Replace Cracked Intake Boots and Seal Vacuum Leaks

Safety Precautions: Ensure the engine is completely cool before starting. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts.

Tools Required: Flathead screwdriver, 6mm nut driver, replacement intake boots (upper and lower), and a smoke machine for verification.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Loosen the hose clamps securing the upper intake boot to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and the throttle body.
2. Disconnect the vacuum lines attached to the intake boots, noting their exact positions for reassembly.
3. Remove the upper intake boot and inspect the lower boot connecting to the Idle Control Valve (ICV); remove and replace both boots if cracks or rubber degradation are present.
4. Install the new intake boots, ensuring the orientation matches the original configuration and that all hose clamps are tightened securely to create an airtight seal.
5. Reattach all vacuum lines, ensuring they are firmly seated without kinks.
6. Perform a smoke test by injecting smoke into the intake system; verify that no smoke escapes from the intake boots or vacuum connections.
7. Reconnect the battery, clear the P0171 and P0174 fault codes using an OBDII scanner, and run the engine to confirm that the idle smooths out and performance is restored.