P200A Intake Manifold Runner Performance Bank 1

P200A Intake Manifold Runner Performance Bank 1

OBD-II DTC Datasheet

Intake Manifold Impeller Performance Bank 1

What does this mean?

This is a generic Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) applicable to many OBD-II vehicles (1996 and newer). This may include, but is not limited to, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Sprinter, Vauxhall vehicles, etc. Despite the general nature, the exact repair steps may vary depending on the model year, make, model and transmission configuration.

If your OBD II vehicle has stored the P200A code, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a problem with the intake manifold chassis control (IMRC) system. The P200A code explicitly applies to the engine group that contains cylinder number one.

The IMRC system is designed to regulate and readjust the intake air entering the engine. At lower engine speeds, air flow is limited to reduce exhaust emissions. At higher engine speeds, the IMRC flaps create a swirling effect. This helps to optimize fuel atomization and maximize engine performance.

Typically, the IMRC system consists of a series of metal baffles attached to a pivot bar that extends through the inlets of each cylinder. Typically, all flaps on one side of the engine move synchronously because they are all attached to the same pivot axis; controlled by the same drive. Each engine block has its own pivot pin, flaps, actuator, etc., which function independently of other engine blocks.

The PCM uses input from multiple engine sensors to determine the desired degree to which IMRC system components should be requested. After the PCM has applied the appropriate amount of voltage (to the correct circuit) for the desired IMRC adjustment, the engine sensor data is monitored to see if the intended effect is realized.

If the PCM detects that the IMRC system cannot be effectively controlled, a P200A code will be stored and the malfunction indicator lamp may come on.

What is the severity of this DTC?

Stored IMRC codes usually result in wide open intake flaps. The P200A should not be classified as serious, but should be remedied at the earliest opportunity.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P200A trouble code may include:

• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Reduced engine power
• Lean or rich exhaust gas codes are retained
• Oscillation on acceleration
• Stumble on idle

What are some of the common causes for the code?

Reasons for this code may include:

• Broken or worn IMRC levers or bushings
• Faulty IMRC actuator
• Broken or destroyed IMRC vacuum lines
• Vacuum supply actuator IMRC defective
• Open or short circuit in IMRC circuits or connectors
• Faulty IMRC sensor or other engine sensor / sensors

What are some steps to troubleshoot the P200A?

If Mass Air Flow (MAF), Manifold Air Pressure (MAP), or Intake Air Temperature (IAT) codes are stored, they should be cleared before attempting to diagnose the stored P200A.

If you can find a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that matches the year of manufacture, make and model of the vehicle; as well as engine displacement, stored codes, and detected symptoms can provide useful diagnostic information. To diagnose the P200A code, you will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt / ohmmeter (DVOM), a hand-held vacuum pump, and a vehicle-specific diagnostic source.

I like to start my diagnosis with a visual inspection of the IMRC system. I focus on mechanical connections, vacuum lines and hoses, and electrical harnesses and connectors. Worn or damaged IMRC hardware, bushings, or linkage must be repaired or replaced before proceeding.

I would proceed by finding the vehicle's diagnostic connector, plugging in the scanner, and retrieving all stored codes and associated freeze frame data. It is recommended that you write down this information before clearing codes, in case the code turns out to be intermittent. Once this is complete, test drive the vehicle until the PCM enters ready mode or the code is cleared. Let's assume that the code is intermittent and it will be much more difficult to diagnose if the PCM goes into ready mode. At this point, the conditions that contributed to the retention of the code may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Component test procedures (and specifications), diagnostic block diagrams, connector pinouts, and connector views are required to complete the next diagnostic step.

Key on and engine off (KOEO), use a vacuum pump to operate the IMRC system for the engine block in question. With vacuum pressure applied to the IMRC actuator, ensure that the dampers open when requested. If so, review the scanner data to ensure that the IMRC sensors (if any) are working as expected. If inconsistencies are found, check the corresponding sensor / sensors using the DVOM. I suspect sensors that do not meet manufacturer's specifications are faulty.

If all sensors and circuits are working as intended and the IMRC hardware is intact, use the DVOM to test the runner control solenoids for the corresponding circuit. Actuator solenoids that do not meet manufacturer's specifications should be considered defective.

• Suspect the PCM is out of order or experiencing a programming error only after all other possibilities have been exhausted.

Related DTC discussions

• Volvo S80 codes P200A84, P200835, P200817Hello, I am starting to feel unusual and stronger vibrations when stationary. Also the car performance is worse when accelerating. The trouble code scanner showed me three codes: ECM-P200A84 Intake Manifold Runner Performance - Bank 1 - Bus Signal/Message Malfunction - Signal Below Acceptable Range ECM-P20… 
• Kia Sportage OBD code P200AI received this code from my Kia but this forum has not reviewed it. General information on the IMRC does not cover this and I am wary of letting the dealership instruct me without my basic understanding. I don’t know: a. what is the intake manifold slider. b. where to find it. c. how difficult … 

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