P201E: Intake Manifold Runner Control Actuator Internal Performance (Bank 2)

P201E says the electronic flap actuator serving bank 2 has detected or caused an internal malfunction; the wires to it are not the issue. No manufacturer documents P201E publicly, and only engines with a separate smart actuator per bank can set it. On bank 1 GM lists the matching code P201D for its 2017–2018 diesels inside the group of faults that disable swirl control, but without its own thresholds, so even there the actuator decides what counts as internal. CARB asks for a functional check of every valve or flap system that alters charge motion. If P201E appears together with low supply (P201C) or circuit codes for bank 2, those come first; on its own it usually means the actuator, or a manifold with built-in actuator, must be replaced. Expect the bank 2 flaps to stay parked until the fault is gone.

Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1, so it only exists on V or boxer engines.

Symptoms

• Malfunction indicator lamp on
• Little or no change in drivability

Most likely causes

• Electronics inside the bank 2 actuator failed
• Bank 2 flaps binding and overloading the actuator
• Moisture inside the actuator housing

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Check the vacuum hoses and the connector
2. Compare the reading with other engine data while varying the engine speed.
3. Watch the actuator's movement with the scanner
4. Inspect the manifold for carbon buildup
5. Replace the actuator if it does not follow the command

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: hard
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P201E means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 0: Subsystem depends on the code range
• 1E: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P201E?

You can drive in moderation. Get it repaired soon, because a loose flap can cause major damage on some engines.

What causes code P201E?

The most common causes are: electronics inside the bank 2 actuator failed; bank 2 flaps binding and overloading the actuator; moisture inside the actuator housing.

Related codes

• P201DIntake Manifold Runner Control Actuator Internal Performance (Bank 1)
• P201CIntake Manifold Runner Control Actuator Supply Voltage Low (Bank 2)
• P200BIntake Manifold Runner Performance (Bank 2)
• P2011Intake Manifold Runner Control Circuit/Open (Bank 2)

Sources

• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.