Auto shop says I need a "vacuum junction box". What is it?

Question

Had a diagnostic test done and he said I have a vacuum block and 2 hoses are leaking on my cars driver side fire wall & the hoses and vacuum junction box needs to be replaced. Tried to get 2nd opinion this morning, but the diagnostic test at AAMCO was inconclusive- the computer didnt get a "code" from my car. What next? I cant even find "vacuum junction box" on the internet! I at least wanna see a price for one so I'll know if I'm being overcharged. Please advise me.. I'm sooo lost

Its a 99 ford taurus, but not sure of the code the computer gave

Answer 1

A vacuum junction box is a part that has a number of hose connectors on it. The main vacuum hose attaches to it and a number of other vacuum hose also connect to it.

If you have a vacuum leak, your car will run rough or poorly and some components might not work like they should (heater and air controls come to mind)

I don't believe this is a real costly item, but the diagnostic time and labor to replace might add up.

You need to find a reliable and reputable mechanic. You should not have to check the price to see if you are being overcharged.

Answer 2

A vacuum junction box would be basically a "can" that can hold a vacuum. Vacuum is generated by the motor (which is basically a big air pump). The vacuum is "stored" in the "can" and is used to control various things on the car -- usually the HVAC stuff. In a 99 Taurus, I would guess this would be a plastic part and it seems unlikely it would need replacing (unless you were in an accident or something). Could be as simple as a disconnected vacuum hose. They are usually shaped like a ball and have at least two small hoses coming off of them.

Answer 3

Vacuum box junction! What he is talking about is where all your vacuum hoses plug in. It is actually called a vacuum manifold not junction box. It should be a round cylinder looking object mounted on your fire wall with a lot of vacuum hoses plugged into it. But never heard of one being blocked before just out of normal diving. It is most likely a vacuum hose off or split and leaking.
Another problem if you drive on rough roads a lot is that your vacuum canister might have been cracked from the jarring if it is made of plastic like on most new cars. On most older cars it looks like a coffee can. But on the newer ones You can still tell it because of it's size Some are ball shaped and some are square shaped.
If your car is running rough it can also be your ERG valve that is easy to clean or replace. Some cars you can take them apart and clean them on others you have to replace them.
What is really the pits is if the vacuum leak is up under the dash. I have one like that now but I am not going to mess with it because before the leak developed I was getting 15.75 miles to the gallon. Now I am getting 18.95 miles to the gallon. With the way gas prices are If it gets to where I do not have any heating or cooling I have several vacuums pumps off turbo charged engines laying around some where. I am just going to mount one of them on it. Then if I still can't get any AC or heating I will grit my teeth and fix it.

As far as cost the best way is to check around at the local parts houses if it is a ERG valve. If it is the vacuum manifold your best bet as far as price will be go to the auto salvage yards in your area that will save you a lot of money.

Answer 4

I'd have to know the code, but if your car is a ford then I might know what block he's talking about. Did it have to do with the EGR system, If so then I do know what your problem is and how to fix it. But the make of the car and the code would certainly help.