• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils

Volkswagen Tuning - VW and Audi Performance & Tuning Guides

VW and Audi Tuning and Performance Guides, Tuning News, and Videos

P2015 Volkswagen Engine Code – Diagnosis & Troubleshoot

p2015 VW - Intake Manifold Failure

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

P2015 VW Fault Code: Intake Manifold Failure

Receiving a P2015 code on your Volkswagen will read out “Intake Manifold Runner Pos. Sen/Switch Circuit Bank X” or anything intake manifold related. When this engine code pops, 9 times out of 10 it is the intake manifold runner or the flap position sensor that has failed. This code is most common on the earlier 2.0t TSI & 2.0t TDI Volkswagen engines. The majority of the time, this code will be covered under VW extended warranty, so the first thing we advise is to call VW directly or your local dealer to see if it is covered. If your vehicle is out of warranty, read below for diagnosis, DIY guides, and replacement parts for the P2015 VW engine code.

What is the Intake Manifold and why is it important? Essentially the intake manifold’s job is to supply fresh air to the cylinders. Air from the engine will go through the air intake, then the throttle body, and enter the intake manifold which will filter the air and push it evenly into the cylinders to ensure proper air to fuel ratios. A failing intake manifold can cause uneven distribution of airflow to the cylinders which can lead to performance and efficiency issues in your engine.

Can you still drive with a P2015 VW Fault Code? The short answer is yes, most of the time you can, but it is not advised. There is a certain aspect where the vehicle absolutely shouldn’t be driven and that is when the flap motor arm is stuck open. When this occurs, and it happens more than people would think, you will have a big vacuum leak causing the vehicle to lose boost or even pop lean fault codes (P0171).

P2015 VW Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminating
  • Rough idle
  • Engine surge
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Slight loss of low-end torque
  • Rare engine misfires

Causes of P2015 Engine Code for Volkswagen

  • Intake manifold flap position sensor failure
  • Carbon deposits on the intake manifold runner flaps
  • Intake manifold runner control solenoid failure
  • Intake manifold runner control pops out which causes a big vacuum leak
  • Rare intake manifold wiring issue
  • Mechanical defect within the intake manifold itself

Unfortunately, when the P2015 code is received, you will likely have to replace the whole intake manifold. This is because none of the components on the intake manifold are sold separately, at least for the 2.0t, and your time will be better spent just replacing it. There is a “hack” that you can do for the Volkswagen 2.0t TDI engine that you can find here. As stated previously, this should be covered on VW’s extended warranty of 120k miles, so give VW or your local shop a call and provide your VIN to see if it is covered. 

How to Repair a Volkswagen with a P2015 Engine Code

If the vehicle is not covered, we advise doing it yourself because it would be a costly repair if you ended up going to a shop. However, if you don’t feel up to DIY, you will be looking at a bill of $600 – $1,400. The wide range depends on if you go to an independent shop vs a VW dealership. 

DIY Difficulty: Difficult
Buy Here: 2.0t TSI Intake Manifold Replacement
Buy Here: 2.0t TDI Bracket

Since the intake manifold is being replaced, we recommend looking at the injector seals, the injectors themselves, and the intake runners for any carbon build-up. 

DIY Difficulty: Intermediate

Conclusion

This post is written for the 2.0t TSI engine just because it is very common for the early versions to experience failure. However, if you are looking for assistance with another engine, please leave a comment below and we will look into it for you!

Other VW/Audi Fault Codes

P0011 VW/Audi

P0411 VW/Audi

P1340 VW/Audi

P1296 VW/Audi

P0442 VW/Audi

P0507 VW/Audi

P0322 VW/Audi

P0171 VW/Audi

P2181 VW/Audi

P2187 VW/Audi

P2015 VW/Audi

P2279 VW/Audi

P0106 VW/Audi

P0491 VW/Audi

P0016 VW/Audi

About Trey

I am a Volkswagen and Audi Enthusiast at heart that spends his weekends in the garage working on his cars. I also enjoy helping others in the form of providing insightful and accurate information in the automotive space. I have spent a decade or more in the automotive industry and strive to keep learning about my passion every day. I hope this passion comes through my articles and assists whoever is reading.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jason Saari says

    March 9, 2021 at 3:33 pm

    Wondering about this for mk6 R (2.0T FSI).
    Just got this code and p2010.

    Reply
    • Trey says

      March 9, 2021 at 5:41 pm

      Jason,

      Looked into this a little bit and it looks like it may be an electrical issue with the intake manifold.

      Here is a replacement intake manifold, which we suggest changing to see if it solves the problem.
      https://www.europaparts.com/intake-manifold-06f133201p.html

      And the DIY Video Guide:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB1zKC1JdIU

      Hope this helps with your research!
      T

      Reply
  2. Jason says

    March 9, 2021 at 9:35 pm

    Thanks for the insight: as it turns out the code popped into play while i was giving someone a battery jump. So to suspect the electrical side might be what is going on. I’m wondering if there is an adaptation i could do in VAG-com?

    Reply
    • Andy says

      March 22, 2022 at 5:08 pm

      Hi Jason
      Just come across your post and was wondering if you sorted the problem out ie was it an electrical problem in the end.
      I had this code come up on my skoda octavia vrs tdi 2ltr
      And my mate who works for VW/Audi changed the air inlet manifold and the position sensor and the engine management light still came on after.
      The car runs fine no issues so I’m wondering if it is an electrical problem ?
      I can clear the fault but it comes back after you stop started the car 3 times
      Thanks
      Andy

      Reply
  3. Choko says

    June 7, 2021 at 9:55 am

    can someone please help with my 1.4 TSI Mk5,it does not rev over 3000rpm

    Reply
  4. Trev says

    April 26, 2022 at 10:55 am

    I just had my Intake manifold replaced for a P2015 permanent code after driving with it for 6 months. It cost me $1127. It runs and sounds like it should now however when plugged back in it still shows the code. The check engine light is not illuminated. Why is it still coding p2015?

    Reply
    • Trey says

      April 26, 2022 at 12:34 pm

      Trev,

      Have you tried removing the code and driving again? This could alleviate the code existing on the ECU.

      Trey.

      Reply
      • Bryan says

        May 5, 2022 at 4:39 pm

        I have similar issue. I put a new intake on my 2012 tiguan, new solenoid and sensor. But I’m still getting the p2015 code. After i clear the code it comes right back. The car is running better than before I replaced the intake.

        Reply
  5. Doney wilson says

    August 12, 2022 at 2:45 pm

    My 2015 tiguan is showing P2015 code and stalling during idealing. Changed the fuel pump and still same issue. Should i change the manifold? Will that resolve my issue?

    Reply
    • Trey says

      August 12, 2022 at 2:58 pm

      Doney,

      Thanks for your comment. The P2015 code could be going off for many reasons. The intake manifold is where most of the issues are found, but we don’t want you wasting money if that doesn’t happen to be the cause. Have you taken it to a shop to get inspected yet?

      Trey.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Other VW/Audi Fault Codes

P0011 VW/Audi

P0411 VW/Audi

P1340 VW/Audi

P1296 VW/Audi

P0442 VW/Audi

P0507 VW/Audi

P0322 VW/Audi

P0171 VW/Audi

P2181 VW/Audi

P2187 VW/Audi

P2015 VW/Audi

P2279 VW/Audi

P0106 VW/Audi

P0491 VW/Audi

P0016 VW/Audi

Footer

About VWTuning.co

This site is dedicated to all things VW. What you can find on here is performance & tuning guides, maintenance guides, & buying guides for many different models and engines.

I became a VW enthusiast when I first heard my friend’s BOV on his MK5 GTI. Ever since that day, I have been hooked.

VW/Audi Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils

Recent

  • What is the Audi Q5 Towing Capacity?
  • Ultimate Audi B8 RS5 Guide
  • Is Audi Care Worth It?
  • Ultimate VW Arteon Guide
  • VW Rabbit vs Golf: What’s the Difference?

Search

Our Tuning Blogs

Tuning Pro
BMW Tuning
Porsche Mania

Resources

Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

Copyright © 2023 · VW Blog written by VW enthusiasts for VW enthusiasts