Code
P201C
Generic
P — Powertrain
Intake Manifold Runner Control Actuator Supply Voltage Low Bank 2
Views:
UK: 20
EN: 27
RU: 26
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Low battery or weak charging system (low system voltage)
- Blown fuse or faulty relay that feeds the IMRC actuator circuit
- Poor or corroded connector or ground at the actuator
- Damaged, shorted or open wiring in the actuator supply or ground circuit
- Failed IMRC actuator (internal short or open)
- Faulty PCM/ECM driver circuit
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light (MIL) with stored P201C
- Reduced engine power, hesitation or poor throttle response
- Rough idle or stumble on acceleration if intake runner stuck
- Possible audible clicking from actuator or no movement when commanded
- Erratic performance under load or poor fuel economy
What to check
- Read stored/active DTCs and freeze frame with a factory-level or OBD-II scan tool
- Check battery voltage (key ON engine OFF) and charging system voltage with engine running
- Inspect fuses and relays related to IMRC/intake runners
- Visually inspect IMRC actuator connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out
- Check engine grounds near intake and battery ground strap for tightness and corrosion
- Attempt to command the IMRC actuator with a scan tool and observe movement or response
Signal parameters
- Battery bus supply nominal ~12.0–14.5 V (key ON/engine running). A supply below ~9–10 V is typically considered low for actuator circuits
- Control signal to actuator may be switched 12 V supply or PWM from PCM; expected when commanded to move
- Ground continuity to vehicle chassis/engine should be near 0 ohms; high resistance indicates a problem
- Position/feedback sensor (if present) typically reports ~0.1–4.9 V depending on position; should change when commanded
- Actuator coil/drive resistance should be within manufacturer spec (check service data) and show continuity
Diagnostic algorithm
- Capture DTCs and freeze frame. Clear codes and re-run to verify repeatability.
- Measure battery voltage with key ON (engine OFF) and engine running. If low, charge battery and test charging system before further diagnosis.
- Inspect and test related fuse(s) and relay(s). Replace any blown fuses and retest.
- Visually inspect the IMRC actuator connector(s) and wiring on bank 2 for corrosion, bent pins, damaged insulation, or pin back-out. Repair as needed.
- Backprobe the actuator supply pin with ignition ON and command the actuator using a scan tool. Verify supply voltage at the connector equals battery voltage when the PCM supplies power (or expected PWM).
- With the actuator disconnected, check for short to ground on the supply circuit and for short to battery on the ground side. Repair any short/open conditions.
- Measure continuity/resistance of actuator coil/drive motor and compare to spec. Replace actuator if out of range or open/shorted.
- Check ground path from actuator to chassis/engine using a low-resistance meter; clean/tighten grounds as required.
- If wiring and actuator check OK, perform an oscilloscope or voltage trace of the control circuit while commanding the IMRC to look for PWM, dropouts, or excessive voltage drop under load.
- If actuator and wiring are good but voltage remains low only when commanded, suspect PCM driver fault — confirm with manufacturer procedures before replacing PCM.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a drive cycle to confirm the code does not return and system operates normally.
Likely causes
- Blown fuse or poor connector/ground at IMRC actuator (most common)
- Damaged wiring (short to ground or high resistance in supply)
- Weak battery or charging system causing low system voltage
- Failed IMRC actuator
- PCM/ECM output driver fault (least common)
Fault status
Status
Intake Manifold Runner Control actuator supply voltage low — bank 2. Inspect supply, ground, wiring, fuse/relay and actuator.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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