P2015 intake manifold flap position sensor (bank 1) implausible signal MIL ON

Hello, my car is a audi a4 b8 1.8t and I have the fault code stated above. I have searched and searched on several forums and tried different things and I'm about to give up now. I have changed the manifold itself with new sensors, still the same error. Checked for wiring issues around the manifold, didnt find any. Can't find any vacum leaks. The code comes up right as I start my car, but the check engine light does not come before a few start ups.
Is there anything I'm missing, or anywhere in vcds I have to calibrate the new sensors etc, or any place I can see if it's working correctly.

Before it would come and go but not it's always on. Thanks in advance!!!

Khally said:

...I have changed the manifold itself with new sensors...

Click to expand...

My previous A3 started with this message, then the check engine light would come on whenever I squeezed the throttle too much. Turns out the flaps weren’t closing 100% because the connecting link to the pump was loose and kept popping off the joint. A complete & new manifold fixed it. So when you say you "changed” it, you’ll need to be more specific ...what did you change exactly, did it include the flaps and link to the vacuum pump, and were the replacement parts new or used?

I did replace it with a used one but it came off a car that had no problem with the manifold. I checked for any play in the joint that you are talking about, on the old one aswell, but there was none. I just feel like it's wierd if there is something wrong with the "new" one since the seller states that there was no problem with it on the donor car. It was a complete manifold so flaps, gaskets, potentiometer sensor, throttle body sensor and 1 other sensor all came with it. I only took over the fueling stuff and the throttle body. Also I find it really strange if the new manifold has the exact same error code as I had before..

When I researched my error code (which iirc, was the same as yours) I found there are a few different issues that can cause the flaps to become misaligned, the problem I had was just one of them, another is a worn cam, then you have the sensor and the pump itself. I wasn’t 100% certain if there might be more than one active issue with mine, so I decided to nip it in the bud and go with a completely new manifold to nail it first time. I believe there's a newer version been released that’s less prone to such failures, which is also the reason I went new - a couple of months later I chopped the car in whilst it was running like a champ.


FWIW: I think your seller has sold you a dud - whether deliberately or not isn’t really relevant. You may be able to cannibalise the two and make one good one from the parts, but you’ll need to find where the actual faults lie in both first, or you may have the same issue in both (ie: sensor) and neither would be any good.

Have a look on YouTube - it’s a well documented issue.

Good Luck.

But that's the thing, I haven't found anything wrong with my old manifold or the new one. Is there no chance that it is something else than the manifold itself? I have read so many threads where people say it can be both wiring or the vacuum. If the vacuum is not 100% correct it would throw out a code. Like if I had a clogged line or something. That's why I am asking if I can check that in VCDS to be sure..
I'm leaning more and more towards bringing it to a shop but I'm afraid they would spend a long time finding the fault and that would just cost me even more money.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=p2015+error+code+volkswagen

I have seen them

What have you done from this list to make the fault go away? Flap motor checked as working?
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/18447/P2015/008213

Can you post autoscan to see if there is firmware upgrade available?

Yes I followed that list but its not for my motor

The reason my mechanic recommended a complete manifold was to ensure he didn’t end up chasing his tail with more than one fault.

It’s only those that tell the mechanics what they think needs doing that end up paying more than once if the problem isn’t solved per the instructions. Ask a reputable VW Specialist to diagnose the issue, let them have a look and tell you what needs changing to fix it and how much £$€! That way you'll only pay once.

Did you manage to track down the problem? I have the same issue.