P2006🔧 Air intake (intake manifold runner control)Drive with caution, fix soon

P2006: Intake Runner Control Stuck Closed Bank 1 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-24 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P2006 means

Many engines have flaps in the intake manifold, one in each cylinder's intake port, mounted on a shared shaft. An actuator (electric, or vacuum-operated through a solenoid on some models) turns the shaft to open and close them, which changes how air flows into the engine. OBD-Codes.com explains that the flaps are usually partly closed when starting and idling, to swirl the air and help the fuel mix, and fully open when you open the throttle. RepairPal describes the same system as letting more air flow at higher RPM. The engine computer watches the runner position sensor and other inputs such as the MAP (manifold pressure) sensor and intake air temperature. According to OBD-Codes.com, P2006 sets when the computer commands the flaps to move but doesn't see the expected change in manifold pressure or air temperature, and concludes the bank 1 flaps are stuck closed. On some models the light comes on only after the fault repeats over several drives. Because all the flaps share one shaft, one stuck flap can hold all of them in place.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

Not an emergency, but get it diagnosed within a reasonable time. RepairPal rates P2006 as Moderate. The engine usually keeps running, but you may notice hesitation, surging or worse fuel economy, and the check engine light can fail an emissions inspection.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. A failed intake manifold runner control actuator or actuator solenoid (RepairPal, OBD-Codes.com)
  2. Loose or binding runner flaps, including screws or rivets that come loose from the flap shaft (OBD-Codes.com)
  3. Carbon buildup on the flaps or inside the intake ports (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. Restricted vacuum lines on vacuum-operated systems (RepairPal)
  5. A bad runner position sensor or MAP sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
  6. Open or shorted wiring, or a corroded connector at the actuator solenoid (OBD-Codes.com)
  7. A failed engine computer, which is rare (RepairPal)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data and write them down, then clear the codes and test drive to see if P2006 comes back.
  2. Check for technical service bulletins for your vehicle, since many makes have known runner control problems.
  3. Inspect the runner control actuator's connector and wiring. OBD-Codes.com notes these connectors are prone to corrosion.
  4. On vacuum-operated systems, check the vacuum lines to the actuator for cracks, kinks or blockages.
  5. With the actuator disconnected from the shaft, check whether the flaps move freely. Binding usually means carbon buildup or loose flap hardware.
  6. Resistance-test the actuator solenoid and runner position sensor against your vehicle's specs, and unplug the related modules before testing circuits so you don't damage the engine computer.
  7. Be careful with small screws or rivets near the intake openings. Anything dropped into the intake can end up in the engine.

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The actuator or flaps are buried under or inside the intake manifold
  • The flaps are binding and the manifold has to come off for cleaning or replacement
  • You don't have a scan tool and multimeter to test the actuator and sensor
  • You need the light off for an inspection deadline

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Is P2006 serious?

Usually not an emergency. RepairPal rates it Moderate. The car generally keeps running, but you may get hesitation, surging and worse fuel economy, so get it diagnosed soon.

What's the difference between P2004 and P2006?

Both are bank 1 intake runner control codes. P2004 means the runners are stuck open and P2006 means they're stuck closed.

Can carbon buildup cause P2006?

Yes. OBD-Codes.com lists carbon buildup on the flaps or inside the intake ports as a cause, because it can make the flaps bind so they can't move when commanded.

Do the sources agree on P2006?

Mostly, but not completely. OBD-Codes.com says the flaps are partly closed at idle and open as you accelerate, while RepairPal simply says the runners let more air flow at higher RPM. RepairPal lists the actuator, engine computer and vacuum lines as causes, while OBD-Codes.com adds binding flaps, carbon, the position and MAP sensors, and wiring.

How much does it cost to fix P2006?

Neither source gives a repair cost. It depends on whether it's a vacuum line, an actuator or a manifold that has to come off, so get a written estimate after diagnosis.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P2006 Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed Bank 1 (Stephen Darby, ASE Certified Technician)
  2. RepairPal: P2006 Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed (rated Moderate)

Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.