P2017 OBD-II Trouble Code: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit High Bank1

P2017 code definition?

Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit High Bank1

What the P2017 code means

The runner position sensor, also known as the runner valve, controls the volume of air entering the intake manifold. The runner valve controls a flap in the intake manifold, which will open or close depending on the air requirements of the engine. If code P2017 sets, it indicates that the runner valve is not closing and opening as required by the Engine Control Module (ECM); the correlation between the ECM and runner valve is out of sequence.

The runner valve is essentially a second throttle body butterfly plate for the air intake system. It is designed to help optimize the air-fuel ratio (AFR) of the engine. The runner valve will open or close in order to allow the air to enter the engine faster or slower.

For example, if the the engine is increasing speed from a stopped position, the runner valve will slightly close the flaps in order for the air to enter the engine faster, which will in turn help the vehicle gain speed faster, but restrict fuel consumption. As the RPM’s increase, the engine will suck in more air and eventually, the benefits of the slightly closed flaps will hinder the engine performance instead of helping it. When this plateau happens, the flaps will open up wider.

The flaps are closed at lower speeds because the RPM is low, as is the amount of air entering the engine. The intake manifold has many big ports which take a long time to fill up because of their large size. The faster the intake manifold can fill up with air, the faster the acceleration will be, and the more economic the air-fuel ratio.

However, it is scientific fact that air can move faster through smaller spaces versus larger spaces. To take advantage of that, there were electronically controlled flaps designed into some intake manifolds to help fill up the intake manifold with air faster and to get air into the combustion chamber faster. The flaps will open or close depending on the current needs of the engine. If code P2017, sets there may be an issue with the operation of the flaps in the engine, which are controlled by the runner valve.

What causes the P2017 code?

• Dirty intake manifold
• Dirty intake manifold control valve
• Leaking intake manifold gasket(s)
• Dirty air filter
• Defective intake manifold control solenoid
• Vacuum leak
• Shorted or open electrical circuit
• Faulty ECM
• Faulty intake manifold

What are the symptoms of the P2017 code?

• Check Engine Light illumination
• Poor acceleration
• Increased fuel consumption

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2017 code?

• Removes the intake manifold and inspects it for carbon buildup and other defects

• Tests the intake manifold control solenoid with a multimeter to ensure it has adequate ground and voltage

• Uses a multimeter to measure the resistance of the intake manifold control solenoid

• Inspects the condition of the mass airflow sensor for oil or dirt

• Inspects the circuit of the intake manifold control solenoid to the ECM for opens, shorts, frayed wiring, corrosion or broken connections

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2017 code?

All too often, the ECM is assumed to be at fault. In this case the ECM is usually the last thing to be at fault. It is suggested to exhaust all probable causes before deeming the ECM faulty.

How serious is the P2017 code?

This code will usually not be very serious. I have never heard of any cases in which it was serious or severely damaging. However, keep in mind that, with a Check Engine Light illumination, you can not legally pass inspection until the cause of the light is addressed.

What repairs can fix the P2017 code?

• Replacing a faulty intake manifold control solenoid
• Thoroughly cleaning the intake manifold
• Cleaning the mass airflow sensor
• Repairing damaged wiring related to the circuit of the intake manifold runner
• Repairing an open or short related to the circuit of the intake manifold runner
• Replacing a dirty air filter
• Repairing a vacuum leak
• Repairing an intake manifold leak
• Replacing a faulty ECM

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2017 code

The leading and most likely fix for this trouble code is to clean the throttle body and intake manifold.

Need help with a P2017 code?

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