Intake manifold runner control stuck open is a trouble code that is generic. This means it applies to every vehicle made from 1996 till date, particularly those equipped with the OBD-II system. This trouble code is commonly found among manufacturers of vehicles such as Dodge, Mercedes Benz, Mazda, ford, jeep, and so on. Even though this code is generic, the definition, troubleshooting and repair specification varies from one vehicle model and maker to another.
According to mechanic faq website, intake manifold runner control stuck open can be defined with the code P2004. It means that the intake manifold runner control or IMRC is stuck in the open position in bank 1.
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Defining ‘intake manifold runner control stuck open’
The engine control module, ECM which is also known as the powertrain control module in some other vehicles feeds the IMRC with information pertaining the present driving condition which the IRMC use in regulating the amount of airflow allowed into the intake system.
Regulating intake airflow keeps check on harmful emission, improves the mixture of air and fuel and improves the efficiency of the fuel of the vehicle.
Component of the ‘intake manifold runner stuck open’
The IMRC is composed of the following part which include;
- Vacuum actuator
- Electric solenoid
- Linkage rod in connection with the intake
- Butterfly valve plates
- Return springs keeping open the butterfly valves
- Air passage to cylinders
The error code P2004 is normally stored when the IMRC actuator for engine bank 1 is stuck in the open position and is detected by the ECM.
Bank 1 means the occurrence of the problem is in the bank of the engine containing cylinder number one.
Signs and symptoms of IMRC
The error code gets the check engine light activated and it registers the code to the memory system of the vehicle, just as it is with other error codes too.
Other signs to watch out for in detecting the IMRC includes an increase in the consumption of fuel, decrease in the torque of the engine and a rough running. The engine may sputter or surge in other occasions also.
Causes of IMRC
A lot of factors could go wrong with IMRC because it has a lot of component involved in it. The possible factors that causes this code include;
- Shorted or open IMRC solenoid
- IMRC solenoid that is defective
- IMRC solenoid corrosion
- Frayed, broken or short wires in the IMRC solenoid
- Loose or broken butterfly plate valve screw in the IMRC solenoid
- EGR valve, MAF sensor and BARO sensor trouble code stored in the ECM
- Buildup of carbon in the butterfly valve plate of the IMRC
- Dirt trapped in the vacuum control solenoid
How to check the error code
An OBD-II scanner is required in checking the error code P2004, just as the other error codes. Technicians working on it will retrieve the freeze frame data and other codes stored in the ECM. If other trouble codes are found to be present, such codes should be checked and repaired first before going ahead to the repair of the error code P2004.
- The wirings of the IMRC should then be inspected thoroughly for broken, frayed or short wires. The fault in the wires should then be taken care of.
- The solenoid of the IMRC is then inspected for signs of corrosions and damage which should be repaired or replaced when necessary.
- The hoses and lines of the vacuum should be checked for fault next and then fixed or replaced.
- Check the butterfly valve plates of the IMRC and make sure it is properly connected.
- In the EGR valve, check for signs of carbon build up and fix it. Carbon build up can also cause a defective IMRC solenoid
- Clear the codes away and make a retest on the vehicle for the error code P2004 then use the scan tool to test the IMRC solenoid.
- Using the scanner, open the IMRC solenoid and close if it to check its response. The solenoid must be replaced if it does not respond to the scanner.
How to fix the error code
Even though IMRC is complex and it has a lot of factors causing the error code, repairing it is not tedious. The IMRC should be thoroughly checked and diagnosed so that a very efficient repair will be gotten.
The most common repairs in the IMRC include;
- Repairing or replacing the IMRC solenoid wiring which is broken, frayed or shortened
- Replacing the IMRC solenoid
- Fixing or getting a replace for the shorted or open IMRC solenoid circuitry
- Repairing or replacing the IMRC valve plate hardware and the valve plate
- Thorough repair of the MAF sensor, EGR valve and BARO trouble codes if found to be faulty.
- Replacing or repairing the damaged or loosed vacuum lines and hoses
- Repair or replacement of the IMRC solenoid connector if corroded
Error P2004 can cause a serious damage or a failure to the engine of a vehicle if the butterfly valve plate hardware gets loosed and falls into the engine. It is essential to carry out a thorough inspection as soon as this code is detected and get it fixed.