P2076 OBD-II Trouble Code: Intake Maniforld Tuning Valve Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): P2076

P2076 code definition

The P2076 diagnostic trouble code is an indication that there is a range/performance issue with the intake manifold tuning (IMT) valve position sensor/switch.

Related Trouble Codes:

• P2075 OBD-II Trouble Code: IMT Valve Pos Sensor/Switch Circuit
• P2077 OBD-II Trouble Code: IMT Valve Pos Sensor/Switch Circuit Low
• P2078 OBD-II Trouble Code: IMT Valve Pos Sensor/Switch Circuit High
• P2079 OBD-II Trouble Code: IMT Valve Pos Sensor/Switch Circuit Intermittent

What the P2076 code means

The IMT valve opens and closes in an effort to manage the flow of air through the intake manifold. The IMT valve opens during acceleration and closes when the engine is at idle. The IMT valve position sensor receives voltage readings from the mass airflow (MAF) sensor and barometric pressure sensor.

These voltage signals carry information that will instruct the IMT valve to open and/or close. The MAF sensor and barometric pressure sensor will then send voltage signals to the powertrain control module (PCM). These voltage signals carry information regarding the position of the IMT valve. If these voltage signals indicate that the IMT valve is out of position, the PCM will store the P2076 diagnostic trouble code and the Check Engine Light will come on in the dashboard.

What causes the P2076 code?

• Faulty IMT valve position sensor

• IMT valve position sensor wires that are broken, shorted, frayed, disconnected or corroded

• IMT valve position sensor connector that is disconnected or corroded

• Faulty MAF sensor

• MAF sensor wires that are broken, shorted, frayed, disconnected or corroded

• MAF sensor connector that is disconnected or corroded

• Faulty barometric pressure sensor

• Barometric pressure sensor wires that are broken, shorted, frayed, disconnected or corroded

• Barometric pressure sensor connector that is disconnected or corroded

• Carbon build up on the intake manifold tuning valve

• Intake manifold tuning valve stuck open/closed

• Faulty PCM

What are the symptoms of the P2076 code?

• Check Engine Light on

• Check Engine Light flashing

• Engine surge

• Decrease in low end engine torque

• Engine may idle rough

• MAF sensor diagnostic trouble codes stored in the PCM

• Barometric pressure sensor diagnostic trouble codes stored in the PCM

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2076 code?

• Diagnostic trouble codes should be diagnosed in the order that they appear in the PCM.

• Use an OBD-II scanner to collect any trouble codes that have been stored by the PCM. Collect any available freeze frame data as well.

• Inspect the MAF sensor wiring and connectors for frays, breaks, shorts and corrosion. Repair and/or replace as necessary.

• Inspect the barometric pressure sensor wiring and connectors for frays, breaks, shorts and corrosion. Repair and/or replace as necessary.

• Inspect the IMT valve position sensor wiring and connectors for frays, breaks, shorts, and corrosion. Repair and/or replace as necessary.

• Clear all diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM and complete a test drive to see if the P2076 trouble code comes back.

• If the P2076 diagnostic trouble code does come back, inspect the intake manifold for high carbon buildup, as this is known to be a common cause of this trouble code.

• Check the IMT valve power and voltage signal. If the IMT valve does not have a voltage signal, the IMT valve may need to be replaced.

• Clear all diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM and complete a test drive to see if the P2076 trouble code comes back.

• If the P2076 diagnostic trouble code does come back, diagnosis of the MAF sensor and barometric pressure sensor may be required.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2076 code

A common mistake that is made when diagnosing the P2076 trouble code is when the MAF sensor, barometric pressure sensor, or intake manifold tuning valve position sensor without first inspecting the intake manifold tuning valve for carbon buildup on the valve.

How serious is the P2076 code?

A diagnostic trouble code is normally considered serious when it causes driveability issues or a change in performance. The P2076 diagnostic trouble code is generally considered serious because of the damage that can be done to other engine components if not addressed in a timely manner. If the IMT valve mounting bolts fall into the engine, damage to the valves, piston, and cylinder walls is possible. This may cause engine failure and will ultimately require engine replacement. The P2076 diagnostic trouble code should be addressed immediately.

What repairs can fix the P2076 code?

• Replace faulty intake manifold tuning valve position sensor

• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, or corroded IMT valve position sensor wires

• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, or corroded IMT valve position sensor connector

• Replace faulty MAF sensor

• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, or corroded MAF sensor wires

• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, or corroded MAF sensor connector

• Replace faulty barometric pressure sensor

• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, or corroded barometric pressure sensor wires

• Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, or corroded barometric pressure sensor connectors

• Repair or replace intake manifold tuning valve that is stuck in the open or closed position

• Replace and reprogram PCM

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2076 code

Keep in mind that carbon buildup on the intake manifold tuning valve is a common cause of the P2076 diagnostic trouble code.

Immediate attention to the P2076 diagnostic trouble code is required in order to prevent engine failure due to damaged engine components.

Need help with a P2076 code?

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