P2015 Volkswagen Engine Code – Diagnosis & Troubleshoot

Meet Trey
Trey is an automotive enthusiast and has a huge passion for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles of all kinds. His enthusiasm started with the MK5 GTI, and he has massively expanded his knowledge over the years. When Trey is not delivering high-quality and in-depth content, we can usually find him working in his garage on his modified Genesis coupe. Trey created VW Tuning several years ago, and he is the primary visionary behind the content.
Article Updated: February 6, 2023
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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 this fault 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 this 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 – 2.0T TSI
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.
P2015 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!
Wondering about this for mk6 R (2.0T FSI).
Just got this code and p2010.
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
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?
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
can someone please help with my 1.4 TSI Mk5,it does not rev over 3000rpm
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?
Trev,
Have you tried removing the code and driving again? This could alleviate the code existing on the ECU.
Trey.
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.
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?
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.