98 24vDOHC giving dtc code P1518

[65comet]

My 98 Sable has the 24 valve DOHC. It gave a P1518 for the Intake Manifold Runner Stuck Open (Bank 1). So I pulled off the throttle body and the IMRC and cleaned them. Disconnected the battery to clear the codes, put it back together, ran it for a couple hundred miles and get the same code again. Opened the IMRC motor box and the pulley isn't broken and the cable isn't frayed or stretched. When I start the car, the IMRC motor pulls the cable and opens the butterflies, but never lets them close again. That IMRC motor has pulled that cable pretty tight, because I can't move the butterflies closed by hand. Thought maybe a little assist would get the motor to go in the other direction. When I turn the engine off, the butterflies close correctly via the return spring, and I can move the butterfly linkage easily by hand. This wouldn't be so bad if my license plates didn't expire in 3 days and I can't get new ones without a smog test that it won't pass as long as it is giving any codes. Help needed quickly!

[rivguy]

go to the ford dealer and have the pcm update for this problem done - I know people hate the dealers on here but sometimes they aren't that bad

[65comet]

Yes, I hate having to go to the dealer. It pains me to not be able to fix my car myself. I made an appointment and will post the results so someone with the same problem will know what to expect.

[65comet]

They charged $80 just to hook it up to their computer. The IRMC had a short in the circuit board they said. Hit me for $235 for a new one. I had looked through the junk yards back on Saturday for one in case that was the problem, but a good one wasn't to be had in the 7 I checked. A new one is hopefully more reliable. Another $120 labor and they did the update that I found related to the P1518 code in a service bulletin. Probably wouldn't have done it if I hadn't mentioned it. $435 plus tax, that'll put a hole in your wallet.