P2015: How to Diagnose & Fix — Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)
10 vehicles · 5 makes · $50-$2,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P2015: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class · 2007–2015
On the OM642 V6 diesel used in the E320 CDI/BlueTEC and E350 BlueTEC, the swirl-flap actuator motor sits low on the intake and is directly under the turbo intake seal, which is itself a known oil-leak point. Oil drips onto the motor and kills it, and the plastic linkage arm between the motor and the flap shaft snaps. At the same time EGR soot builds up in the intake runners until the flaps physically seize. The result is P2004-P2007 / P2015-type intake runner faults, limp mode capping the engine around 3000 rpm, rough idle and poor throttle response. Owners on BenzWorld and MBClub consistently report that replacing the actuator motor alone without cleaning the intake results in a repeat failure within 20,000-40,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Limp mode / power cut around 3000 rpm
- Check engine light with intake runner control codes
- Rough idle and poor throttle response
- Black smoke under acceleration
- Oil residue around the intake actuator motor
How to Fix
Remove the intake manifolds and physically clean the soot from the runners and flaps, replace the swirl flap actuator motor and the linkage rod (aftermarket metal rod kits are common and hold up better than the plastic original), and critically, fix the turbo intake seal / oil leak above it or the new motor will be soaked again. Some owners in high-mileage cars go to a swirl-flap delete, but that is not emissions-legal in the US. Address the EGR cooler and intake condition at the same time since the manifolds are already off.
Sources for this issue (3)
Volkswagen Tiguan · 2009–2017
The plastic intake manifold on the CCTA/CBFA/CPLA 2.0 TSI uses swirl/tumble flaps driven by an integrated actuator motor. The plastic pivot stops and the flap linkage inside the manifold wear and break, and the integrated runner position sensor is not separately serviceable. The ECM sets P2015 (and often P2004/P2006), throws the CEL, and in some cases the flaps stick partially closed causing a rough idle and reduced low-end torque. This became common enough that VW issued an extended warranty for the intake manifold on affected 2.0T engines.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with P2015
- Rough or unstable idle
- Reduced low-RPM power / flat spot off the line
- Occasional limp mode
- Slight increase in fuel consumption
How to Fix
There is no reliable repair of the sensor alone because it is molded into the manifold assembly - the accepted fix is a complete intake manifold replacement with the revised part, along with a new manifold gasket and cleaning of the carboned flap area. Before paying, have the dealer check the VIN against VW's extended warranty coverage for the intake manifold on the 2.0T. Aftermarket 'sensor repair brackets' exist but forum owners report they mask, rather than fix, worn flap linkage.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Volkswagen revised 06J133201BH intake manifold with gaskets
replace a tested failed integrated runner-flap manifold after warranty eligibility is checked Fitment/availability: Volkswagen 2.0L timing-chain application including Tiguan/Tiguan Limited in the 2009-2016 catalog branch; verify engine c…
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Sources for this issue (2)
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter · 2007–2018
The OM642 V6 intake manifolds use plastic swirl/runner flaps driven by a small actuator through a plastic connecting linkage. Oil mist and heat make the plastic linkage and pivots brittle; they crack and break, leaving the flaps stuck and triggering P2015 (and runner-control codes). A failed swirl-flap motor (often from an oil leak into the actuator) produces the same fault. The result is rough idle, power loss, a lit engine light and limp mode.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Power loss / limp mode
- Delayed acceleration
- Failed emissions test
How to Fix
Repair with an aftermarket metal swirl-flap/runner linkage kit (a permanent fix versus the original plastic parts), or replace the intake manifold(s). A failed actuator motor is sometimes worked around with a resistor bypass. Clear codes after repair.
Sources for this issue (2)
Volkswagen Phaeton · 2009–2016
SEAT Leon · 2009–2020
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P2015 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P2015 mean?
P2015 stands for "Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)." This code reports a range or performance problem with the intake manifold runner position sensor or switch on engine bank 1. Many modern engines use intake manifold runner control flaps that open and close to optimize airflow for low-speed torque versus high-speed power, and a position sensor reports the flaps' actual position back to the engine computer. The code sets when that reported position doesn't match what the computer commands or expects, often because the flap linkage is broken or the sensor reads incorrectly. It commonly causes rough running, reduced power, or hesitation, and on some engines the plastic linkage breaking is a well-known weak point.
What are the most common causes of P2015?
The most common causes of P2015 are: Broken or disconnected intake manifold runner flap linkage, Faulty intake manifold runner position sensor, Stuck or seized runner control flaps from carbon buildup, Failed runner control actuator or motor, Wiring or connector fault at the position sensor, Vacuum leak or failed vacuum actuator (on vacuum-controlled systems), Cracked or warped intake manifold housing. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P2015?
Repair costs for P2015 range from $50 to $2,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P2015?
Au7o has documented P2015 across 10 vehicle models from 5 manufacturers: Audi, Mercedes-Benz, SEAT, Skoda, Volkswagen.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.