P2015: Intake manifold runner position sensor/switch circuit range/performance (bank 1)

The signal of the sensor that reports the intake manifold runner flaps’ position is missing, out of range or doesn’t match what the engine computer commanded. On many engines the sensor is built into the flap actuator.

Updated 17 October 2026

What P2015 means

Many engines have flaps in the intake manifold, called runner, swirl or tumble flaps. The engine computer moves them with a small motor or a vacuum actuator to change how the air flows into the cylinders: better mixing at low engine speeds, more air at high speeds.

A position sensor, on many engines built into the flap actuator, tells the engine computer where the flaps are. P2015 means that signal is out of the range expected, or doesn’t match the position commanded. Often the sensor is fine and the flaps or their linkage are what doesn’t move.

P2004 to P2009 and P2014 to P2017: flaps stuck, and the circuits

P2004 and P2005 mean the flaps are stuck open (bank 1, bank 2), P2006 and P2007 that they’re stuck closed. P2008 and P2009 are faults in the circuit of the flap control valve or motor. P2014, P2016 and P2017 are faults in the position sensor’s circuit: no usable signal, too low or too high. The advice is the same for each; their own meaning and causes are shown below.

• P2004: Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open (Bank 1)

  The intake manifold runner flaps (swirl or tumble flaps), which change how the air flows into the cylinders, don’t move the way the engine computer commands: they stay open or closed.

  Common causes: broken, worn or detached flap linkage, or sticking flaps, faulty flap actuator (motor or vacuum actuator) or its control valve, wiring or connector fault, carbon build-up restricting the flaps, on some engines.

• P2005: Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open (Bank 2)

  The intake manifold runner flaps (swirl or tumble flaps), which change how the air flows into the cylinders, don’t move the way the engine computer commands: they stay open or closed.

  Common causes: broken, worn or detached flap linkage, or sticking flaps, faulty flap actuator (motor or vacuum actuator) or its control valve, wiring or connector fault, carbon build-up restricting the flaps, on some engines.

• P2006: Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed (Bank 1)

  The intake manifold runner flaps (swirl or tumble flaps), which change how the air flows into the cylinders, don’t move the way the engine computer commands: they stay open or closed.

  Common causes: broken, worn or detached flap linkage, or sticking flaps, faulty flap actuator (motor or vacuum actuator) or its control valve, wiring or connector fault, carbon build-up restricting the flaps, on some engines.

• P2007: Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Closed (Bank 2)

  The intake manifold runner flaps (swirl or tumble flaps), which change how the air flows into the cylinders, don’t move the way the engine computer commands: they stay open or closed.

  Common causes: broken, worn or detached flap linkage, or sticking flaps, faulty flap actuator (motor or vacuum actuator) or its control valve, wiring or connector fault, carbon build-up restricting the flaps, on some engines.

• P2008: Intake Manifold Runner Control Solenoid Circuit Open (Bank 1)

  The engine computer has found a fault in the circuit of the intake manifold runner control valve or motor (open or low), so it can’t move the runner flaps.

  Common causes: faulty runner control valve or flap actuator, wiring or connector fault, blown fuse or a fault in the actuator’s power supply.

• P2009: Intake Manifold Runner Control Solenoid Circuit Low (Bank 1)

  The engine computer has found a fault in the circuit of the intake manifold runner control valve or motor (open or low), so it can’t move the runner flaps.

  Common causes: faulty runner control valve or flap actuator, wiring or connector fault, blown fuse or a fault in the actuator’s power supply.

• P2014: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit (Bank 1)

• P2016: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Low (Bank 1)

• P2017: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit High (Bank 1)

Can I keep driving?

On most cars the engine keeps running, with less power or a rougher idle. On some engines, notably certain older diesels, a flap or its screw can break off and be drawn into the engine, which can damage it badly: if the engine suddenly runs rough, rattles or loses a lot of power, stop when it’s safe to do so.

Symptoms

• Often just the check engine light.
• Less power, or hesitation at some engine speeds.
• A rough idle, or limp mode on some cars.

Common causes

• Faulty runner position sensor or flap actuator. On many engines the sensor is part of the actuator, which is then replaced as a unit.
• Broken or worn flap linkage, so the sensor sees the wrong position. The linkage between the actuator and the flap shaft can wear, come loose or break, especially where it’s plastic.
• Wiring or connector fault. Look for a loose plug, oil in the connector or chafed wires near the manifold.

How to fix P2015

1. Read all fault codes, and note whether the flaps are reported stuck (P2004 to P2007) or the sensor’s signal is wrong (P2014 to P2017).
2. Check the actuator’s plug and wiring, and on vacuum-operated flaps the vacuum hose to the actuator.
3. Have the flaps and their linkage checked for wear, breakage and carbon: watch whether the flap shaft moves when the actuator does.
4. Replace the faulty actuator or linkage. Where the flaps are sticking or broken, the intake manifold may have to be cleaned or replaced.
5. Clear the codes and check that they don’t come back.

FAQ

Related codes

• P0101Mass air flow circuit range/performance
• P0171System too lean (bank 1)
• P0299Turbo/supercharger underboost
• P0401Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow insufficient

• All explained fault codes
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