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DTC/P2015

P2015: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)

Quick Answer
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)Fuel System

P2015 means the position sensor that monitors the intake manifold runner flaps is reporting a signal outside the expected range. The ECU uses this sensor to verify the flaps have moved to the commanded position, and an out-of-range signal means it cannot confirm proper flap operation.

Estimated repair costFrom €65 to €1000+, varies by vehicle

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What does P2015 mean?

P2015 means the position sensor that monitors the intake manifold runner flaps is reporting a signal outside the expected range. The ECU uses this sensor to verify the flaps have moved to the commanded position, and an out-of-range signal means it cannot confirm proper flap operation.

P2015 is a fuel system-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P2015 and illuminates the check engine light.

What are the symptoms of P2015?

If your vehicle has triggered P2015, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

  • Check engine light illuminated
  • Loss of power at certain RPM ranges
  • Rough idle or slight engine vibration
  • Rattling noise from intake manifold
  • Slight increase in fuel consumption
  • Engine may hesitate during acceleration

What causes P2015?

Here are the most common causes of P2015:

high: Worn or broken intake manifold runner linkage
high: Faulty intake manifold runner position sensor
medium: Carbon buildup preventing full flap travel
medium: Intake manifold flap shaft wear
low: Wiring or connector fault at position sensor

Is it safe to drive with P2015?

Generally yes, for short-term driving. Generally safe for short-term driving. The engine may have reduced torque at certain RPM ranges. On VW/Audi 2.0 TDI common-rail engines this fault is well documented and rarely causes immediate problems, but repair is recommended.

How do you diagnose P2015?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P2015:

  1. Read the flap position value while the flaps are commanded open and closed. Flap position is not standard OBD2 live data, so this needs manufacturer-level software. The value should change smoothly as the flaps move from open to closed; erratic or stuck readings indicate a sensor or mechanical fault.
  2. Visually inspect the intake manifold runner flaps and linkage mechanism. On VW/Audi TDI engines, remove the engine cover and check the linkage rod and actuator arm for wear or breakage.
  3. Manually move the flaps by hand (with engine off) to check for binding, excessive play, or broken components. The flaps should move smoothly through their full range of travel.
  4. Check the position sensor connector for corrosion and secure connection. Measure the sensor output voltage while slowly moving the flaps by hand. The voltage should change linearly from approximately 0.5V to 4.5V.
  5. If the sensor reads correctly but the code persists, check for excessive wear in the flap shaft bushings. Worn bushings allow the flaps to sit in a slightly different position than what the sensor reports, creating an out-of-range condition.

How much does P2015 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P2015 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:

Repair Parts Cost Labor Cost Total Estimate DIY Difficulty
Intake manifold runner repair kit (flaps and linkage) €40–€150 €100–€300 €140–€450 Moderate
Intake manifold position sensor replacement €25–€100 €40–€120 €65–€220 Easy
Complete intake manifold replacement €200–€600 €150–€400 €350–€1000 Professional
Intake manifold cleaning €10–€30 €100–€250 €110–€280 Moderate

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

P2015 on specific vehicles

P2015 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

Audi A3

2008-2013

The A3 8P with the 2.0 TDI common-rail engine shares its intake manifold and flap arrangement with the Golf of the same era, so the same repair kits and procedures apply.

Skoda Octavia

2008-2014

The Octavia with the 2.0 TDI common-rail engine shares the intake manifold and flap arrangement behind P2015 with the Golf, and the same repair kits apply. The engine bay gives reasonable access for the repair.

SEAT Leon

2008-2014

The Leon with the 2.0 TDI common-rail engine uses the same intake manifold and flap arrangement as the Golf, so P2015 has the same causes and the repair procedure is identical.

These codes are often seen alongside P2015 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P2015

What does P2015 mean on a VW TDI?

On VW TDI engines, P2015 usually means the intake manifold flap linkage or the flap motor's travel has worn. The problem is well documented on the 2.0 TDI common-rail engines built from about 2008 to 2014: wear lets the flap motor's arm move beyond the range the position sensor expects, so the flaps do not reach the commanded position.

Is P2015 serious?

P2015 is a moderate severity code. It will not damage your engine but does cause reduced performance and slightly higher fuel consumption. On TDI engines, the intake flaps primarily affect low-speed torque delivery.

How do I fix P2015 on a VW Golf TDI?

The usual fix is replacing the intake manifold flap linkage with an aftermarket repair kit (40-150 EUR). If the position sensor itself has failed, it can be replaced separately for 25-100 EUR. Cleaning carbon deposits from the flaps is also recommended during the repair.

Can I just replace the position sensor for P2015?

You can, but check the mechanical linkage first. If the linkage is worn, a new sensor will still report out-of-range because the flaps are not reaching the correct position. The sensor is only the messenger.

Why is P2015 a well-known fault on VW and Audi 2.0 TDI engines?

The 2.0 TDI common-rail intake manifold, in both its plastic and aluminium versions, uses a flap motor and linkage whose travel increases with wear from heat cycling and vibration. Combined with carbon deposits from the EGR system that restrict flap movement, this makes P2015 a well-known fault on these VAG diesel engines.

Read our detailed guides

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