Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD1998TAURUS V6-3.0L DOHC VIN SREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSCUSTOMER INTERESTENGINE CONTROLS - MIL ON/DTC P1518 SET (IMRC)
1998 Ford Taurus V6-3.0L DOHC VIN S
Engine Controls - MIL ON/DTC P1518 Set (IMRC)
1998 Ford Taurus V6-3.0L DOHC VIN SSECTION Engine Controls - MIL ON/DTC P1518 Set (IMRC)
Article No.
02-15-3
08/05/02
DRIVEABILITY - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
(MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODE (DTC) P1518 INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER
CONTROL (IMRC) - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L
4V ENGINE ONLY
FORD:
1996 - 1999 TAURUS
MERCURY:
1996 - 1999 SABLE
ISSUE
Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0L 4V Duratec engine may exhibit a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1518, Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) stuck open, with no driveability concerns present. This may be caused by the calibration of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
ACTION
Verify condition and DTC P1518 is present. If DTC 1518 is present, check for freedom of rotational movement in the Lower Intake Manifold Plates. If the manifold plates rotate freely, reprogram the PCM. The new calibration strategy will cycle the IMRC when the vehicle speed has exceeded 40 MPH (64 KM/H) and deceleration occurs. The IMRC will cycle after every other drive cycle over 40 miles per hour. This will eliminate sludge build up in the IMRC. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Manually rotate the Manifold Lever Arm to verify that the Lower Intake Manifold Plates rotate freely. If plates do not move freely, refer to Workshop Manual Section 03-12 to service before continuing with this article.
a. If plates move freely, reprogram the PCM using the Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) or New Generation Star Tester (NGS). Refer to the PCM Calibration Information Chart shown.
b. Road test vehicle to ensure DTC 1518 has been repaired.
2. If DTC code P1518 is still present perform normal diagnostic as outlined in the appropriate PC/ED Manual and service as required.
Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal (FPS 8262 - obtainable through DOES II, 25/pkg) and list the date, dealer number, and summary of modifications performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
021503A Verify Lower 0.7 Hr.
Intake Manifold
Throttle Plates
Move Freely And
Reprogram Powertrain
Control Module Then
Verify Repair
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
12A650 42
OASIS CODES: 499000, 698298
02-15-3
08/05/02
DRIVEABILITY - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
(MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODE (DTC) P1518 INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER
CONTROL (IMRC) - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L
4V ENGINE ONLY
FORD:
1996 - 1999 TAURUS
MERCURY:
1996 - 1999 SABLE
ISSUE
Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0L 4V Duratec engine may exhibit a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1518, Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) stuck open, with no driveability concerns present. This may be caused by the calibration of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
ACTION
Verify condition and DTC P1518 is present. If DTC 1518 is present, check for freedom of rotational movement in the Lower Intake Manifold Plates. If the manifold plates rotate freely, reprogram the PCM. The new calibration strategy will cycle the IMRC when the vehicle speed has exceeded 40 MPH (64 KM/H) and deceleration occurs. The IMRC will cycle after every other drive cycle over 40 miles per hour. This will eliminate sludge build up in the IMRC. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Manually rotate the Manifold Lever Arm to verify that the Lower Intake Manifold Plates rotate freely. If plates do not move freely, refer to Workshop Manual Section 03-12 to service before continuing with this article.
a. If plates move freely, reprogram the PCM using the Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS) or New Generation Star Tester (NGS). Refer to the PCM Calibration Information Chart shown.
b. Road test vehicle to ensure DTC 1518 has been repaired.
2. If DTC code P1518 is still present perform normal diagnostic as outlined in the appropriate PC/ED Manual and service as required.
Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal (FPS 8262 - obtainable through DOES II, 25/pkg) and list the date, dealer number, and summary of modifications performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
021503A Verify Lower 0.7 Hr.
Intake Manifold
Throttle Plates
Move Freely And
Reprogram Powertrain
Control Module Then
Verify Repair
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
12A650 42
OASIS CODES: 499000, 698298
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.