P2005 is a rare diagnostic trouble (DTC) code. It indicates that your Pontiac Grand Am’s intake manifold runner control (IMRC) on the bank 2 side is stuck open. The IMRC system is a relatively new technology, which means three things:
- This code is typically only seen on newer vehicles.
- It will only get more popular as IMRC technology is used on more and more gas engines.
- It can be prone to failure.
P2005 is a general code, which means that it has the same definition for the Pontiac Grand Am as it would any other vehicle. It is usually caused by a bad IMRC solenoid/actuator, a wiring issue, or binding butterflies on the IMRC system.
P2005 Definition: IMRC Control – Stuck Open (Bank 2)
There are three parts to the definition P2005. Understanding each of them will help you diagnose your Grand Am and clear the code a lot faster.
IMRC Control
The throttle body allows air into the intake manifold. Once the air makes its way through the intake, the IMRC fine-tunes the airflow for each particular intake runner. This action creates a swirling effect that allows for more efficient combustion.
The IMRC is controlled by your Grand Am’s powertrain control module (PCM). It can use either the engine’s vacuum or an electric motor to operate the system (depending on model year and engine type). However, the vacuum-operated version does seem to be more prevalent.
Stuck Open
The IMRC is stuck open and can no longer fine-tune the air. This may cause some unwanted effects (covered below), particularly at lower RPM levels.
Bank 2
Each cylinder head is considered to be a “Bank.” Bank 2 is the cylinder head with the second cylinder.
In this case, you do need to determine which cylinder head is bank two. That is unless you also have P2004 (which indicates that the bank 1 side is stuck open as well). If that’s the case, you should approach diagnosing your Grand Am a bit differently (explained in the diagnosis section).
P2005 Symptoms: Pontiac Grand Am
You will usually notice symptoms when your Grand Am has P2005. Usually, it’ll feel like a misfire or a rough running engine.
Here are the most common ones:
- Bad low RPM performance
- Reduced power across the board
- Check engine light. You may get a misfire or air/fuel mixture-related code. If you do, address P2005 first. It may very well clear the other codes.
- Reduced fuel economy
Pontiac Grand Am P2005 Causes + Diagnosis
Here are the most common causes of P2005.
Before doing anything, check for codes related to the MAF and MAP sensors. If one of these sensors is bad, it can cause issues with the IMRC and throw P2005. If you also have P2004, that would move the likelihood of that being the case from a 3/10 to a 5/10. If you have both codes you’ll want to concentrate on things that could affect BOTH IMRC controllers.
1. IMRC Wiring (Likely)
The wiring harness going to the IMRC and the pigtail that connects to it can cause P2005. Check your Grand Am’s wiring harness around the IMRC to ensure that it hasn’t been rubbed against anything or burnt. If it has, you’re going to need to replace or repair the wiring harness.
Make sure that the harness has the proper voltage (or voltage going to it at all). Verify that the ground is good.
2. Vacuum Leak (Vacuum Operated IMRC Only)
Most IMRC systems are vacuum controlled. Check the vacuum lines going to/from it for a leak. If there is a leak, you’ll need to replace the lines.
If the lines look worn out, brittle, or dry rotted, that could be the problem right there. You can use a vacuum pump to verify that the IMRC can still operate the butterflies.
3. Intake Manifold and Linkage (Somewhat Likely)
With your Grand Am’s IMRC disconnected, you can operate the linkage that it controls by hand. It shouldn’t give any resistance in its movement. If it does, then it’s binding in the intake. This can happen for a few reasons:
- Carbon build-up
- Intake manifold improperly torqued
On a vacuum-operated IMRC, you can control the butterfly valves with a vacuum pump (like a Mityvac).
If they open and close with no resistance, you can rule out any issue with the intake, which either leaves the IMRC actuator or something causing it not to command open or closed.
4. Bad IMRC (Very Likely)
Replacing the IMRC actuator is the most common fix for P2005. In the previous step, you checked all of the wiring going to it and ensured that it was good. So, at this point, it’s likely to be the IMRC causing P2005 in your Grand Am.
Conclusion
If your Pontiac Grand Am has P2005, it will often run noticeably rougher, but it shouldn’t break down. Still, you should fix the problem. Leaving it alone for too long can cause other issues.
If both IMRC Controllers have flashed codes, focus on checking the harness at points before they diverge. There may be a vacuum leak. Good luck!