When is 12V not 12V?//Swirl control valve solenoid

[moodyman]

I have a 2002 3.5 Pathfinder. I also have the 1130 OBD code which indicates a bad Swirl control valve circuit. My issue is this..I have 12V (checked w/ meter) on the harness going to the SCV solenoid..but the solenoid is not engaging. However when I apply 12V directly from the battery to the solenoid it engages.

I have already replaced the solenoid....

Whats wrong with the 12V harness voltage that would not permit the solenoid to engage????????

Thanks!!

[Buzzman]

Poor ground?

[Pwnin O'Brien]

If you remove the vacuum hose to the swirl control valve actuator (while applying the 12V to the solenoid with the vehicle running) do you get a vacuum (takes less than one second for vacuum to start)?

Here are some things to check:
Modified by Pwnin O'Brien at 8:46 PM 7/13/2009

[moodyman]

I'm gonna say yes..only because when I apply the battery 12V directly to the solenoid I can clearly see the arm on the swirl control valve actuator move and then move again when I remove the voltage. This doesn't happen when I reattach the harness with what appears to be 12V on it..I should also mention I have code 1131 too...

and there is only 1 detecting condition for this code...

"An improper voltage signal is sent to the ECM through swirl control valve control solenoid valve" According the the factory manual its a harness, connector, or solenoid problem. I just don't understand why the harness voltage would not trip the solenoid but direct battery voltage will...