How severe is this DTC?
A failure in the IMT system could affect energy efficiency and, in rare cases, lead to hardware entering a combustion chamber. The conditions that led to storing a P206F code should be corrected as soon as possible.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P206F fault code may include:
- Reduced energy efficiency
- Decreased engine performance
- Lean or rich exhaust codes
- No symptoms may be apparent
What are some common causes of the code?
Causes of this code may include:
- Stuck or loose IMT flaps
- Faulty IMT actuator (valve)
- Vacuum leak
- Open or shorted wiring or connectors
- Faulty PCM or PCM programming error
What are the troubleshooting steps for P206F?
A diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a source of vehicle-specific diagnostic information will be needed to diagnose a P206F code.
You can use your vehicle information source to locate a technical service bulletin (TSB) that matches the vehicle’s year, make, and model, as well as the engine size, stored codes, and symptoms presented. If you find one, it may provide useful diagnostic information.
Use the scanner (connected to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector) to retrieve all stored codes and relevant freeze frame data. It’s a good idea to note this information before clearing the codes, then test the vehicle until the PCM enters readiness mode or the code resets.
If the PCM enters readiness mode at this point, the code is intermittent and may be much harder to diagnose. If this is the case, the conditions that contributed to storing the code may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made.
If the code is immediately reset, the next step in your diagnosis will require you to search your vehicle information source for diagnostic flowcharts, connector pinout diagrams, connector face views, and component testing procedures/specifications.
Step 1
Use your vehicle diagnostic information source and the DVOM to test the voltage, ground, and signal circuits at the appropriate IMT valve.
Step 2
Use the DVOM to test the appropriate IMT valve according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Components that do not test within the maximum allowable parameters should be considered faulty.
Step 3
If the IMT valve is functional, use the DVOM to test the input and output signal circuits from the fuse panel and PCM. Disconnect all controllers before using the DVOM for testing.
Failed IMT valves, linkages, and rings are typically the cause of IMT-related codes.