2003 Ford F150 p1518 code

2003 FORD F-150
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KEVIN03
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Engine Performance problem
2003 Ford F150 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

i have a 2003 f150 4.2 l with the engine light on, code reader says p1518 ,intake manifold runner stuck open, found a ford bulletin tsb 07-16-17 describing the same symptoms. i ordered new clips for the imrc linkage. looks like i'll have to take off the complete upper intake to get to the linkage.how difficult is this. is there anything else i need to look at or replace while i have this torn down?
Jul 7, 2009 at 3:56 PM
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TOMHB
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I have a 2000 F-150 v6 that had the same code. I eventually used an inspection mirror and found that the little arm coming from the bank one vacuum actuator had fallen out of the lever that opens/closes the butterfly, on the passenger side (bank one). The clip (bushing) was gone. I could see the one on other side without the mirror, and it was fine.

I picked up a couple plastic bushing/clips ($7 ea) and took off a solenoid and another big part off the firewall, so I could carefully squeeze my left arm and hand back in to try to find the lever and actuating arm (NOT easy). Once I got myself familiar by feel with where the rod and lever were, I was able to get the bushing pushed into the hole in the lever, then pushed the rod in. It took some REAL persistence, and I wrapped my forearm in masking tape to keep from tearing it up. I did drop one clip, but luckily had bought the extra one.

The dealer (after consulting a mechanic) had quoted me at least $500 plus parts just to fix the clip, saying that the manifold would have to be removed etc. So I'm here to say it can be done, but it is NOT easy!

BTW, the clip on the driver side would be much easier to access.
Aug 3, 2009 at 7:42 PM