P2015: The sensor that reports the position of the intake manifold runner flaps on bank 1 is giving a reading that doesn't match where the flaps should be
Intake manifold runner position sensor range/performance, bank 1
Severity: Monitor
KBB says this code very rarely causes drivability problems, and Audi describes reduced performance without significant loss of power. It is usually safe to drive to a shop; book a diagnosis.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop the engine if you hear a new rattle, knock or scraping from the engine; broken runner control parts can be drawn into the cylinders and cause serious damage.
P2015 in short
P2015 means the intake manifold runner position sensor on bank 1 reports a flap position that doesn't match what the computer expects. Sticking flaps or linkage, a failed runner control valve or actuator, and wiring are typical causes. It rarely affects driving much; book a diagnosis, and stop if you hear rattling.
Many engines have flaps or valves inside the intake manifold that change how air flows into the cylinders at different speeds. An actuator moves them and a position sensor reports where they are.
P2015 sets when that reported position is out of the range the computer expects. On VW and Audi engines the flap linkage, the changeover valve N316 or the flap motor are common culprits.
Volkswagen and Audi have several bulletins for it, Audi traced one version to a deformed seal making the linkage stick, and Nissan saw P2015 set in very cold weather on the Altima.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Sticking runner flaps or linkage
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Audi traces P2015 to a sticking flap linkage, and KBB lists the intake manifold itself.
- What would change this
- Likelier if the linkage feels stiff or is coated in carbon or oil.
Cause 2: Failed runner control valve or actuator
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- VW and Audi bulletins replace the runner control valve N316, and KBB lists the actuator or solenoid.
- What would change this
- Likelier on a covered VW/Audi, or if the vacuum line to the actuator is cracked.
Cause 3: Runner position sensor or wiring
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- KBB lists the runner position sensor and its wiring.
- What would change this
- Likelier if the flaps move freely but the reading is erratic.
Cause 4: Cold-weather detection (software)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Nissan's bulletin covers P2015 set in temperatures below 0 F on the Altima.
- What would change this
- Likelier if it only appears on very cold mornings.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all codes, check for bulletins and watch the runner position reading while the scan tool commands the runner
IfA runner valve or flap bulletin covers your vehicle
It meansHave the dealer follow it.
IfOnly sets in very cold weather
It meansCheck for a cold-weather bulletin.
IfReading doesn't follow the command
It meansInspect the actuator and linkage.
Step 2: With the engine off, inspect the runner actuator, its vacuum line and the flap linkage for binding or damage
Warning:Let the engine cool before reaching around the intake manifold.
IfLinkage sticks or is damaged
It meansFree or replace it; often the manifold or flap motor is replaced.
IfVacuum line cracked or actuator doesn't move
It meansReplace the valve or actuator.
IfEverything moves freely
It meansTest the sensor and wiring.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Usually little or no change in how the car drives
- Slightly reduced performance at some engine speeds
- New rattle or knock from the engine Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
Step 1: Ask a dealer to check your VIN for intake manifold bulletins; Volkswagen, Audi and Nissan have published bulletins for P2015.
Step 2: After a runner actuator or manifold is replaced, the actuator usually has to be adapted with a scan tool.
On your vehicle
VolkswagenYour car
2008–2011 · GTI
Supported by vehicle dataIntake manifold faults P2014/P2015 on 2.0T-era models. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
2023–2024 · GTI
Supported by vehicle dataRunner control valve N316 replacement for P2015. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
24-14-01Status unverified
MIL with P2014 or P2015 intake manifold faults
2008–2011gti, jetta, golf, passat, tiguan, cc · issued · NHTSA 10239819
MIL on with P2014 or P2015 intake manifold faults stored in the engine computer.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
V0124032073665_3Status unverified
Replace runner control valve N316
2023–2024gti, golf r, arteon · issued · NHTSA 11029309
Engine light with P2004, P2006, P2014 or P2015; the intake manifold runner control valve N316 is replaced.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
AudiYour car
2021–2024 · A3
Supported by vehicle dataChangeover valve N316 with P2015 on 2.0 TFSI models. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
2007–2010 · A6
Supported by vehicle dataSticking intake flap linkage from a deformed seal sets P2015. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
A0124312072273_2Status unverified
Changeover valve N316 with intake runner codes
2021–2024a3, a4, q3, q5 · issued · NHTSA 11005854
MIL on with P2004, P2006, P2014 or P2015 related to the electric changeover valve N316.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
A011255Status unverified
P2015/P2020: intake flap linkage sticking
2007–2010a6, a8, q7, s5 · issued · NHTSA 10122805
P2015/P2020 implausible intake flap position signals because the flap linkage sticks from a deformed oil seal behind the potentiometers; reduced performance without significant loss of power; replace the V157 motor or its seals.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
NissanYour car
2019–2020 · Altima
Supported by vehicle dataP2015 can set in cold weather below 0 F. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
NTB20-083Status unverified
P2015 or P2004 in cold weather
2019–2020altima · issued · NHTSA 10183977
P2015 or P2004 stored in cold weather below 0 F.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
Sources and review
- P2015 Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1
- Audi 2030192: P2015/P2020 intake manifold flap sticking from deformed oil seal (A6, A8, Q7, S5)
- P2004 Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open Bank 1
- Intake manifold servo motor
- VW 2073665: replace intake manifold runner control valve N316 for P2004/P2006/P2014/P2015 (Arteon, Golf R, GTI)
- Audi 2072273: changeover valve N316, P2004/P2006/P2014/P2015
- Nissan NTB20-083: P2015 or P2004 stored in cold weather below 0 F (Altima)
- VW 24-14-01: MIL with P2014 or P2015 intake manifold faults
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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