P2015
Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1P2015 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P2015 means
P2015 is stored when the ECM/PCM detects that the signal from the intake manifold runner position sensor or switch on Bank 1 is outside the expected voltage range, or that the sensor's output does not correspond to the commanded actuator position. Unlike P2006 (which confirms the runners are mechanically stuck), P2015 is primarily a signal-quality fault — the sensor circuit is producing a reading the ECU considers implausible or out-of-range, typically below 0.5 V or above 4.5 V on a 0–5 V reference circuit.
The intake manifold runner position sensor (also called the IMRC position switch on older designs) provides the PCM with feedback on whether the runner flaps are actually opening and closing as commanded. The PCM cross-checks the actuator command against the sensor response; if the signal is absent, stuck at one voltage, or erratic, it cannot confirm correct system operation and stores P2015. The code may appear independently of a mechanical jam — even a perfectly functional actuator will trigger P2015 if its position sensor has failed or its wiring is broken.
Carbon fouling is the most common underlying physical cause: heavy carbon deposits on the flap shafts prevent the flap from fully reaching the position the sensor is calibrated to confirm, causing a range fault. Electrical causes include an open or short in the sensor signal wire, a corroded or water-ingressed connector, a faulty reference voltage supply, or a sensor that has drifted out of calibration. On some platforms (notably certain VAG 2.0 TDI applications) P2015 is a known high-incidence fault driven by a design weakness in the intake manifold flap mechanism that eventually breaks the plastic linkage arm.
Because P2015 may coexist with P2006 or P2004, it is important to address any mechanical runner fault first. If the runners move freely and the actuator tests correctly but P2015 persists, focus diagnosis on the sensor wiring and connector. Replacement of the position sensor alone is often inexpensive, but on integrated intake manifold assemblies the sensor is not separately serviceable and the entire manifold unit must be replaced.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P2015 is logged.
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1
Carbon buildup preventing runner flap from reaching sensor-confirmed position
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2
Faulty or drifted IMRC position sensor
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3
Open or short circuit in sensor signal wire
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4
Corroded, damaged, or water-contaminated sensor connector
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5
Failed IMRC actuator causing flap to remain immobile
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6
Loss of 5 V reference voltage supply to the sensor
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7
Broken plastic linkage arm (common on some VAG TDI platforms)
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8
PCM input circuit fault for the sensor channel
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P2015
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Retrieve and record all codes; note whether P2004, P2006, or P2007 are also present alongside P2015
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2
Inspect the IMRC position sensor connector and wiring on Bank 1 for corrosion, damage, or moisture intrusion
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3
With ignition on (engine off), measure sensor signal voltage and verify a 5 V reference is present at the sensor connector
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4
Command the IMRC actuator open and closed using a bi-directional scan tool while monitoring sensor voltage response in live data
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5
Manually move the runner flaps (where accessible) and verify the sensor voltage transitions between low and high endpoints
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6
Test signal wire continuity from sensor connector to PCM pin; check for shorts to ground or power
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7
If sensor voltage is static or absent with confirmed good wiring, replace the position sensor or manifold assembly as applicable
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8
After repair, clear codes and perform a full drive cycle to confirm readiness monitors complete without fault
Related powertrain codes
- P2000 — NOx Adsorber Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
- P2001 — NOx Adsorber Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
- P2002 — Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
- P2003 — Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
- P2004 — Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open Bank 1
- P2005 — Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open Bank 2
Frequently asked questions
Is P2015 always a sensor fault, or can it mean the runner is stuck?
Both are possible. P2015 can result from a sensor/wiring fault even when the runners move freely, or it can be secondary to a mechanical jam (P2006/P2007).
P2015 is very common on VW/Audi 2.0 TDI engines — why?
Several VAG 2.0 TDI engine generations use a plastic swirl-flap mechanism in the lower intake manifold. The plastic linkage arm becomes brittle and fractures over time.
Can P2015 be cleared without repairs and stay away permanently?
Unlikely. If the underlying cause (worn sensor, carbon deposits, broken linkage) is not fixed, the code will return after a short drive cycle.
What sensor voltage range is considered normal for the IMRC position sensor?
On most 0–5 V reference designs, the closed position reads approximately 0.5–1.0 V and the fully open position reads approximately 4.0–4.5 V.
Does P2015 affect only petrol engines?
No. Diesel engines with variable-geometry intake swirl flaps (common on VAG TDI, BMW diesel, and Renault dCi platforms) also use position sensors on those flaps.
Disabling P2015 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P2015 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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