P2079 code meaning
Intake Manifold Tuning (IMT) Valve Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2079 means
Intended for brief dropouts or jumps in the bank 1 valve feedback that come and go rather than sticking at one limit. No manufacturer documents this meaning publicly. GM's tuning valve tables stop at P2076 to P2078, and Ford's 2014 code list even assigns P2079 to an intake air system leak, an older Ford-specific text that has nothing to do with the position sensor, so scan-tool texts on Ford vehicles can differ. Per CARB, intermittent faults of an input component are covered by the circuit and rationality checks. Loose crimp contacts, a cracked connector housing or a cable that moves with engine rock are the classic sources; wiggle testing while watching the live value is the most useful check.
P2079 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2079
- Light comes and goes (manufacturer-dependent)
- Fault often not present during workshop test
Common causes of P2079
- Most likelyLoose or fretted terminals in the sensor connector
- PossibleWire broken inside the insulation, contact lost with engine movement
- Less likelyDead spot on the sensor track
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Imt position sensor
What each part of P2079 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. |
| 79 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2079 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 P2079
What does P2079 mean?
P2079 means "Intake Manifold Tuning (IMT) Valve Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1)". Intended for brief dropouts or jumps in the bank 1 valve feedback that come and go rather than sticking at one limit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2079?
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 P2079 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2079 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 P2079 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2079 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.