Worried you might overpay for your intake manifold runner control replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your intake manifold runner control replacement.

Get Fair Repair Cost Estimate

No spam

Compare shops near you

Always know how much you should pay

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace an intake manifold runner control?
Where can I get my intake manifold runner control valve replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my intake manifold runner control?
What happens if I don’t replace a bad intake manifold runner control?
What is an intake manifold runner control?
What are the symptoms of a bad intake manifold runner control?
Is replacing an IMRC yourself easy?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

Load full table of contents

How much does it cost to replace an intake manifold runner control?

You can expect an average total replacement cost of $250 to $600 for an intake manifold runner control replacement, with $150 to $300 for parts and $100 to $300 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle and whether the engine is still under warranty.

How long does it take to replace an intake manifold runner control? In general, it takes around one to three hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for my intake manifold runner control replacement and how much do those parts cost?

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s the main thing you need:

Intake manifold runner control solenoid valve: The IMRC valve, also known as an actuator, is kept in place by the intake manifold gasket. It’s responsible for controlling the movement of the intake manifold runners, which adjust the airflow into the engine for optimal performance at different RPMs. On its own, it can cost anywhere from $50 to $200.

Coolant: It's important to have enough coolant ready to refill the cooling system after the IMRC replacement, as some systems may be connected to the engine's cooling system. On average, coolant costs between $10 and $25.

You can purchase intake manifold runner control parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three brands we recommend for intake manifold runner parts are Dorman, ACDelco, and Mopar. However, the best parts and brands for your vehicle’s intake manifold runner control replacement will vary depending on its year, make, and model.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket intake manifold runner control?

When choosing between OEM or aftermarket options for a new intake manifold runner control, it might be best to go the OEM route. While OEM units might be costlier, they typically last longer and offer more reliability compared to their cheaper aftermarket parts.

Where can I buy an intake manifold runner control replacement?

You can find intake manifold runner controls at body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as on Amazon. You may also be able to purchase the part directly from your vehicle’s manufacturer—automakers like Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet often sell parts online.

Before you purchase parts, however, check your owner’s manual to make sure the part you’re purchasing is compatible with your vehicle.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my intake manifold runner control valve replaced?

Finding a trustworthy auto shop can be challenging, especially for first-time car repairs. Jerry's

GarageGuard™

eases the process by comparing prices from over 2,500 reputable auto repair shops nationwide.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ utilizes actual hourly labor rates to provide fair price estimates, including potential extras like diagnostic fees. Real customer reviews help you make confident decisions when selecting the best shop.

Explore our vetted shops listed below and download the app to compare automotive repair quotes in your local area.

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Intake Manifold Runner Control Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$195

(Parts - $155, Labor - $40)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (212) 265-3120

184 Reviews

Tunex Complete Car Care - West Valley/Hunter

2733, 3549 S 5600 W, Salt Lake City, UT

Intake Manifold Runner Control Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$183

(Parts - $155, Labor - $28)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$95

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (801) 982-9476

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Intake Manifold Runner Control Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$176

(Parts - $155, Labor - $21)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

154 Reviews

61 Auto Center

1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA

Intake Manifold Runner Control Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$168

(Parts - $155, Labor - $13)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$70

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 370-7224

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my intake manifold runner control?

When a mechanic replaces a intake manifold runner control, they will normally follow these steps:

Perform a diagnostic test to investigate your car’s overall airflow

Extract the engine trim cover from the engine

Remove the faulty IMRC

Install the new IMRC

Reinstall the engine trim covers

Examine the engine to ensure the safety of the new equipment

Keep in mind: The intake manifold runner control is rarely, if ever, inspected during normal maintenance. Ask your mechanic to give it an extra look if you’re concerned you have an issue.

What happens if I don’t replace a bad intake manifold runner control?

When the "butterfly," a crucial valve in the air intake process, fails to open or close, it requires an intake manifold control replacement.

Left ignored, a bad IMRC can lead to significant engine damage, causing reduced performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and rough idling and stalling. It will also typically trigger the check engine light. Prompt replacement is essential to prevent further damage and keep your vehicle performing optimally.

What is an intake manifold runner control?

The intake manifold runner control is a vital engine management component commonly found in newer cars. It’s typically a motorized or vacuum-actuated unit connected to the intake manifold, responsible for regulating the opening and closing of butterfly valves within the intake manifold runners. Together, these components work to modulate your car’s air-fuel mixture to increase performance.

What are the symptoms of a bad intake manifold runner control?

There are the key symptoms to look for when evaluating the health of your intake manifold runner control:

Noticeably diminished engine performance

Increased fuel consumption—this can be harder to determine and is often also attributed to a variety of other causes

An illuminated check engine light—this will alert you that something is wrong and you should see a mechanic for an inspection

Engine sputtering or misfiring

How often do you need to replace an intake manifold runner control?

Similar to other controls and switches in a vehicle, the IMRC is designed to last the lifetime of the car. That being said, over time, repeated exposure to hot and humid conditions can cause the IMRC to malfunction.

Is replacing an IMRC yourself easy?

Although replacing an IMRC yourself isn’t the trickiest job, you should be confident in your auto repair and DIY skills. For the average driver, it’s best to let a certified mechanic diagnose and fix the problem.

Explore Popular Repair Services

Shift Interlock Solenoid Replacement Cost Estimate

Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement Cost Estimate

Power Seat Switch Repair Cost Estimate

Reset Indicator Lights Cost Estimate

Clutch Master Cylinder Replacement Cost Estimate

Starter Solenoid Replacement Cost Estimate

FAQs

Can I drive with a bad IMRC?

Yes, you can technically drive with a bad IMRC, but it’s not recommended to do so for an extended period. While your car may still be operational with a bad IMRC, driving with this issue can cause further damage to your engine and may lead to more significant problems over time.

What happens if my engine intake manifold runner control is stuck open?

Generally, the main concern with this trouble code is reduced performance and fuel efficiency. However, if your cylinder head has all the cylinder valves affected, it could lead to a complete engine malfunction.

How long does it take to replace an intake manifold runner control?

This service typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.