P2076: The position sensor on the intake manifold air control (tuning) valve is giving a reading outside the expected range
Intake manifold tuning valve position sensor range/performance
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
The sources describe the fault but give no severity guidance. Owners with this code on Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze report the engine shutting off at a stop, so treat a stall as a reason to get it checked.
It gets more serious if:
- Inspect soon: Have it checked soon if the engine stalls or shuts off at a stop, as a Sonic owner reports.
P2076 in short
P2076 means the position sensor on the intake manifold tuning valve, which switches the intake runners for power or economy, reports a reading out of range. Wiring or the sensor is the usual cause. Some owners clear it by cleaning the sensor, but it can return. Get it checked if the engine stalls.
Some engines change the length of the intake runners with a valve, called an intake manifold air control or tuning valve. A position sensor tells the computer where the valve is.
P2076 is set when that position reading is outside what the computer expects for the valve's commanded position. TroubleCodes.net lists wiring and the position sensor or switch as the probable causes.
One reader says cleaning the sensor on the intake tube cleared the code, but it returned after two cleanings, which suggests the sensor may need replacement.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Intake valve position sensor or switch
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net names the position sensor or switch as a probable cause, and the code is about that sensor's reading.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor reading does not follow the valve moving on a scan tool, or cleaning only helps briefly. Falls if the reading tracks the commanded position.
Cause 2: Wiring or connector to the position sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Wiring is the other cause TroubleCodes.net lists.
- What would change this
- Rises if the connector is loose, corroded or the harness is damaged. Falls if the circuit tests normal.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Look at the intake valve actuator and its sensor connector for damage, loose fit or contamination, and read live position data if the scan tool supports it.
IfThe reading does not follow the commanded position
It meansThe sensor or its mechanism is suspect.
IfThe connector or harness is damaged or loose
It meansRepair the wiring and recheck.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Engine shuts off at a stop in some reports Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
Step 1: With the engine off and cool, check that the sensor connector on the intake is fully seated and undamaged.
On your vehicle
We don't have reviewed vehicle-specific evidence for P2076 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P2076 yet.
P2076 questions
Can I clean the sensor to clear P2076?
One reader reports that cleaning the sensor cleared the code twice before it came back, so cleaning may only be temporary.
Sources and review
- P2076 trouble code page
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11405169: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11383134: 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11417895: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error