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Old 23-04-2010, 04:23 AM   #1
BPZE_Tigre
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Unhappy VICS not working?

Hi guys!

I've been having problems with my BPZE lately. Normally when the engine reaches 4000rpm, you would feel the VICS kick in. But lately it's missing. The engine's running smoothly, except that one missing thing... the boost from an activating VICS.

I have searched forums, and all were pertaining to VICS screws falling off into cylinders, which were very much common in the Protege 5. The most peculiar symptom is a "clunking" sound coming from the engine, or a bucking engine. It has not happened to me, and I'm quite confused where to start looking.

Any ideas on what the problem is? Is it possible I have the same problem? Or is it possible it's because of a busted solenoid? Inputs are very much appreciated.

TIA
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Old 23-04-2010, 09:48 AM   #2
70NYD
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this is not a problem on the BP as mazda did not cheap out on manufacturing the BP like they did the FS. however if u are not feeling your vics it might be the solanoid that opens/closes them has gone perhaps??
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Old 23-04-2010, 11:36 AM   #3
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The solenoid only opens to let vacuum into the actuator to opperate the VICS. Long time ago I made a little rig with a micro switch on the VICS and a 12V lamp strapped to my wiper arm so I could see when/if it opened.
It's a long time lost now but I think it took longer to go to the shop to buy the parts than it did to construct.
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Old 23-04-2010, 12:08 PM   #4
BPZE_Tigre
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thanks for the quick reply guys! atleast now I could lessen my worries a bit.

just an update...

the old solenoid seemed busted, so I tried replacing it. I only managed to find a similar idle-up solenoid for mitsubishi-based vehicles. the VICS seems to activate on rev, although it no longer engages at 4k rpm like before. I have'nt tried test driving it yet, but i let my dad check on the tach to see on what rpm it engages.. turns on at 5.2 to 5.5k rpm. That's too much rev! Will it help if I spray a teeny weeny amount of oil to the diaphragms to soften it up? I suspect the rubbers has already hardened. It's quite hard looking for those small parts around here.

Last edited by BPZE_Tigre; 23-04-2010 at 12:15 PM.
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Old 23-04-2010, 12:40 PM   #5
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i thought it was supposed to engage at 5K anyway..
i dunno if oil will do harm or good to be honest sorry
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Old 23-04-2010, 12:54 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 70NYD View Post
i thought it was supposed to engage at 5K anyway..
i dunno if oil will do harm or good to be honest sorry
thanks sir! actually there has been different reviews from people here regarding what rpm the VICS engages. on my personal experience, it was at 3-5 to 4k. i just finished spraying silicone oil into the diaphraghms.. i hope it works.
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Old 23-04-2010, 01:47 PM   #7
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VICS came on [it doesn't kick...] at around 5500rpm in my Astina. All VICS does is divert the air through longer galleries in the intake runners to enable the engine to breath at higher rpm. It doesn't create power, it just lets Mazda tune the car for lower revs, and then let it breath more at higher revs at the same time, to achieve a broader power range. You're not meant to feel it operate the way it's designed to work on a stock engine.

If you were feeling something going on before at 4000rpm, maybe you were feeling the SVT when the engine is cold. With my Mazda2 you could feel the SVT at 3000rpm when the engine was cold. Or maybe your car had a problem [ie: making less power before 4000rpm], and now it doesn't? Even changing sparkplugs can do funny things with the way your power is delivered.

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Old 23-04-2010, 02:13 PM   #8
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I have compared my engine's performance with the other BP guys here, there is a small boost at 3.5-4.5k rpm... even in the puny B6 engines with VICS. I'll be hitting the freeway later. I'll post an update.
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Old 23-04-2010, 02:15 PM   #9
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that was my thoughts chica...VICS wont make you feel like your hitting higher torque...and you wont feel vics kick in or not...are you sure you have a issue with your vics?
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Old 23-04-2010, 02:46 PM   #10
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Tigre: VICS doesn't engage between 3500-4500rpm. It doesn't work that way. That would just be your cams coming onto efficiency more likely.

Last edited by chicaboo; 23-04-2010 at 02:49 PM.
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Old 23-04-2010, 03:03 PM   #11
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the only thing you can "feel" from vics going on (from what i can feel anyway) is a slightly louder note and a ever so slightly faster reving engine
its not vtec and its not boost hehe
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Old 23-04-2010, 03:27 PM   #12
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Quote:
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the only thing you can "feel" from vics going on (from what i can feel anyway) is a slightly louder note and a ever so slightly faster reving engine
its not vtec and its not boost hehe
dont be silly TD...
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Old 23-04-2010, 03:43 PM   #13
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im being serius i can feel a slightly different note on the intake side from around 5000+ (and when i say slightly i mean slightly)
engine seems to rev better but i think thats just in my head (and the difference in noise)
the change in intake noise i put down to the difference in the runner length
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Old 24-04-2010, 11:01 AM   #14
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I get the same effect, especially since doing the exhaust and intake mods. Powerband starts around 3, definite increased around 4.5 and the engine note changes
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