P2015 code meaning
Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P20xx codes Check engine light
What P2015 means
P2015 means the position feedback of the intake manifold runner or swirl flaps on bank 1 is electrically present but implausible. How it is judged depends on the design. Diesels with a smart swirl actuator send position as a pulse-width signal: GM's 2018 diesels fail a pulse period below 0 or above 64 ms in 52 of 62 samples (Type B), and on the Opel/GM 2.0 CDTi in the Saab 9-5 (2010) the ECM flags a wrong frequency from the actuator, with sub-codes for period and high and low time (Type A). Ford's gasoline engines call it position sensor over travel. Audi and Volkswagen use it widely on 2.0 TFSI: a corroded flap valve N316, a flap that separated inside the manifold, and on the 4.2 FSI a deformed seal behind the flap potentiometer that made the linkage stick. After a manifold or valve replacement the flap adaptation has to be run, or the code returns.
P2015 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2015
- Malfunction indicator lamp on
- Rough idle or weaker low-speed torque
Common causes of P2015
- Most likelyFlap linkage sticking or flap separated inside the manifold
- PossibleCorroded or faulty flap control valve
- PossibleActuator electronics or position sensor faulty
- Less likelyFlap adaptation not performed after repair
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Imrc position sensorSwirl flap actuatorImrc control valveIntake manifold
What each part of P2015 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 15 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2015 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 P2015
What does P2015 mean?
P2015 means "Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)". P2015 means the position feedback of the intake manifold runner or swirl flaps on bank 1 is electrically present but implausible. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2015?
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 P2015 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2015 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 P2015 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2015 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.