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.
1982 Mazda RX-7 GSL, Automatic TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Vacuum Control Solenoid Valve Signal Check
- Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Stop engine and connect tachometer to engine. Connect voltmeter to terminals of vacuum control solenoid valve (do not disconnect coupler). Place auto. trans. vehicles in "PARK", man. trans. vehicles in Neutral.
- Start engine and run at idle speed. Current should flow to solenoid terminals. If transmission is shifted into any forward or reverse gears, current should stop flowing.
- Increase engine speed to 2000 RPM. Slowly decrease engine speed from 2000 RPM and watch voltmeter. Current should begin flowing to solenoid terminals when engine speed is 1000-1200 RPM.
- Stop engine and disconnect No. 1 water temperature switch connector (located behind alternator). Connect a jumper wire between terminals of water temperature connector.
- Start engine and set engine speed at 2000 RPM with choke knob. Disconnect coupler from No. 2 water temperature switch (located on radiator). Current should stop flowing to terminal. Disconnect jumper wire and connect coupler to No. 1 water temperature switch.
- Quickly decelerate engine speed from 3000 RPM. Current should start flowing and continue to flow during deceleration and at idle speed. If valve does not respond properly to tests, replace valve.NOTE: Before replacing vacuum control solenoid valve, check auxiliary control unit, No. 2 water temperature switch, choke switch and choke relay as described in "Mazda RX7 Auxiliary Control Device," article in this section. Also check throttle sensor as described in "Mazda RX7 Deceleration Control System," article in this section.
Factory Service Tools
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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.