What is this?

[windstarblues]

2000 3.8
passenger side of motor, black rectangular plastic box with two metal arms coming out of it, connected to, I think, front and back of intake manifold. both arms hook onto levers that move. It looks like the black box might be a motor? well, the front plastic clip that keeps the arm attached has broken. So with car idling moved front lever back and forth by hand, didn't seem to affect anything, and wondering what does this do and is it a big deal? to fix isn't a big deal, just replace the white plastic clip. If I knew what to ask for. Great info on this forum, been reading alot and learning alot thanks guys...

EDIT:
Found it - Intake manifold runner control rod
love this place

[wiswind]

The 1999 and newer use the electric box for the IMRC.
These tend to lose the clips as you have found on your unit.
You can buy replacement clips and reconnect the shafts to the actuator.
My '96 through '98 used a vaccum driven actuator for each bank.
These tend to develop a leak in one of the actuator diaphams, requiring the actuator be replaced......kind of $$ for a small unit.

[big white bufflo]

these clip are dealer item only and very pricey for how small they are. remove the accuator then put clip in place and linkage use needle nose to put them on the intake brakets it take alittle time but not hard

[mark_gober]

Originally Posted by big white bufflo

these clip are dealer item only and very pricey for how small they are. remove the accuator then put clip in place and linkage use needle nose to put them on the intake brakets it take alittle time but not hard

Not a dealer only item. The "help" section in the auto parts store sells them. I purchased mine from Rockauto.com for cheap. Like $4 or something.