P2159 code meaning
Vehicle Speed Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P21xx codes Check engine light
What P2159 means
P2159 means the circuit of speed sensor B is electrically intact, but its signal does not fit: implausible jumps, dropouts or a value that disagrees with other speed sources. Two makers document it. Audi lists P2159 with fault environment code 8099 as a plausibility fault of speed sensor B on the 0B5 S tronic gearbox of the 2010–2014 RS5 and the S4, S5, S6 and S7; together with P0501 (sensor A) and gear selector codes it points to the gearbox-internal sensor module and its circuit board, which has to be replaced after case disassembly. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander engine control groups P2159 with P0500/P0501 as vehicle speed sensor faults, detected over two trips and lighting the MIL. P2158 is the pure circuit fault of the same sensor. Expect gearbox warnings, erratic shifting or a speedometer that jumps.
P2159 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2159
- Check engine light or gearbox warning on
- Erratic shifting or emergency gearbox mode
- Speedometer jumping
Common causes of P2159
- Most likelyFaulty speed sensor or transmission sensor module (Audi 0B5)
- PossibleDamaged tone ring, wrong air gap or metal debris on the sensor tip
- PossibleIntermittent contact in wiring or connector
- Less likelyWrong tire size or speed factor configured
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Vehicle speed sensorWheel speed sensorWiring harness
What each part of P2159 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 59 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2159 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 P2159
What does P2159 mean?
P2159 means "Vehicle Speed Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance". P2159 means the circuit of speed sensor B is electrically intact, but its signal does not fit: implausible jumps, dropouts or a value that disagrees with other speed sources. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2159?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2159 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2159 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2159 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 P2159 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2159 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.