If you own a VW TDi, an error code will appear at some point in your car’s life. This code is the infamous P2015. I recently had the opportunity to help a friend and fix his car with nothing more than a simple bracket installation.
This will be a fix applicable to most VW TDi vehicles with an aluminum intake manifold.
My friend was initially quoted $900+ for parts and labor to do the fix. Presumably, this also meant replacing the intake manifold and the following sensor. We didn’t think that was necessary, so a quick internet search brought up a solution. Basically, the problem boils down to a sensor issue, in this case, it’s a P2015 code. In OBD language, this directly translates to “Intake Manifold Flap Position Sensor – Implausible Signal”. This sensor tells the engine computer at what angle the throttle plate registers. Over time, wear occurs, changing the readings the sensor can give. For example, if the sensor was designed to read from 0 to 100, any reading within that range would be considered normal. Over time, the sensor will wear out and the actual reading might be below 0 or above 100. Whenever this reading is outside its normal operating range, the engine computer will throw a code and turn on the check engine light.
The Dieselgeek sensor bracket is designed to limit the sensor’s movement so that it’s physically impossible to register an incorrect value. According to most accounts and my friend’s experience, this was not only an easy and simple solution but also economical. Let’s see how to install it.
Procedure
Remove the engine cover. Lift vertically from each of the four corners of the engine cover and remove the part. Place it in a safe spot.
Remove the three bracket screws using a T30 torx bit. They should be easy to remove using a wobble extension. Unclip the retaining spring using a set of needle-nose pliers, being very careful not to lose the spring in the engine bay. Rotate the sensor upward and outward, making sure to remove it from the ball linkage.
Install the Dieselgeek Bracket
There is only one way to install the bracket. Place it under the sensor arm, turning the retaining piece into place. Once it’s in position, tighten the screw on the assembly so that the bracket cannot move. Tighten it only by hand and ensure the remaining screw hole is not blocked.
Reinstall the sensor assembly
Using the same three screws and bolt hole locations, reinstall your sensor. Make sure to reattach the spring to the sensor and the shaft on the manifold, as well as snap the ball joint back in. Be careful not to lose the retaining spring in the clutter of your engine bay!
