P2008 on 2009-2011 Audi A6 3.0L TFSI: Intake Runner Control Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2009-2011 Audi A6

On the Audi 3.0L TFSI V6 engine, the intake runner control solenoids (also called change-over valves) are located in a high-heat area directly underneath the supercharger. This constant exposure to intense heat cycles causes the internal coil of the solenoid to fail and create the 'open circuit' condition that triggers P2008. The location makes what would be a simple fix on other engines a significant, 4-6+ hour repair job, as the supercharger must be removed for access.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Reduced engine power, especially at lower RPM
• Rough or unstable idle
• Poor fuel economy
• Whistling noise from the engine bay (if a related PCV issue is also present)

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Intake Manifold Runner Control Solenoid (Bank 1) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Intake Manifold The solenoid is located under the supercharger, where high heat leads to premature failure of its internal coil, causing an open circuit.
   How to confirm: After removing the supercharger, test the solenoid's resistance with a multimeter; an open circuit (infinite resistance) or a reading outside the 25-35 Ohm range confirms failure. The part number is 037906283C. A professional scan tool can also perform an active test to command the solenoid and listen for a 'click', though this is difficult given its location.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 Intake Manifold Runner Control Solenoid. It is highly recommended to replace the Bank 2 solenoid (same part number) at the same time, along with the PCV valve, thermostat, and water pump, since the supercharger is already removed.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
2. Wiring Harness Damage 🟡 Medium Probability Engine heat can make wiring and connectors brittle over time. Rodents are also known to chew on the soy-based wiring insulation used in many modern cars. The wiring is difficult to inspect without removing the supercharger.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring leading to the IMRC solenoid for any signs of breaks, melting, or rodent damage once the supercharger is removed. Check for battery voltage (approx. 12V) on one pin of the connector with the ignition on. Check for continuity to the ECM on the signal wire.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is extremely rare. The ECM should only be considered after all other possibilities, including wiring and the solenoid itself, have been exhaustively tested and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Confirm the presence of code P2008 with an OBD-II scanner.
2. Check for any other related codes, such as P2006, P2007, or P052E, to understand the full scope of the issue.
3. Due to the part's location, direct testing requires significant disassembly. Given the high failure rate, the solenoid itself is the primary suspect.
4. A professional technician will remove the supercharger to gain access to the IMRC solenoids and other components in the engine valley.
5. Once accessed, visually inspect the wiring and connector for Bank 1's solenoid for any damage.
6. Test the solenoid itself. A multimeter can be used to check for an open circuit (infinite resistance) or a reading outside the 25-35 Ohm range across its two terminals. A good solenoid should have a specific resistance value.
7. If the solenoid and wiring are confirmed to be good, the issue could be with the ECM driver circuit, but this is highly unlikely.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Intake Manifold Runner Control Solenoid (Change-over Valve) (OEM #037906283C) — This solenoid is the most common failure point for a P2008 code due to its location and heat exposure. It is used for both Bank 1 and Bank 2.
  Trusted brands: Pierburg (often the OEM supplier), Bosch, Audi Genuine
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$50
• PCV / Crankcase Breather / Oil Separator (OEM #06E103547AH (updated part)) — CRITICAL 'while you're in there' part. The original PCV fails frequently, causing oil consumption and lean codes. It is located under the supercharger.
  Trusted brands: Audi Genuine
  OEM price range: $150-$200
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$140
• Thermostat Assembly (OEM #06E121111AL) — CRITICAL 'while you're in there' part. The plastic housing is a known weak point that fails and sticks open or closed. Located under the supercharger.
  Trusted brands: Audi Genuine, Mahle
  OEM price range: $120-$180
  Aftermarket price range: $80-$120
• Water Pump (OEM #06E121018K (updated part)) — CRITICAL 'while you're in there' part. Early versions are prone to leaks and bearing failure. Located at the front of the engine valley, it's accessed during this job.
  Trusted brands: Audi Genuine, Graf, Saleri
  OEM price range: $250-$350
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$250
• Supercharger Gasket Kit (OEM #06E198717) — Required for re-installing the supercharger after accessing the IMRC solenoid. Includes supercharger gasket, intake gaskets, and other necessary seals.
  Trusted brands: Elring, Victor Reinz, Audi Genuine
  OEM price range: $80-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P2006 — Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed, Bank 1. If the electrical circuit for the solenoid is open (P2008), the solenoid cannot activate the vacuum actuator to open the flaps, causing them to remain stuck closed, which can trigger P2006.
• P2007 — Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed, Bank 2. This indicates an issue with Bank 2 intake runners. It can appear if there's a wiring issue affecting both banks or if the flaps were misaligned during a previous repair.
• P052E — PCV Valve Malfunction. Since the PCV valve is a common failure item located under the supercharger, it is often failing at the same time as the IMRC solenoid. A failed PCV can cause various lean and idle codes.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 17-13-37 / 2030267: Addresses excessive oil consumption on the 3.0T engine by replacing the PCV valve with an updated part (06E103547H) and performing an ECM software update. Since the PCV valve is under the supercharger, this repair is often done concurrently with the P2008 fix.
• TSB 17-20-08 / TPI 2060259: Relates to PCV breather system malfunctions and noises, relevant to the 'while you're in there' PCV replacement.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The location of the IMRC solenoid under the supercharger is the primary vehicle-specific issue, turning a simple part replacement into a major labor job.
• It is a widely accepted best practice in the Audi community to replace other components located under the supercharger during this repair to save on future labor costs. These 'while you're in there' parts include the PCV valve, thermostat, and water pump.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• IMRC Solenoid (N316) Coil Resistance — expected: 25 - 35 Ohms. Failure: Infinite resistance (OL) indicates an open circuit, which directly causes P2008.
• Voltage at IMRC Solenoid Connector — expected: Approximately 12V (battery voltage) on one pin with ignition on.. Failure: No voltage suggests a wiring break or fuse issue upstream from the connector.
• Wiring Continuity from Solenoid Connector to ECM — expected: Max 1.5 Ohms. Failure: Higher resistance or an open circuit (OL) points to a break or corrosion in the wiring harness itself.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• VCDS (VAG-COM): Output Test (DTM) for Intake Manifold Runner — This allows a technician to manually command the IMRC solenoid to activate with the engine off. While access is limited, one could potentially listen for the solenoid's 'click' to verify electrical function before disassembly. It's more useful for testing the mechanical flap movement (related to P2006/P2007) once the system is confirmed to be electrically sound.
• VCDS (VAG-COM): Basic Settings - Group 142 (Bank 1) — This is not for the P2008 electrical fault itself, but it is critical if the lower intake manifold is replaced. This procedure adapts the new intake manifold runner position sensor to the ECU. Failure to perform this can lead to other codes like P2015 after the repair.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Block Ground Point — There are several ground points on the engine block. A key one for sensor and actuator circuits is often a small brown wire attached to a bolt on the oil filter housing.. A loose or corroded main engine ground can cause floating voltages and intermittent open circuit faults for various components, including the IMRC solenoid. This should be checked if wiring issues are suspected.
• Earth point, in engine compartment, left — On the front of the left longitudinal member, before the front axle.. This is a primary chassis ground point for the engine bay harness. Verifying it is clean and tight (9-10 Nm torque) is a fundamental step in diagnosing any electrical fault.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Ross-Tech Forums User (2011 Audi A4 (with a similar 2.0T engine, but the diagnostic principle for a bad connector is identical)) — P2008 and P2017 codes appeared after extensive engine work.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the intake manifold with a new unit., Replacing the intake manifold with a used, tested unit.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A bad electrical connector/pigtail for the intake manifold assembly. The fault was intermittent and only found when a friend wiggled the connector, causing the system to start working.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 06E103547 (and others like A, E, H, S) → 06E103547AH — The PCV (oil separator) assembly has gone through numerous revisions to improve reliability and address high oil consumption issues documented in TSBs. The 'AH' version is the latest recommended replacement.
  Heads up: While older versions will physically fit, installing anything other than the latest revision (e.g., 06E103547AH) is not recommended as you may inherit the original design flaws.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Premature Water Pump Failure 🔴 High — Common on early 3.0T engines (pre-2012/2013). Failure can occur as early as 50,000-70,000 miles. Later models have an improved pump design. (Ref: No specific recall, but subject of a class-action lawsuit. It is a highly recommended 'while-you're-in-there' replacement during a P2008 repair.)
• Thermostat Failure (Stuck Open/Closed) 🔴 High — Very common, often between 60,000-100,000 miles. The original plastic housing becomes brittle and fails. Sticking open (P0116) is more common, causing the engine to not reach operating temperature. Sticking closed can cause rapid overheating. (Ref: TSB 2038045/1 references related cooling system performance codes.)
• PCV Valve (Oil Separator) Failure 🟠 Medium — Common failure around 60,000-80,000 miles. The diaphragm can tear, causing a loud whistling noise, high idle, lean codes, and increased oil consumption. (Ref: TSB 17-13-37 / 2030267 addresses oil consumption by replacing the PCV with an updated part (06E103547H). TSB 17-20-08 / TPI 2060259 also relates to breather system issues.)
• DSG Mechatronic Unit Faults (S-Tronic models) 🔴 High — More prevalent on the B8 S4/S5 platform but can affect A6 models with the S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission. Issues include jerky shifts and failure, often requiring expensive replacement. Less common on the A6 which often used the Tiptronic automatic.
• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves 🟠 Medium — A characteristic of all direct-injection engines. Typically requires cleaning every 60,000-100,000 miles. Causes rough idle, misfires, and reduced performance. Does not cause P2008 but can cause P2006/P2007 if severe.
• Upper Timing Chain Cover Oil Leaks 🟡 Low — The gaskets on the upper timing chain covers, located at the rear of the engine, can leak oil over time. It's often more of a mess than a critical failure.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: Given the extreme labor cost of accessing components under the supercharger, using used parts for this repair is strongly discouraged. The risk of a used part failing prematurely far outweighs the small cost savings on the part itself. If the entire engine is being replaced with a low-mileage used unit, that is a different scenario.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 50000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a solenoid, inspect electrical pins for corrosion or damage.
• Ensure there are no cracks in the plastic housing.
• If possible, test the resistance with a multimeter before purchase; it should be between 25-35 ohms.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• PCV / Oil Separator: Aftermarket versions have a poor reputation for reliability. Given the labor to replace, using a Genuine Audi part is critical.
• Thermostat: Similar to the PCV, the labor cost justifies using a high-quality OEM or OEM-supplier (Mahle) part to ensure longevity.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Pierburg (for IMRC Solenoid - often the original supplier)
• Bosch (for IMRC Solenoid)
• Mahle (for Thermostat)
• Elring / Victor Reinz (for Gaskets)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded or 'white-box' PCV valves and thermostats sourced from online marketplaces are a significant risk.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P2006 — Intake Manifold Runner Control stuck closed (Bank 1); often caused by carbon buildup or jamming the flaps during supercharger reassembly after a P2008 repair.
• P2007 — Intake Manifold Runner Control stuck closed (Bank 2); frequently appears alongside P2008 if the mechanical flaps are obstructed.
• P052E — PCV Regulator Valve Performance; related because the PCV system is located in the same engine valley as the IMRC solenoids and often fails in similar mileage ranges.
• P0116 — Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance; often triggered when the thermostat (a common 'while you're in there' replacement) fails in the open position.

Frequently Asked Questions