Variable Fresh Air Duct (VFAD) Actuator Inspection (13B-MSP (High Power))

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the front bumper. (See FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the vacuum hose of the VFAD actuator.
Install the vacuum pump to the VFAD actuator.

Verify that the rod moves as indicated in the table below when gradually applying a vacuum to the VFAD actuator.

If it cannot be verified, replace the fresh-air duct. (See INTAKE-AIR SYSTEM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)

Fig 1: Inspecting Actuator Variable Fresh Air Duct (VFAD)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

ROD MOVEMENT REFERENCE

Vacuum (kPa {mmHg, inHg})	Rod movement
-13 {-97.5, -3.8} or more	Starts to move
-40 {-300.0, -11.8} or less	Fully pulled
-8.7 {-65.3, -2.6} or more	Fully returned