Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0660 code has a fairly complex name, which means that it can be difficult to understand what it means. Your vehicle’s intake manifold has a flap that is controlled by the intake manifold tuning valve, which regulates the pressure within the manifold and redirects air to the correct areas within the vehicle’s engine. This code indicates that the control circuit has some kind of issue or that the valve is open and isn’t able to close.
You may also be interested in P0661 – Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error
More About the P0660 Code
This code has to do with an element of your engine that enhances general drivability and engine performance, indicating that there’s a mechanical or electrical fault within this section. If you have multiple intake manifold tuning valves, then this code will often refer to bank #1, which is generally set on the same side of the engine as cylinder #1. Remember to check the description of the P0660 code to learn more about specifics regarding this code for your vehicle’s make and model.
Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
The P0660 will generally start by turning on the check engine light, but it can cause a variety of other symptoms as well. Chief among those are issues with engine performance, including sometimes engine misfiring during the start-up and bad fuel economy. You might also tend to see issues with cold starting, both figuratively and literally; if you live in a cold area, then this code may be more impactful. Some people also notice a loud clicking noise coming from the engine bay when this code is active.
One significant cause for the P0660 code is simply a bad intake manifold runner valve, which may happen because the valve has always been defective, the valve is contaminated, or some components of the valve are broken. This valve can also be stuck open, as the name of the code indicates. Extremely cold temperatures also make it more likely that you’ll experience the P0660 code, as this code is significantly more common in cold temperatures.
The P0660 code may not seem especially serious, particularly near the beginning, but it can quickly become a much more serious issue as you allow it to continue. The longer you allow the code to stay undiagnosed and unrepaired, the more likely that you’ll experience continued damage to your vehicle as a whole. Assume that the P0660 code is generally very serious and take it in to get service from an expert.
Most experts will not recommend driving with the P0660 code. Not only does it negatively impact drivability and potentially cause damage to your engine as a whole, but also the negative impact on your fuel economy can also make it even more expensive to drive your vehicle than it would be to simply get the vehicle fixed. Don’t continue to drive with this code active; instead, take it to a repair shop so you can fix the problem and return your vehicle to its normal function.
The main problem that will arise when diagnosing the P0660 code is that it can be very confusing to do. There’s an entire list of problems that you might need to look for, including the intake manifold runner valve itself, issues with cold temperatures, the intake manifold tuning valve, and the connections between this valve and the rest of the vehicle. This may require time, energy, and tools that you just don’t have, which is why it’s so common for people to prefer that experts manage it instead.
As with diagnosis, it can be very difficult to inspect the P0660 code. This is largely because of the variety of tools and options you need to be able to inspect. Additionally, the intake manifold tuning valve is very difficult to understand for many people. It may not be something you know very much about. These are reasons that many individuals, even individuals who are otherwise comfortable with DIY, choose to hand this problem over to an expert.
The P0660 code is not a code that most DIYers are proficient at handling. Instead, many people choose to let a professional take care of this code.
The good news is that a professional will be able to understand what’s going on and find a solution. With KBB, it’s easy to find a repair shop in your area that will be able to help you with your P0660 code or any other codes that you’re experiencing.
Speaking of other codes, if your vehicle is throwing more than just the basic P0660 code, check out the KBB OBD-II database. This can be a great way to get more insight into the issues that your vehicle is dealing with.
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.