Carbon buildup or sludge on the intake manifold runner flaps or their shafts, preventing free movement.; A failed or disconnected IMRC actuator vacuum diaphragm, electric motor, or linkage.; A faulty IMRC position sensor that incorrectly reports the runners as closed.; Damaged or disconnected wiring to the IMRC actuator or position sensor.; A stuck or failed IMRC solenoid valve (on vacuum-operated systems) that does not deliver vacuum to the actuator.; Mechanical binding or breakage of the runner flap linkage inside the intake manifold.; A restricted or clogged vacuum supply line to the IMRC system, though this more often causes a stuck-open code.

DTC codes / P20xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P2006

P2006Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed (Bank 1)

Q: What does code P2006 mean?

Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed (Bank 1). P2006 indicates that the powertrain control module commanded the intake manifold runner control (IMRC) valve to move, but the sensor feedback shows the runner flaps are stuck in the closed position on bank 1. The computer detects this by comparing the expected runner position from its command to the actual position reported by the IMRC position sensor, and it sets the code when the closed position persists longer than calibrated.

P2006 indicates that the powertrain control module commanded the intake manifold runner control (IMRC) valve to move, but the sensor feedback shows the runner flaps are stuck in the closed position on bank 1. The computer detects this by comparing the expected runner position from its command to the actual position reported by the IMRC position sensor, and it sets the code when the closed position persists longer than calibrated.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms.
Reduced engine power or sluggish acceleration, especially at higher engine speeds where the runners should open.
Poor fuel economy or a richer-than-normal exhaust smell due to restricted airflow at high load.
Rough idle or hesitation on acceleration in some vehicles, though less common.
A slight decrease in top-end power that the driver may perceive as the engine feeling 'held back'.

Common causes, most likely first

Carbon buildup or sludge on the intake manifold runner flaps or their shafts, preventing free movement.
A failed or disconnected IMRC actuator vacuum diaphragm, electric motor, or linkage.
A faulty IMRC position sensor that incorrectly reports the runners as closed.
Damaged or disconnected wiring to the IMRC actuator or position sensor.
A stuck or failed IMRC solenoid valve (on vacuum-operated systems) that does not deliver vacuum to the actuator.
Mechanical binding or breakage of the runner flap linkage inside the intake manifold.
A restricted or clogged vacuum supply line to the IMRC system, though this more often causes a stuck-open code.

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the code with a scan tool and check for any related codes in the IMRC or engine control systems.
Inspect the IMRC actuator linkage and runner flaps for free movement, looking for carbon buildup or mechanical binding.
Test the IMRC actuator operation by commanding it with a scan tool and observing whether the position sensor feedback changes accordingly.
Check the vacuum supply and solenoid operation on vacuum-actuated systems, including hoses and the solenoid filter.
Measure the resistance and signal voltage of the IMRC position sensor and compare to manufacturer specifications.
Clean carbon deposits from the intake manifold runner flaps and shafts if mechanical binding is found.
Replace the faulty IMRC actuator, position sensor, solenoid, or the entire intake manifold assembly if the internal linkage is damaged.

Carbon buildup often mimics a failed actuator

On many engines, the IMRC flaps become coked with carbon from crankcase vapors and exhaust gas recirculation, causing them to stick closed even when the actuator is fully functional.
A scan tool that can command the IMRC to open and close is essential; simply clearing the code and hoping it stays off will not fix a mechanical binding issue.
Some vehicles use a single IMRC actuator for both banks, so a P2006 on bank 1 can be caused by a problem that also affects bank 2, though a separate code may not set.
The position sensor is often integrated into the actuator assembly, so a faulty sensor may require replacing the entire actuator rather than just the sensor.
A stuck-closed runner flap can cause elevated intake manifold vacuum at high RPM, which some technicians misread as a vacuum leak; always verify runner position before condemning gaskets or hoses.

Can I keep driving with P2006?

You can generally continue driving with P2006, but avoid sustained high-speed or heavy-load driving because the closed runners restrict airflow and can cause poor performance or increased emissions. Have the fault diagnosed soon to prevent carbon buildup from worsening and to restore full engine power.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.