P2015: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)
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.
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, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:
highWorn or broken intake manifold runner linkage
highFaulty intake manifold runner position sensor
mediumCarbon buildup preventing full flap travel
mediumIntake manifold flap shaft wear
lowWiring 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 TDI engines, this code is very common and rarely causes immediate problems, but repair is recommended.
How do you diagnose P2015?
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P2015:
Read the position sensor signal with a diagnostic scanner in live data mode. The sensor should show a smooth change in value as the flaps move from open to closed. Erratic or stuck readings indicate a sensor or mechanical fault.
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.
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.
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.
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, known issues, and adjusted cost estimates:
P2015 on Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf • 2008-2024
The Golf Mk6 and Mk7 with the 2.0 TDI CR (CBAB, CFHC, CRLB engine codes) are the single most common vehicles in Europe to trigger P2015. The intake manifold part number 03L 129 711 is the original unit with the weak plastic linkage. VW released updated manifolds with improved linkage, and aftermarket repair kits are widely available for under 80 EUR.
What causes P2015 on a Volkswagen Golf?
Volkswagen GolfPlastic linkage arm pivot wear on 03L intake manifold
Volkswagen GolfPosition sensor degradation from carbon contamination
The A3 8P and 8V with 2.0 TDI engines share the same intake manifold as the Golf. The A3 2.0 TDI is one of the highest-selling diesel cars in Europe, making this one of the most frequently searched DTC codes. The same repair kits and procedures apply.
What causes P2015 on a Audi A3?
Audi A3Shared VAG 2.0 TDI intake manifold linkage failure
Audi A3Position sensor contamination from EGR deposits
P2015 repair cost for Audi A3
Estimated costs for Audi A3 ownersadjusted higher than average due to Audi-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Intake manifold runner repair kit (flaps and linkage)
€44–€165
€110–€330
€154–€495
Moderate
Intake manifold position sensor replacement
€28–€110
€44–€132
€72–€242
Easy
Complete intake manifold replacement
€220–€660
€165–€440
€385–€1100
Professional
Intake manifold cleaning
€11–€33
€110–€275
€121–€308
Moderate
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P2015 on Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia • 2008-2024
The Octavia 2.0 TDI is the third most registered diesel car in many EU countries and shares the identical intake manifold and known P2015 issue. The Octavia's engine bay provides good access for the repair. Many independent garages in Central and Eastern Europe are very familiar with this fault.
Skoda OctaviaLinkage wear accelerated by short trip driving patterns
P2015 repair cost for Skoda Octavia
Estimated costs for Skoda Octavia ownersadjusted lower than average due to Skoda-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Intake manifold runner repair kit (flaps and linkage)
€36–€135
€90–€270
€126–€405
Moderate
Intake manifold position sensor replacement
€23–€90
€36–€108
€59–€198
Easy
Complete intake manifold replacement
€180–€540
€135–€360
€315–€900
Professional
Intake manifold cleaning
€9–€27
€90–€225
€99–€252
Moderate
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P2015 on SEAT Leon
SEAT Leon • 2008-2024
The Leon 2.0 TDI uses the same intake manifold and is equally affected. SEAT-specific forums across Spain and wider Europe document this as one of the most common 2.0 TDI faults. The repair procedure is identical to the Golf.
On VW TDI engines, P2015 almost always means the intake manifold flap linkage or position sensor has worn out. The 2.0 TDI CR (common rail) engines are extremely prone to this fault. The plastic linkage arm wears at its pivot point, causing the flaps to not reach their 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 most common 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 so common on VW and Audi diesel engines?
The 2.0 TDI intake manifold uses a plastic linkage mechanism that wears over time due to heat cycling and vibration. Combined with carbon deposits from the EGR system that restrict flap movement, this creates a very common failure mode on VAG diesel engines.
Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P2015
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