P2012 code meaning
Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Low (Bank 2)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2012 means
P2012 means the ECM reads the control circuit of the bank 2 flap actuator too low, usually a short to ground in the wire or inside the actuator. Subaru is the one maker that names it publicly: on the 2017–2020 Impreza and 2018–2020 Crosstrek, including the plug-in hybrid, lubricant from the tumble generator valve actuator could leak and be drawn into the engine, after which the valve works erratically and P2009 or P2012 may set alongside the stuck codes. The TGV is part of the manifold, so the whole manifold is replaced with an updated one. No public table gives a threshold for bank 2; GM's bank 1 equivalent P2009 uses a ground resistance under 0.5 Ω or, on H-bridge drives, more than 8 A. CARB requires circuit faults of output components to be monitored continuously. Higher than expected readings are P2013, an open circuit is P2011.
P2012 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2012
- Malfunction indicator lamp on
- Erratic idle or hesitation on light throttle
Common causes of P2012
- Most likelyIntegrated tumble valve actuator leaking lubricant (Subaru Impreza/Crosstrek)
- PossibleBank 2 control wire shorted to ground
- Less likelyCorroded actuator connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Imrc actuatorIntake manifold runner harness
What each part of P2012 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 12 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2012 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P2012
What does P2012 mean?
P2012 means "Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit Low (Bank 2)". P2012 means the ECM reads the control circuit of the bank 2 flap actuator too low, usually a short to ground in the wire or inside the actuator. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2012?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P2012 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2012 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P2012 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2012 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.