AutoCodesChevrolet – P2606 Chevrolet

P2606 Chevrolet Code - Intake Air Heater 'B' Circuit Range/Performance

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses an Intake Air Heater (IAH) to warm the incoming air for proper cylinder combustion. Common causes include Faulty Intake Air Heater (IAH) Relay, Faulty Intake Air Heater, Intake Air Heater Relay harness is open or shorted. 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
P2606 Chevrolet indicates Intake Air Heater 'B' Circuit Range/Performance.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Intake Air Heater (IAH) Relay, Faulty Intake Air Heater, Intake Air Heater Relay harness is open or shorted.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 1,390
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 19, 2019
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Code P2606 Chevrolet Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses an Intake Air Heater (IAH) to warm the incoming air for proper cylinder combustion. The ECM grounds the control coil of the IAH relay to energize the heater during cold operation. The control module will command the IAH ON when the engine coolant temperature is below 40 C (104 F). The power to the IAH heater is supplied by the battery positive voltage circuit through the IAH relay.
OBDII Code P2606 Chevrolet - Intake Air Heater 'B' Circuit Range/Performance - AutoCodes.com
P2606 Chevrolet Code - Intake Air Heater 'B' Circuit Range/Performance

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2606 Chevrolet?

  • Faulty Intake Air Heater (IAH) Relay
  • Faulty Intake Air Heater
  • Intake Air Heater Relay harness is open or shorted
  • Intake Air Heater Relay circuit poor electrical connection
  • Intake Air Heater harness is open or shorted
  • Intake Air Heater circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P2606 Chevrolet?

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 P2606 Chevrolet 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.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P2606 Chevrolet Code

1. What does the OBDII code P2606 mean for a Chevrolet?

P2606 indicates an issue with the Intake Air Heater 'B' Circuit, specifically a range or performance problem, which can affect cold-start performance.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P2606 code in a Chevrolet?

Symptoms may include difficulty starting in cold weather, reduced engine performance, increased emissions, and the Check Engine Light illuminating.

3. What causes the P2606 code in a Chevrolet?

Common causes include a faulty intake air heater, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, a malfunctioning intake air heater relay, or a failed engine control module (ECM).

4. Can I drive my Chevrolet with a P2606 code?

While the vehicle might still be drivable, ignoring the code can lead to poor cold-start performance and potential damage to other components over time.

5. How do I diagnose the P2606 code on my Chevrolet?

Diagnosis involves inspecting the intake air heater, checking for damaged wiring or connectors, testing the heater relay, and using a multimeter to verify circuit continuity.

6. How is the P2606 code fixed on a Chevrolet?

Repairs may include replacing the intake air heater, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, replacing the heater relay, or reprogramming/updating the ECM if necessary.

7. What tools are needed to fix the P2606 code on a Chevrolet?

You’ll need a diagnostic scanner, a multimeter, and possibly tools for accessing and replacing the intake air heater or related components.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P2606 code on a Chevrolet?

Repair costs can range from $100 to $600 depending on whether you need a new intake air heater, wiring repairs, or ECM reprogramming.

9. Can a dirty air filter cause the P2606 code?

No, a dirty air filter does not directly cause this code, as it relates specifically to the intake air heater circuit and not air flow restriction.

10. Will clearing the P2606 code fix the problem on a Chevrolet?

Clearing the code will turn off the Check Engine Light temporarily, but the underlying issue must be resolved to prevent the code from returning.

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