P2016 Intake manifold runner position sensor or switch signal too low (bank 1)

Intake manifold runner position sensor/switch circuit low, bank 1

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The sources read list causes and symptoms but give no driving-risk rating for this code. Rough running or power loss would make it worth a prompt check.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Have it checked soon if the engine idles rough, hesitates or loses power.

Source: how we rate severity

P2016 in short

P2016 means the engine computer sees too little voltage from the position sensor or switch that tracks the intake manifold runner flaps on bank 1. Likely causes are wiring or connector faults, a failed sensor, a stuck runner valve or a leaking vacuum line. Have it checked if the engine runs rough.

Some engines change the length of the intake runners with flaps or a valve to improve power at different speeds. A position sensor or switch tells the computer where the flaps are.

P2016 sets when that sensor circuit on bank 1 reads low. TroubleCodes.net says the fault is almost always the sensor, its wiring or a vacuum actuator rather than the inside of the manifold. Chrysler also warns not to replace the intake manifold for a short runner valve fault.

Designs differ between makers, so the service manual for the vehicle decides the exact test.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Damaged, shorted or corroded wiring or connector at the position sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both TroubleCodes.net and Kelley Blue Book list wiring and connector faults, and Ram bulletin S2308000109 traced P2016 on 2022-2023 Ram 1500 to a spread terminal at the runner valve connector.
    What would change this
    Rises if a connector pin is loose or the circuit reads shorted to ground. Falls if the wiring tests good.

  2. Failed runner position sensor or switch

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net says the code is almost always caused by the sensor or switch itself, and Kelley Blue Book lists incorrect sensor position.
    What would change this
    Rises if reference voltage is present but the signal stays low when the flap is moved. Falls if the signal changes normally.

  3. Stuck or binding runner valve, or carbon on the flaps

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both references list a binding or carbon-fouled runner valve. Chrysler bulletin 9001645 covers the short runner valve actuator for this code family.
    What would change this
    Rises if the flaps do not move freely by hand or by command. Falls if they move easily.

  4. Cracked, hardened or disconnected vacuum line or vacuum actuator

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both references list vacuum lines on vacuum-operated manifolds. It applies only where the actuator is vacuum-driven.
    What would change this
    Rises on a vacuum-driven design if a line is cracked or the actuator will not hold vacuum. Falls on an electric actuator.

  5. Engine computer fault or software

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Both references call a computer fault rare. Ram bulletin 18-103-16 is a PCM flash that names P2016, but its summary does not state what it fixes.
    What would change this
    Rises only after wiring, sensor and valve all test good. Falls otherwise.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes. Note P2015, P2017, P2008 or P1004 stored with P2016.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfOther runner codes are stored too

      It meansA shared connector or runner valve fault is likely.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP2016 is stored alone

      It meansCheck the sensor circuit first.

      Go to step 2

  2. Look over the runner sensor connector, wiring and any vacuum lines for damage, then check that the runner flaps move freely.

    Best left to a shopTool: flashlight, scan tool with actuator test if available

    Warning:The intake manifold sits on a hot engine and removing parts around it can spill fuel or break brittle plastic. Let a shop do it unless you are experienced.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Rough or fluctuating idle
  • Hesitation or power loss at some engine speeds
  • Stalling or reduced power Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Check the runner sensor connector and wiring for damage, and ask a dealer whether a bulletin applies to your VIN before replacing the intake manifold.

Parts and cost context

  • Engine control module (ECM / PCM):Sensor, wiring and valve are tested before the computer. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ram

  • 2013–2015 · 1500

    Possible — needs testing

    Ram bulletin 18-103-16 flashes the powertrain computer on 2013 to 2015 Ram 1500 and names P2016. Not verified as current.

  • 2022–2023 · 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ram S2308000109 traces P2008, P2016 and P2017 to a spread terminal on the 2022 to 2023 Ram 1500. Not verified as current.

  • 18-103-16 REV. BStatus unverified

    PCM flash: powertrain system improvements

    2013–20151500 · issued · NHTSA 10121873

    Covers selective erasing and reprogramming of the powertrain computer; the summary names P2016 among related codes.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • S2308000109Status unverified

    Check engine light with P2008, P2016, P2017, circuit F342

    2022–20231500 · issued · NHTSA 10243188

    Covers a spread terminal at the solenoid short runner valve connector on the 2022 to 2023 Ram 1500, circuit F342.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chrysler

  • 2007–2010 · 300

    Supported by vehicle data

    Chrysler 9001645 says not to replace the manifold for a short runner valve fault on these models. Not verified as current.

  • 9001645Status unverified

    Short runner valve actuator, do not replace the manifold

    2007–2010200, 300 · issued · NHTSA 10136933

    Chrysler says do not replace the intake manifold for a short runner valve fault with P1004, P2008, P2016 or P2017.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P2017Intake manifold runner position sensor signal too high (bank 1)

    Other bank Supported by vehicle data

    P2017 is the same runner sensor circuit reading high. Chrysler bulletin 9001645 lists both codes together.

All Intake manifold runner control codes

P2016 questions

Do I need a new intake manifold for P2016?

Not first. Chrysler says not to replace it for a short runner valve fault, and Ram traced one case to a spread connector terminal.

Sources and review

  1. P2016 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  2. P2016 OBD-II code — Kelley Blue Book
  3. Ram S2308000109: check engine light with P2008, P2016, P2017, circuit F342 — FCA US / NHTSA
  4. Chrysler 9001645: short runner valve (actuator) — FCA US / NHTSA
  5. Ram 18-103-16 Rev. B: powertrain control module flash — FCA US / NHTSA
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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