Loose, corroded, or damaged electrical connector at the intake manifold runner position sensor.; Chafed, broken, or intermittently shorted wiring in the sensor circuit.; Faulty intake manifold runner position sensor or switch itself.; Carbon buildup or mechanical binding in the intake manifold runner mechanism, causing erratic sensor readings.; Poor ground connection for the sensor circuit.; Failed intake manifold runner actuator (though less common, it can affect sensor signals).

DTC codes / P20xx · Fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls / P2023

P2023Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)

P2023 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an intermittent fault in the electrical circuit for the intake manifold runner position sensor or switch on bank 2. This sensor monitors the position of the intake manifold runner flaps, which adjust airflow to optimize engine performance. The intermittent nature means the signal is not consistently reliable, often due to a loose connection or wiring issue.

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.
Occasional rough idle or stumbling, especially when the engine is cold.
Hesitation or a flat spot during acceleration at certain engine speeds.
Reduced engine performance or power, sometimes felt as a lack of responsiveness.
In rare cases, the engine may enter limp mode, limiting speed and power.

Common causes, most likely first

Loose, corroded, or damaged electrical connector at the intake manifold runner position sensor.
Chafed, broken, or intermittently shorted wiring in the sensor circuit.
Faulty intake manifold runner position sensor or switch itself.
Carbon buildup or mechanical binding in the intake manifold runner mechanism, causing erratic sensor readings.
Poor ground connection for the sensor circuit.
Failed intake manifold runner actuator (though less common, it can affect sensor signals).

How to diagnose and fix it

Perform a visual inspection of the sensor connector and wiring for obvious damage, corrosion, or looseness; clean and reseat the connector.
Use a scan tool to monitor live data from the intake manifold runner position sensor while wiggling the wiring harness to identify intermittent faults.
Check the sensor's resistance and voltage output according to the manufacturer's specifications, and replace if out of range.
Inspect the intake manifold runner flaps for free movement and clean any carbon deposits that could cause binding.
Test the continuity and resistance of the sensor circuit wires from the sensor to the PCM, repairing any opens or shorts.
Verify the sensor's ground circuit and repair any high resistance or open ground.
If all electrical and mechanical checks pass, reprogram or replace the PCM as a last resort, but only after confirming the PCM is at fault.

Intermittent faults demand careful circuit testing

An intermittent code like P2023 often leaves no stored freeze-frame data, so reproducing the fault by wiggling connectors and harnesses is key to finding the root cause.
A dirty or sticking intake manifold runner mechanism can mimic a sensor failure, so always verify mechanical operation before replacing electrical parts.
The bank 2 designation means the fault is on the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1; on V6 and V8 engines, this is often the harder-to-reach bank, so access and inspect thoroughly.
This code can be set by a momentary loss of signal that lasts less than a second, so a sensor that tests good when static may still be faulty under vibration or heat.
Related codes such as P2004, P2005, P2006, P2007, or P2008 may also be present, indicating a broader issue with the intake manifold runner control system.

Can I keep driving with P2023?

You can generally continue driving with P2023, but avoid aggressive acceleration or heavy loads until the fault is repaired, as performance may be reduced and the intermittent nature could lead to unexpected stalling or limp mode.

Tools that help

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