P2016: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Low (Bank 1)

What it means

The IMRC position sensor signal on bank 1 reads below the lower limit. Usually a short to ground on the signal wire or a failed sensor.

At a glance

• Usually lights the check-engine light
• Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test

How it works

The intake manifold runner position sensor on bank 1 reports runner-flap position to the control module. P2016 sets when the sensor's signal falls below the expected lower limit, often because the signal wire is shorted to ground, the sensor has failed low, or a connector contact is poor.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Signal wire shorted to ground
2. Position sensor failed low
3. Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance

Symptoms

• Check-engine light
• Reduced engine power or sluggish acceleration
• Hesitation or uneven engine response

How to diagnose it

1. Record freeze-frame data and check live bank 1 runner-position data to confirm the signal is low or fixed.
2. Inspect the bank 1 sensor connector and signal wire for chafing to ground, corrosion, loose pins, or a pin pushed back in the connector.
3. Check the sensor signal wire for a short to ground and verify its continuity using the vehicle's wiring diagram.
4. Check sensor power and ground, then test the position sensor signal against the manufacturer's specification.
5. If wiring and sensor checks pass, verify that runner movement changes the reported bank 1 position before investigating the control module.

Common fixes

• Repair a bank 1 position-sensor signal wire shorted to ground.
• Clean or repair corroded or loose bank 1 sensor connector terminals.
• Replace the bank 1 position sensor if its signal remains below specification with sound wiring.
• Repair a runner linkage fault if the flaps cannot move and produce changing position feedback.

Can I keep driving?

You can usually drive gently if the engine runs smoothly, but bank 1 runner control may be limited and acceleration may be uneven. Avoid hard acceleration and stop if the engine begins misfiring or runs very poorly.