P0415 code meaning
AIR System Switching Valve B Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P04xx codes Check engine light
What P0415 means
The switching valve is the electrically driven valve of this path – a solenoid valve, or on Pierburg/VW systems an electric changeover valve that applies vacuum to the pneumatic combination valve; valve A serves the first path or bank 1, valve B the second. P0415 is the general electrical fault in the control circuit of valve B, the second valve on two-valve or two-bank systems such as V engines or Subaru's turbo boxer. It is detected like P0412 for valve A, by comparing the driver's feedback with its commanded state. No manufacturer document available to us describes P0415 specifically; Pierburg's fault table lists it with the same remedies as valve A.
P0415 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0415
- Check engine light on
- Secondary air inactive on the second bank
- Secondary air readiness not set (emissions test)
- Driving normal
Common causes of P0415
- Most likelySwitching valve B faulty
- Most likelyWire or connector to valve B faulty
- PossibleValve supply or fuse
- Less likelyEngine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Air switching valve bAir combination valveValve wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0415 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 15 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0415 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0415
What does P0415 mean?
P0415 means "AIR System Switching Valve B Circuit". The switching valve is the electrically driven valve of this path – a solenoid valve, or on Pierburg/VW systems an electric changeover valve that applies vacuum to the pneumatic combination valve; valve A serves the first path or bank 1, valve B the second. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0415?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0415 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0415 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0415 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0415 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.