AutoCodes – Generic – P1520

P1520 Code - Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Fault

Quick Answer

The Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) is an electrically actuated system consisting of a motorized actuator with an attaching linkage for each housing on each bank. Common causes include Faulty Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) actuator, Intake Manifold Runner Control actuator harness is open or shorted, Intake Manifold Runner Control actuator circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1520 indicates Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Fault.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) actuator, Intake Manifold Runner Control actuator harness is open or shorted, Intake Manifold Runner Control actuator circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 52,003

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 03, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P1520 Description

The Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) is an electrically actuated system consisting of a motorized actuator with an attaching linkage for each housing on each bank. The linkage attaches to the housing butterfly plate levers. Each IMRC housing is an aluminum casting with two intake air passages for each cylinder. One passage is always open, and the other is opened and closed with a butterfly valve plate. The housing uses a return spring to hold the plates closed. The motorized actuator houses internal switches to provide feedback to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), indicating linkage and plate position. Under about 3000 rpm, the vacuum solenoid will be energized. This will allow the manifold vacuum to be applied and the butterfly valve plates to stay closed. Above approximately 3000 rpm, the vacuum solenoid will be de-energized. This will allow a vacuum to vent from the actuator and the butterfly valve plates to open. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets when the signal is outside an expected calibrated range.

OBDII Code P1520 - Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Fault - AutoCodes.com — P1520 Code - Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Fault

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1520?

Faulty Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) actuator
Intake Manifold Runner Control actuator harness is open or shorted
Intake Manifold Runner Control actuator circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P1520?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1520 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1520 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1520 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1520 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P1520 Audi — Intake Manifold Changeover Valve 2 Circuit Open
P1520 BMW — Camshaft Position Actuator 'B' Bank 1
P1520 Buick — Transmission Range Switch Circuit
P1520 Cadillac — Transmission Range Switch Circuit
P1520 Chevrolet — Transmission Range Switch Circuit
P1520 Ford — Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Fault
P1520 GMC — Transmission Range Switch Circuit
P1520 Hyundai — Generator Front Terminal Malfunction
P1520 Isuzu — Commanded Versus Actual Throttle Position Correlation Small Stop Open
P1520 Lexus — Stop Lamp Switch Malfunction
P1520 Lincoln — Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Fault
P1520 Mazda — Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Fault
P1520 Mercury — Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Fault
P1520 MINI — Camshaft Position Actuator 'B' Bank 1
P1520 Subaru — Radiator Fan Relay 1 Circuit High Input
P1520 Toyota — Stop Light Switch Signal Malfunction
P1520 Volkswagen — Intake Manifold Changeover Valve 2 Circuit Open

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.