Throttle Position Sensor With Multimeter

[Mikes RAV4]

Hi everybody, I have a RAV4 1.8 Petrol 2005 (my second one of these, I love it). I am looking for some help with a problem that has just developed with it.

I have a vacuum build-up in the crankcase (Oil filler cap is being sucked into crankcase when trying to remove).

I have taken the PCV out and checked that it is working OK (it rattles and only allows air through one way), unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be anything being expelled from the crankcase.

I have checked the solenoid release valve (I think that's what it's called and that has a vacuum coming to it).

So I now think there is something wrong with the Throttle Body, unless you can point me in another direction.

Can anybody tell me how to test this possibly with a multimeter.

Many thanks to all.

[TonyHSD]

Dirty throttle body perhaps. 
You can check and clean nicely. Check and clean manifold absolute pressure sensor should be mounted near the body. Replace pcv is best option as those even test ok it might not be. Any other breather hoses for cracks etc. 

[Mikes RAV4]

Thanks for that Tony.

It does seem to appear to be a dodgy pcv valve although when testing it it rattles and you can only blow air through from the crankcase side (as it says you should).

I have had the throttle body off the car and cleaned it thoroughly. I also checked the icv valve, which appeared to be a little sticky at a certain point in turning, so I cleaned that out and oiled it. Blowing through with compressed air the 'actuator' (the bit with the tab on it) now spins very freely (could that be a cause of non-evacuation of the crankcase gases?)

While having the throttle body on the bench I checked the resistance and voltage of the throttle position sensor it appears OK.

So unless there is something else I have overlooked it definitely points to a defective PCV valve (does this work by the crankcase gasses being 'forced out' or are they 'pulled out' by a vacuum?)

If it is the latter is there some way of checking for the correct vacuum being applied?

Just noticed this evening that the air inlet manifold has an accumulation of oil, probably coming from the crankcase gasses,  so I have taken it off and have thoroughly cleaned it out ready for putting back.

I now have an assortment of everything out of the engine, I only hope I can remember where it all goes when I have solved the crankcase vacuum problem.

Do you think is there anything else I should check now that I have it all in bits on the floor?

Just one other thing the compression test on all cylinders shows they are functioning normally.

The pcv valve that I have to get is part number 12204-28020 which appears to be rarer than hens' teeth. Is there an alternative that can be used?

Many thanks for your help and advice, all the best

Mike

[Mikes RAV4]

Problem solved. Two vacuum hoses were transposed.