod going into the intake, so I used some penetrant around that area into the intake and they move freely now. The code was still there, but I din't know if I needed to clear it or not, so I did anyway. Codes cleared. IMRC's move freely and pin themselves all the way on to the stops at idle. I did unhook the vacuum from each while it was running. However, I didn't look at the opposite one, i looked at the one I unhooked and it worked fine. Both did. I plugged the vacuum hole with my finger and they both maintained vacuum.

I'm hoping that they were just sticky and that caused the code. But if the code does come back, does it mean I have to change them?

Try this test,with the engine running remove the vacuum hose from one of the control valves,touch it to your tounge,if you can feel the suction great. turn off the motor, and using a piece of windshield washer hose attached to the same valve,suck on it,if the valve moves the control arm its good,if it doesn't move and you can feel the valve leaking,it needs to be replaced..I have replaced both on my 98 3.8.
Bob in Wichita

All good advice. Tricky little expensive things these are. Thanks.