Variable Air Duct (VAD) Shutter Valve Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the air cleaner case. (See INTAKE AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the vacuum hose from the VAD shutter valve actuator.
Connect a vacuum pump to the VAD shutter valve actuator.

Fig 1: Connecting Vacuum Pump To VAD Shutter Valve Actuator
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Apply vacuum and verify that the rod moves.

If the rod does not move, replace the air cleaner case.

VACUUM SPECIFICATION

Vacuum kPa {mmHg, inHg}	Rod movement
Below -10 {-75, -3.0}	Starts to move
Above -35 {-263, -10.4}	Fully pulled

Fig 2: Identifying VAD Shutter Valve Components

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.