P2006
Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed Bank 1P2006 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed Bank 1. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P2006 means
P2006 is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) commands the intake manifold runner control (IMRC) actuator on Bank 1 (the cylinder #1 side) to open, but feedback indicates the runners remain stuck in the closed position. The IMRC system uses motor-driven or vacuum-operated flaps inside the intake manifold to tune airflow velocity: closed at low RPM for torque, open at high RPM for peak power. When Bank 1 runners cannot open, high-RPM breathing is severely restricted.
The most frequent root cause on high-mileage engines is carbon buildup on the runner flap shafts and manifold ports, which physically prevents the flaps from rotating. This is particularly common on direct-injection petrol engines where oil vapour is recirculated through the intake without the detergent wash provided by port injection. A seized or electrically dead IMRC actuator motor or solenoid is the next most common failure, followed by broken linkage rods and vacuum line cracks on vacuum-operated designs.
In most vehicles the code triggers a steady Check Engine Light but does not immediately cause a no-start condition. Performance impact is most noticeable above 3,000 RPM — the engine feels flat, pulls weakly under load, and fuel consumption rises as the ECU attempts to compensate. Leaving the fault unrepaired can eventually cause intake manifold warping from localised heat stress and may generate secondary misfire codes if uneven cylinder filling becomes severe.
Repair complexity varies significantly by platform. On some Audi/VW VAG engines the entire lower intake manifold must be removed to access the flap shafts, while on many Ford EcoBoost and naturally aspirated V6/V8 engines the actuator is externally accessible. Carbon cleaning with intake manifold cleaner spray is often attempted first and can resolve mild cases without component replacement.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P2006 is logged.
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1
Carbon buildup on IMRC runner flap shafts and intake ports (most common on DI engines)
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2
Failed or seized IMRC actuator motor or solenoid
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3
Broken, bent, or binding IMRC linkage rod
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4
Cracked or disconnected vacuum supply line (vacuum-operated systems)
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5
Damaged or corroded IMRC actuator wiring or connector
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6
Sticking or warped runner flap due to heat distortion
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7
Faulty IMRC position sensor sending incorrect feedback
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8
PCM software fault or corrupted IMRC calibration data
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P2006
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Connect an OBD-II scanner, record all stored codes and freeze-frame data; note any accompanying misfire or MAF codes
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2
Clear codes and perform a short test drive including sustained high-RPM acceleration to confirm whether P2006 resets
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3
Visually inspect the IMRC actuator, linkage rod, and all vacuum lines on Bank 1 for cracks, binding, or disconnection
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4
With the engine off, manually attempt to move the runner flaps by hand (where accessible) to check for carbon binding or mechanical seizure
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5
Test IMRC actuator resistance and supply voltage per manufacturer specification using a multimeter; verify ground integrity
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6
Use a scan tool live-data view or command the IMRC open/close while monitoring the position sensor feedback voltage
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7
If linkage and wiring are good, remove the intake manifold and clean or replace the runner flaps and actuator assembly
Vehicles where we've handled P2006
Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P2006 coverage.
Related powertrain codes
- P2000 — NOx Adsorber Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
- P2001 — NOx Adsorber Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
- P2002 — Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
- P2003 — Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
- P2004 — Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open Bank 1
- P2005 — Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open Bank 2
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P2006 code?
Short trips at low to moderate RPM are generally safe, but sustained high-RPM driving will feel flat and fuel economy will worsen.
Will cleaning the intake manifold fix P2006?
If the cause is carbon buildup on the runner flap shafts — common on direct-injection engines — a thorough intake cleaning can resolve the fault without parts replacement.
What is the difference between P2006 and P2004?
P2004 means the runner is stuck OPEN (airflow unrestricted), while P2006 means it is stuck CLOSED (airflow blocked at high RPM).
Does P2006 only affect petrol engines?
The IMRC system exists on many petrol engines (especially multi-valve V6/V8 and turbocharged four-cylinders). Some diesel engines also have variable-geometry intake runners.
How is Bank 1 identified on a V-type engine?
Bank 1 is always the cylinder bank that contains cylinder number 1. Consult your vehicle's firing order diagram or service manual to confirm which physical bank is Bank 1.
Disabling P2006 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P2006 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
ECUs with a P2006 disable in our catalogue
Confirmed coverage from our recipe database — we support many more families. Upload your file and our identifier will match it automatically.
- Bosch EDC17CP57 verified 2 software versions
- Bosch EDC17C66 verified 1 software version
- Bosch MD1CP002 verified 1 software version
- Bosch MD1CP004 verified 1 software version
- Bosch MD1CS001 verified 1 software version
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
Got P2006 in your scan?
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