How to Troubleshoot and Fix P2017 Jeep Patriot DTC Code?

It started with your Jeep Patriot’s engine feeling a little off. Soon the check engine light came on. When you visited the repairman, he connected the OBD scanner.

And on the screen, it showed DTC P2017. So, what does this code mean, and how do you fix it?

At first glance, it seems there’s something wrong with the air-fuel metering system of your vehicle. But the code has further implications than that, which you will learn in this article.

What Does P2017 Jeep Patriot Code Mean?

A P2017 code in your Jeep Patriot indicates a problem with the Intake Manifold Runner Control position monitoring sensor in bank one.

This sensor generates a signal for the ECM on the position of the IMRC valve. The ECM analyzes the signal and adjusts the IMRC valve according to driving requirements.

Thus ensuring the engine reaches the proper air-fuel ratio for combustion. Here’s a complete breakdown,

P = The letter indicates a Powertrain issue in DTC code system.
2 = The number for Generic codes.
0 = Air-fuel metering & auxiliary emissions control system issue.
17 = Specific fault index (Here, the issue is in the IMRC position sensor circuit of the engine’s Bank 1)

P2017 Code: What Causes the Intake Manifold Runner Control Position Sensor Issue on the Jeep Patriot?

The IMRC position sensor issue can occur for various reasons. There might be a problem with the sensor itself, or the valve might malfunction.

A faulty wiring or a bad intake manifold can also give rise to the problem. Whatever the reason, you will find an illuminated check engine light and notice poor engine performance.

This will prompt you to connect the OBD scanner, which will display the P2017 code. So, consider the following reasons when you see it-

The IMRC position sensor and/or its connections are damaged
The IMRC Valve and/or Actuator have worn out
Your Jeep’s intake manifold is clogged or dirty
Leaks in the air intake system
The ECM is destroyed or has scrambled codes.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix the P2017 Jeep Patriot Code?

Solving the code P2017 on your Jeep Patriot starts with reaching a proper diagnosis. Since the IMRC position sensor’s circuitry is the most probable reason for the code, it’s the first component you should look into.

If it’s working fine, consider the IMRC itself, the air passages, or the ECM and fix it accordingly.

1. Replace a Faulty Intake Manifold Runner Control Position Sensor

The IMRC position sensor is one of the many sensors in your Jeep Patriot that helps the ECM make important decisions about fuel distribution.

The info it provides to the ECM determines how much air goes into the engine. Therefore, its malfunction will result in diminished performance.

Often the code results from a short circuit in the sensor’s wiring system. Rust and corrosion can damage the sensor’s connections to the ECM too.

Also, over time, the heat and vibration from the engine wear down the sensor.

Image Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iljsid-jblE

The damages result in inaccurate or no signal to the engine control module. As a result, the ECM cannot adjust the IMRC valve according to the engine’s needs.

This triggers your Jeep Patriot’s onboard diagnostic system to generate the P2017 code.

You will find the IMRC position sensor inside the IMRC housing. This housing rests near the throttle body on the intake manifold. Replacing the sensor requires professional intervention. It will cost you around 200$ in parts and labor.

2. Get a New Intake Manifold Runner Control Valve and Actuator

If you find that the position sensor is in good condition, consider the IMRC system to be the source of the problem.

The actuator and the IMRC valve constitute the IMRC system. The actuator is essentially an electrical motor. It receives commands from the ECM. (https://blogs.20minutos.es/)

On the other hand, the module bases this command on what the ICRM sensor told it about the valve’s position.

Following the ECM’s instructions, the actuator moves the valve to a new position. This might either permit more airflow into the engine’s cylinder.

For instance, when needed during high performance. Or, it might move the valve to cut the airflow as the vehicle slows down.

The ICRM system naturally fails with time as the actuator motor and linkages wear out from repeated use. The valve will also eventually suffer damage.

However, this can happen way before it’s due if the IMRC has to endure a lot of stress. Plus, the wiring and ECM connections of the motor can fail. A new ICRM will cost you around 200$, excluding $100 for labor.

3. Clean the Intake Manifold and Valve

If your Jeep Patriots IMRC system is still in its prime, probably a clogged intake manifold is your problem.

In this case, the build-up of dirt and debris can restrict the function of the IMRC. The valve might get stuck in one position and fail to control how much air goes into the engine.

This is often a common reason for the appearance of P2017 on OBD scanners. Because as soon as the sensors tell the ECM that the valve’s position is compromised, the module stores the trouble code.

Professionally cleaning the system might work in this case. Your technician might use a specialized solution for this purpose.

If the clogging is too bad, they might have to remove the intake manifold and valve from the Jeep patriot and clean it manually.

A dirty intake manifold puts too much stress on your IMRC and causes the parts to wear out prematurely. It also affects the engine and, subsequently, the overall longevity of your vehicle.

So, good maintenance is key. Clean the intake manifold every 30,000 miles. Also, use high-quality fuel and change your oil regularly to prevent clogging.

4. Fix Intake Manifold Leaks

If your intake manifold is clean and the code persists, the problem might be a leak. Because a leak would disturb the vacuum pressure in the air passages.

Since the IMRC relies on the vacuum to properly function, the ECM, and consequently, the code, will be triggered when the pressure falls.

Often the cause of leakage is a broken or weary intake manifold gasket. This can result from stress, time, bad maintenance, or faulty installation. You have to replace the gasket in this case.

High-quality gaskets can cost you 300$. Plus, there is labor cost. Cheaper alternatives are available, though. But they wear out fast, and frequent repairs can add up to more. A quality gasket can last up to 50,000-75,000 miles.

For minor leaks, an engine sealant can do fine. Sometimes the technician might tighten the various bolts and do a little welding where possible.

However, you must replace the intake manifold if it’s totally ridden with leaks. Usually, prime category intake manifolds come with price tags quoting 500$ and more. But they will save you from repeated visits to the mechanic.

5. Reprogram or Update your ECM

After excluding your intake manifold, valve, actuator, and their relevant connections, all that remains is the ECM.

The actuator functions according to the ECM’s signal. A faulty ECM is unable to send a correct signal.

As a result, the actuator cannot move the valve in the proper position according to driving conditions.

This will, in turn, trigger the ECM to generate code P2017 and store it in its memory for future retrieval by the OBD.

Moisture damage, heat, power spikes, corrosion, and other factors can affect the ECM and scramble its codes.

In response, the module won’t be able to process the signals it receives from the position sensor. At the same time, it would send out the wrong commands to the IMRC system.

Reprogramming or updating the ECM can solve your issue. But if the module is completely destroyed, you must install a new one. Including labor costs, installing a new ECM will cost you around 800$.

FAQs.

Hopefully, the above discussion was able to shed some light on fixing the Jeep Patriot P2017 trouble code. But you may still have some queries. Feel free to ask here.

Can you drive a Jeep Patriot with the P2017 code?

A P2017 won’t prevent you from driving the vehicle. However, if the air-fuel mixture is off its ratio, you will experience affected engine performance. Also, the illuminated check engine light can get you in trouble with the law.

How much does it cost to fix Jeep Patriot P2017 code?

Simple inspection and repairs (connections and circuits) will keep costs around or below 150$. Expect to spend between 200-300$ if you replace components of the IMRC system (valves and sensor). The other repairs will put you down for more than 500$.

How does the intake manifold runner control position sensor work?

A target on the IMRC valve triggers the sensor when passing by it. As a result, the sensor sends a signal to the ECM, which it analyzes to learn about the IMRC valve’s position. In response, it sends an appropriate command to the actuator.

Conclusion

There is no way you should ignore a P2017 Jeep Patriot code. Some drivers tend to do that as the code doesn’t possess an immediate risk to drive.

However, if you don’t solve the cause of the code (a faulty IMRC or other), you will do severe, long-lasting damage to your engine.