P2008 on 2013-2020 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi: Short Runner Valve Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2020 Ram 1500

On the 5.7L Hemi engine, the Short Runner Valve (SRV) is an electronically controlled actuator mounted on the rear of the intake manifold near the firewall. While many vehicles use such systems, the Ram 1500 has specific failure patterns. The wiring harness leading to the actuator is a common culprit, as it is often too short from the factory, leading to stress, brittleness, and eventual failure of the connection. Rodent damage is also a frequent cause, as mice are attracted to the engine cover foam and wire insulation. Additionally, Chrysler has issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) where a PCM software update is required to correct false or intermittent P2008 codes, making a trip to the dealer for a reflash a potential first step in diagnosis.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: The 2013-2020 year range covers the fourth generation (2013-2018, DS) and the fifth generation (2019-2020, DT) Ram 1500, including the 'Classic' models. The 5.7L Hemi engine in both generations uses a similar Short Runner Valve system located at the rear of the intake manifold, and the causes and fixes for P2008 are generally consistent across these years. The 5th gen DT models can be identified by the 6th digit of the VIN being 'E' (2WD) or 'F' (4WD), while the 4th gen DS 'Classic' will have a '6' or '7'.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light illuminated.
• Reduced engine power and torque, especially at low speeds or during acceleration.
• Hesitation, surging, or stumbling during acceleration.
• Rough or fluctuating idle.
• Decreased fuel economy.
• A ticking or clicking noise from the rear of the engine bay when the engine is turned off, as the actuator attempts to reset.
• In some cases, no noticeable symptoms other than the Check Engine Light.

Most Likely Causes

1. Damaged Wiring or Electrical Connector 🔴 High Probability The factory wiring harness to the SRV is often too short, causing wires to break from engine movement and vibration. Heat makes the wires brittle over time. The harness can also chafe against a ground strap or other components on the back of the engine. Rodents are also known to build nests under the engine cover and chew these specific wires.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the SRV actuator at the back of the intake manifold. Look for breaks, chafing, or signs of rodent damage like chewed insulation or droppings. Wiggle the harness while the engine is running to see if it affects idle. Use a multimeter to test for 12V power and ground at the connector with the key on. A technician on a forum identified a potential rub spot on the right rear of the engine.
   Typical fix: Repair the broken section of wire or replace the pigtail connector. Dorman makes an OE FIX kit (911-933) with a longer pigtail specifically to address the short-harness issue. 🎬 Watch: How to restore damaged wiring with this repair kit. In one forum case, a dealer spliced in a new connector from a harness to resolve the issue after opening a STAR case with Chrysler.
   Est. part cost: $15-$60
2. Failed Short Runner Valve (SRV) Actuator/Solenoid 🔴 High Probability The actuator is an electronic component located in a high-heat, high-vibration environment on the back of the engine, leading to eventual internal electrical failure. A short in the wiring can also damage the actuator motor.
   How to confirm: Use a capable scan tool to perform an 'active test' on the SRV solenoid. If you command it on and off but hear no clicking sound from the actuator, and you've confirmed power is reaching it, the actuator is likely dead. You can also listen for a clicking/resetting noise after shutting the engine off, which can indicate failure.
   Typical fix: Replace the SRV actuator assembly. This is held on by a few bolts at the rear of the intake manifold. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to removing the intake manifold.
   Est. part cost: $180-$360
3. Outdated Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software 🟡 Medium Probability Manufacturer TSBs (e.g., #18-012-14 REV. A) indicate that the original software calibration can be overly sensitive or contain logic errors that falsely trigger this code, often along with P1004, P2016, and P2017.
   How to confirm: A Ram dealership or a well-equipped independent shop can check your vehicle's current software version against the latest available from Chrysler/Mopar. This is a necessary step before replacing expensive parts.
   Typical fix: Update or 'reflash' the PCM to the latest software version. The process requires a proprietary scan tool (wiTECH) and a stable power supply.
   Est. part cost: $100-$250
4. Blown Fuse ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: If a wire has shorted to ground, it may blow the fuse for the IMRC circuit. In one documented case for a 2011 Ram, a blown 20A M21 fuse was the cause for persistent P2008 and P2017 codes. Check your owner's manual for the fuse panel diagram and inspect the relevant fuse.
   Typical fix: Replace the blown fuse after diagnosing and fixing the underlying short circuit that caused it to blow. Simply replacing the fuse will not solve the problem.
   Est. part cost: $1-$5

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very rare. The PCM's internal driver for the SRV circuit can fail, but all other possibilities, especially wiring and the actuator itself, should be exhaustively ruled out. Forum users report dealers incorrectly replacing the PCM when the real issue was a simple wiring fault.
• Sticking/Carbon-Fouled Runner Flaps: While P2008 is an electrical code, severe carbon buildup inside the intake manifold can cause the runner flaps to stick. This can put extra strain on the actuator motor, potentially leading to an electrical fault. This is more likely to set a performance code like P1004 but is worth considering if other fixes fail. A technician on YouTube diagnosed a broken internal valve inside the manifold after confirming the actuator and wiring were good.
🎬 See a technician diagnose a tricky internal manifold valve issue.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for applicable TSBs. A dealership can confirm if your PCM needs a software update (like TSB #18-012-14 REV. A), which may resolve the issue without parts replacement.
2. Scan for any other related fault codes (e.g., P1004, P2016, P2017) to get a complete picture of the system's status.
3. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the SRV actuator, its connector, and the wiring harness running to it at the back of the engine. Pay close attention to the area where the harness might rub on brackets or the engine block, and look for signs of rodents (chewed wires, nests).
4. With the ignition on (engine off), use a multimeter or a 12-volt test light to verify that the SRV connector is receiving power (approx. 12V) and has a good ground.
5. If possible, use a bidirectional scan tool (like wiTECH) to command the SRV actuator to open and close ('SRV Solenoid Control State'). Listen for an audible click from the actuator. No click suggests a failed actuator or a complete lack of power.
6. If wiring and power are confirmed good, but the actuator does not respond to scan tool commands, the SRV actuator is the most likely failed component.
7. If the actuator is replaced and the code persists, re-verify all wiring by checking for continuity and shorts between the actuator connector and the PCM connector. One technician on a forum ran a new wire directly from the PCM to the actuator to bypass a hard-to-find break in the harness.
8. If all wiring, the actuator, and software are confirmed good, only then consider the rare possibility of a PCM fault.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Intake Short Running Valve (SRV) Actuator (OEM #53022137AL) — This is the most common component to fail for this code, due to an internal electrical fault in the solenoid. The part number has had many revisions, including previous versions like 53022137AE, AF, AG, AH, AI, AJ, and AK.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman (Part #911-933 includes a wiring pigtail)
  OEM price range: $245-$366.
  Aftermarket price range: $135-$200.
• SRV Actuator Connector Pigtail — If the wiring is damaged right at the connector, or if the harness is too short, replacing the pigtail is the standard repair.
  Trusted brands: Dorman, Mopar (spliced from a new harness)
  OEM price range: $30-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$40

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P1004 — P1004 ('Short Runner Valve Control Performance') is often stored alongside P2008 as it relates to the mechanical performance and position of the same system. A wiring issue can cause both codes.
• P2016 — This code ('Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor Circuit Low') indicates a problem with the sensor that reports the runner flaps' position, which is part of the same actuator assembly.
• P2017 — This code ('Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor Circuit High') also points to the position sensor and can be triggered by the same underlying electrical or actuator failure.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-103-16 REV. B: Specifies a PCM software reflash for 2013-2015 models with the 5.7L engine to address a list of DTCs including P2008, P1004, P2016, and P2017.
• 1810016: This appears to be a typo in the original data, likely referring to TSB 18-010-16 which was superseded by 18-103-16 REV. B.
• 18-012-14: An earlier TSB also listing P2008 as a code that can be addressed with a PCM software update.
• TSB 18-003-10: An older TSB mentioned by Dorman that explains the failure of the IMRC due to insufficient slack in the wiring harness.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), including #18-103-16 REV. B, have been issued by the manufacturer. These bulletins involve updating the PCM software to correct conditions that can cause a P2008 code to be set improperly, often in conjunction with other SRV-related codes.
• The wiring harness for the SRV is a known failure point due to being too short from the factory, leading to stress and breakage over time.
• Rodent damage to the SRV wiring is a common owner complaint, as mice and squirrels are attracted to the nesting material and soy-based wire insulation under the engine cover.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Resistance of the (Z908) SRV ground circuit to chassis ground. — expected: Less than 5.0 Ohms. Failure: A reading higher than 5.0 Ohms indicates an open or high resistance in the ground circuit.
• Resistance of the (K238) SRV Control circuit between the SRV connector and the PCM connector. — expected: Less than 5.0 Ohms. Failure: A reading higher than 5.0 Ohms indicates an open or high resistance in the control wire.
• Resistance to ground on the (K238) SRV Control circuit. — expected: Greater than 100 Ohms. Failure: A reading less than 100 Ohms indicates a short to ground in the control circuit.
• Voltage at the (F344) ASD Relay Output circuit in the SRV connector with ignition on. — expected: Bright illumination on a 12-volt test light, comparable to battery voltage.. Failure: No light or a dim light indicates an open or high resistance in the power supply circuit.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent bidirectional scanner: SRV Solenoid Control State — Use this active test with the ignition on, engine off, to toggle the SRV actuator. Listening for a click confirms if the actuator motor is responding to PCM commands, which helps isolate a dead actuator from a wiring problem.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• SRV Actuator Connector — At the rear of the intake manifold, near the firewall, plugged into the SRV actuator.. This is the primary connection point for all power, ground, and control signals to the actuator. It's a common failure point due to heat and stress from a short harness.
• K238 — Wire within the engine harness between the SRV actuator connector and the PCM.. This is the specific circuit for the SRV Control signal from the PCM. An open or short on this wire is a direct cause of P2008.
• Z908 — Wire within the engine harness providing ground to the SRV actuator.. This is the ground circuit for the SRV. High resistance or an open here will prevent the actuator from functioning.
• F344 — Wire within the engine harness providing power to the SRV actuator.. This is the power supply circuit, typically from the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay. A lack of voltage here will cause P2008.
• Fuse M21 (20A) — In the underhood fuse box (Totally Integrated Power Module). Location may vary slightly by year, check owner's manual.. On at least some model years (e.g., 2011), this fuse protects the IMRC circuit. A short in the wiring or actuator can blow this fuse, causing the code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RamForum.com user 'lesmir300' (2011 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi) — Persistent P2008 and P2017 codes immediately upon engine start, even after clearing.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Cleaning the intake manifold with carb cleaner., Replacing the IMRC (SRV) actuator., Resetting codes with multiple different scanners., Testing connector wires for continuity.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user found and replaced a blown M21 20A fuse, which immediately resolved the codes.
• RamForum.com user 'Hemi395' (2013 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi) — Check engine light with code P2008, which returned within 2 miles of clearing.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed towards a wiring harness short due to evidence of mice.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A dealer technician found a bad wiring connector at the short runner valve. The fix was to splice in a new connector from a new harness. The dealer opened a Chrysler STAR case (S1308000002) for the issue.
• Snap-on Diagnostics Product Forums user 'greasybob' (2013 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi) — Intermittent P1004 code (often seen with P2008) that could be duplicated on a wide-open throttle run. Scan data showed frequent drop-outs of the position signal.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the SRV actuator., Wiggle testing the harness.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician clipped the signal wire at both the actuator and the PCM and ran a new, overlay wire. This permanently fixed the signal dropouts, confirming an untraceable break or interference issue within the main harness.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 53022137AE, 53022137AF, 53022137AG, 53022137AH, 53022137AI, 53022137AJ, 53022137AK → 53022137AL — Progressive design updates by the manufacturer to improve reliability and address failure modes.
  Heads up: All previous part numbers are replaced by 53022137AL, which is the current service part. There are no known incompatibilities when using the latest part on an older vehicle within the specified range.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2019: In 2019, Ram sold both the new 5th generation (DT) and the previous 4th generation (DS, as the 'Ram 1500 Classic'). While the SRV system is functionally identical, identifying the correct platform is key for sourcing some parts or wiring diagrams. The 6th digit of the VIN is 'E' or 'F' for a DT, and '6' or '7' for a DS.