P215C On Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles, the transmission computer sees the output shaft speed and the wheel speeds disagree

Output shaft speed and wheel speed correlation

P215C in short

On Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, P215C means transmission output shaft speed and wheel speed do not correlate. FCA bulletins tie it to a transmission software update on some cars and a broken power transfer unit spline on 2014-2017 Cherokees. Stop if you hear grinding or the vehicle will not move.

The transmission computer compares the output shaft speed with the wheel speeds from the brake system. When they disagree by too much, it sets P215C.

FCA bulletins use the code in two ways. On 2014 Charger and 300 AWD cars and the 2014 Ram 1500, a transmission computer software update addresses it, and one Charger bulletin says it set while braking. On 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokees it appears with P1720 when the power transfer unit (PTU) input spline breaks, with grinding noise and a vehicle that will not move.

Owners of Cherokees describe metal in the PTU fluid and a 4x4 service light. TroubleCodes.net defines the code as output shaft speed to wheel speed correlation but names no make. Meaning on other brands (Jaguar lists it in a urea-system bulletin) is not covered here.

Pick your make

P215C is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Broken PTU input spline or worn PTU (Jeep Cherokee)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Two FCA warranty bulletins for 2014-2017 Cherokees pair P215C with P1720 and a broken PTU spline, and two owners describe metal in the PTU fluid.
    What would change this
    Likelier on a 2014-2017 Cherokee with grinding, a 4x4 service light or metal on the PTU drain plug.
    How to test the power transfer unit (ptu)

  2. Transmission control software calibration

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Bulletins for the 2014 Charger, 300, Ram 1500 and Grand Cherokee and a 2023 Charger bulletin address the code with TCM reprogramming.
    What would change this
    Likelier on those models with shift quality complaints and no mechanical noise.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  3. Wheel or output speed sensor signal fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The code compares those signals by definition, but the sources read do not name a sensor as the repair.
    What would change this
    Check if other wheel speed or ABS codes are stored.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all codes, including P1720, ABS wheel speed codes and 4x4 or PTU faults, and check for open bulletins

    Low riskTool: Scan tool with FCA support

  2. Have the PTU fluid and magnetic drain plug checked for metal, and listen for grinding while driving

    Best left to a shopTool: Hoist, drain pan, magnet

    Warning:The PTU sits low by the exhaust and holds hot gear oil; work under a supported vehicle only and let it cool. A failed PTU can lock or drop drive.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Poor or harsh shift quality
  • 4x4 service light
  • Grinding noise from under the vehicle Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Vehicle will not move Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Parts and cost context

  • Power transfer unit (PTU):On 2014-2017 Cherokees FCA's bulletin remedy is a replacement PTU; ask whether a warranty extension still applies. Get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Jeep

  • 2014–2017 · Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    Cherokee PTU warranty bulletin names P215C with P1720 and a broken input spline. Cherokee PTU warranty bulletin names P215C with P1720.

  • 2014 · Grand Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    TCM software to improve diagnostics for P215C on the 9-speed.

  • 21-017-21Status unverified

    PTU broken input spline, X89 warranty extension

    2014–2017cherokee · issued · NHTSA 10198435

    MIL with P1720-00 and P215C-00; grinding noise and a vehicle that will not move; replace the PTU assembly.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 2101423Status unverified

    PTU broken input spline, XJ1 warranty extension

    2014–2017cherokee · issued · NHTSA 10241067

    MIL with P1720-00 and P215C-00; replace the PTU assembly.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 21-033-15Status unverified

    Transmission shift and drivability enhancements, 948TE

    2014grand-cherokee · issued · NHTSA 10148921

    TCM software to improve diagnostics of listed DTCs including P215C.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Dodge

  • 21-031-14 (dodge)Status unverified

    Quick Learn enable and P215C set while braking

    2014charger · issued · NHTSA 10139758

    TCM reprogramming for P215C on AWD cars and to enable Quick Learn.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 2102223Status unverified

    TCM updates

    2023charger · issued · NHTSA 10243267

    MIL with P215C-00; TCM reprogramming.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chrysler

  • 21-031-14 (chrysler)Status unverified

    Quick Learn enable and P215C set while braking

    2014300 · issued · NHTSA 10139758

    TCM reprogramming for P215C on AWD cars and to enable Quick Learn.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ram

  • 21-016-14Status unverified

    Transmission shift enhancements

    20141500 · issued · NHTSA 10139656

    TCM flash for 4x4 Low shift quality and MIL with P215C.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P1720On Nissan, vehicle speed sensor (automatic transmission output) fault

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    FCA lists P1720 with P215C in the Cherokee PTU bulletins.

All Transmission codes

Sources and review

  1. FCA 21-017-21: Power Transfer Unit broken input spline, X89 warranty extension (2014-2017 Cherokee) — FCA US / NHTSA
  2. FCA 21-031-14: Quick Learn enable and P215C set while braking — FCA US / NHTSA
  3. NHTSA complaint 11756027: 2016 Jeep Cherokee — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  4. FCA 2101423: PTU broken input spline, XJ1 warranty extension (2014-2017 Cherokee) — FCA US / NHTSA
  5. NHTSA complaint 11574948: 2015 Jeep Cherokee — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  6. FCA 21-016-14: Transmission shift enhancements (2014 Ram 1500) — FCA US / NHTSA
  7. FCA 21-033-15: Transmission shift and drivability enhancements (948TE 9-speed) — FCA US / NHTSA
  8. FCA 2102223: TCM updates (2023 Charger) — FCA US / NHTSA
  9. P215C Trouble Code Definition — TroubleCodes.net
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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