what is the easiest way to check of the DVI and AUX ports are working? will they open while the car has no load? and if anyone has a pic of the LIM that explains whats what, that would be very helpful. thank you.

99% stock 89 GXL, has the air pump connected, has a cone filter.

 

connect 12v to the respective solenoids (check the fsm) and then rev the car. It may take a bit of revs but you'll see them move. You could also run the car on the dyno and watch the actuators

 

Another way I have heard is to smear some grease on the rods of the actuators, then take the car for a spirited drive, come back and look to see if the grease has been smeared by the actuators moving. Won't tell you exactly when they move, but it will tell you if they move.

 

thanks guys, i think i may give them both a try, oh yea i know its vdi, i was a bit tired when i wrote this lol

 

The s5 actuators push the valves versus pull them in. The grease trick won't work

 

thx for the heads up, now that i know which way the open for sure i'll figure something out.

 

Good to know, I have an S4, I was checking the operating rods today, and it looks like they are moving up and down as there is no dust on them. But I'll grease them and know for sure. That front one is hard to see. What happens if they seize?
Mike

 

how easy should the valves be to pull open by hand? mine quite are hard to pull open by hand.

 

use a pair of needle nose pliers. they should be firm but not like frozen.

 

thanks for everyone's help with this, I found that my actuator on the right hand side (looking at them from the passenger side of the car) was stuck up. So I took one of my pen oilers from work and lubed the whole actuator system (piston, arms, and joints on both VDI and AUX) and now it moves a lot more easily by hand and I can definitely feel a better low end.

The oiler I got from work is a light weight oil and rust inhibitor in a tube with a needle type applicator. Looks very much like this.

 

My mistake. I have an s4 and assumed they were the same, but good to know.