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P2004 on Toyota Highlander

Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Stuck Open (Bank 1)

Factory diagnostic protocol and troubleshooting wire for fault code P2004 specifically for the Toyota Highlander (2020–2026, 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid).

Verified OEM Telemetry & Field Repair Tree
Toyota Highlander2020–2026
Toyota Highlander
SUV2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid
Reliability
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
Highlander SAE Mode $01
ECU Network Bus
500 kbps CAN-FD
ISO 15765-4 Compliant
Drivability Status
Drivable (Short Trip)
Medium urgency level
Est. Repair Cost
$150 - $600 (DIY: $40 - $180)
Parts & Labor DIY
Check P2004 On Another Toyota Model:
Diagnose P2004 on Specific Highlander Model Year:

1. Symptoms of P2004 on Toyota Highlander

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid) logs fault code P2004, drivers commonly observe:

Check Engine Light on on Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid)
Sluggish low-RPM acceleration and low-end torque loss on Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid)
Engine runs fine at high highway RPMs (3,500+ RPM) on Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid)
Slightly rough idle or minor intake whistling noise on Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid)
Toyota Highlander OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Under driver steering column near kick panel. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Toyota Highlander

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Toyota Highlander point to the following failure distribution:

55%
Carbon buildup binding the intake manifold swirl flap runner plates (Toyota OEM Part)
25%
Broken plastic IMRC actuator linkage rod or vacuum diaphragm (Toyota OEM Part)
12%
Faulty electronic IMRC runner control motor / solenoid (Toyota OEM Part)
8%
Cracked vacuum line to IMRC actuator (Toyota OEM Part)
* Source: Synthesized from NHTSA ODI field repair telemetry and verified OEM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) repair tree frequency percentiles for Toyota Highlander.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for Toyota Highlander

01
Visually Inspect IMRC Actuator Linkage

Check the mechanical plastic linkage arms at the end of the intake manifold. Verify arms are not popped off or broken. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: Flashlight, Mirror
02
Test Runner Flap Movement Manually

Move the runner lever by hand. It should spring back smoothly without binding or gritty resistance. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: None
03
Test IMRC Solenoid / Actuator Motor

Command IMRC open and closed with bi-directional scan tool or check vacuum supply to diaphragm. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: OBD-II Bi-Directional Scanner or Vacuum Gauge
04
Clean Intake Manifold Carbon or Replace Actuator

Replace the broken linkage/actuator motor or remove manifold to clean heavy carbon deposits around the butterfly flaps. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: Socket Set, Carburetor Cleaner, Gasket Set
05
Clear DTCs and Verify Runner Operation

Clear trouble codes and confirm low-end acceleration is restored. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner
Recommended Parts & Testing Tools

Equipment for Diagnosing Toyota Highlander (P2004)

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Toyota Highlander OEM Replacement Sensor

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Direct-fit replacement assembly engineered to OEM tolerances for Toyota Highlander.

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Sensor Signal Voltage Meter

AstroAI Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter

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Essential for testing 0.1V–5.0V sensor reference signals, ground continuity (<0.20Ω), and harness resistance.

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BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool

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Reads and clears enhanced codes (ABS, Airbag, Transmission, Engine) & live freeze-frame telemetry on phone.

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Other Common Fault Codes on Toyota Highlander

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the Toyota Highlander:

4. Toyota Highlander P2004 FAQs

What causes code P2004 to trigger on a Toyota Highlander?

On the Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid), P2004 is most frequently caused by Carbon buildup binding the intake manifold swirl flap runner plates or Broken plastic IMRC actuator linkage rod or vacuum diaphragm.

Where is the OBD-II port located on my Toyota Highlander?

On the Toyota Highlander, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Under driver steering column near kick panel. Plug in any standard OBD-II scanner with the ignition in the ON position to read freeze-frame parameters.

Can I safely drive my Toyota Highlander with code P2004?

Yes. Low-end engine torque will feel sluggish, but vehicle is drivable. Given that P2004 carries a Medium severity rating, we advise avoiding heavy towing or aggressive throttle inputs until sensor readings are verified.