What does it mean?
This generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) generally applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles that have a shutdown solenoid. Vehicle makes may include, but are not limited to, Lexus, Peugeot, Citroën, VW, Toyota, Audi, Dodge, Ram, Mercedes Benz, GMC, Chevrolet, etc.
When your OBD-II equipped vehicle has a P0215 code, it means the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a malfunction in the engine shutdown solenoid.
Most often, the engine shutdown solenoid interferes with the engine’s fuel supply under certain specific circumstances. These circumstances can include (but are not limited to) a vehicle collision, vehicle rollover, extreme engine overheating, or extreme loss of engine oil pressure. The engine shutdown solenoid system is most commonly used in diesel engine vehicles, but not exclusively.
Typically, the engine shutdown solenoid is positioned in the fuel supply system. It consists of an electronically controlled solenoid (which actuates a valve-type actuator) and a method to redirect fuel to the storage tank when the engine shutdown solenoid is activated. The PCM uses inputs from various engine and body position sensors to determine when fuel cutoff is necessary. When this happens, the PCM provides a voltage signal to the engine cutoff relay (which passes it to the solenoid) and the solenoid is activated. Once activated, the valve prevents fuel from reaching the engine and diverts it to the fuel storage tank via a specially designed low-pressure return line.
The PCM continuously monitors the resistance of the engine shutdown solenoid circuit (and resulting voltage changes) when the ignition switch is in the ON position. If the PCM detects a voltage level in the engine shutdown solenoid circuit that differs from what has been programmed, a P0215 code will be stored and a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may be illuminated. In some vehicles, multiple failure cycles will be required for MIL illumination.
Code Severity and Symptoms
Since the conditions that contribute to a stored P0215 code can also result in a no-start condition, it should be classified as severe.
Symptoms of a P0215 trouble code may include:
- There are often no symptoms when a P0215 is stored
- Engine does not start
- Other fuel system codes
- Related exhaust codes
Possible causes of this code may include:
- Faulty engine shutdown solenoid
- Faulty engine shutdown relay
- Faulty tilt angle indicator (if applicable)
- Open or shorted circuit in the engine shutdown system
- Faulty oil pressure sending unit
- Faulty engine temperature sensor
- PCM programming error or faulty PCM
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
I would want access to a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a reliable source of vehicle information before attempting to diagnose a P0215 code.
If there are any engine oil pressure or engine overheating codes, diagnose and repair them before addressing this one. Some specialized vehicles (usually off-road focused) use a vehicle tilt angle indicator in the engine shutdown system. If this applies to the vehicle in question, rectify any relevant codes before addressing the P0215 as well.
Engine shutdown systems are very diverse. Many different input signals are used by the PCM to determine if engine shutdown is justified. One car manufacturer may use oil pressure level and another may use vehicle tilt angle. Consult your vehicle information source for the specifics of the engine shutdown system in question.
Connect the scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data. Record this information as it will likely be useful as you proceed with your diagnosis. Now, clear the codes and test drive the vehicle to see if the code resets.
If the code does not reset immediately, drive normally until the PCM enters readiness mode. If this happens, the problem is likely intermittent or may be attributed to a vehicle collision or tilt angle condition that has been corrected. In any case, if the PCM enters readiness mode, there is nothing left to diagnose
If the code resets before the PCM enters readiness mode, a persistent malfunction exists and will need to be resolved
Use the DVOM to test the engine shutdown solenoid following the specifications located in the vehicle information source. Set the DVOM to the ohms setting to measure continuity and resistance. Disconnect the shutdown solenoid connector and connect the DVOM test leads to the pins as indicated in the vehicle information source. If the solenoid does not meet manufacturer specifications; it must be replaced
If the engine shutdown solenoid meets specifications, use the DVOM to test for voltage and ground at the connector. If neither is found, check for the corresponding pins at the PCM connector. If there are no voltage and ground signals at the (appropriate pins of the) PCM connector, suspect a faulty PCM or PCM programming error. If either is found at the PCM connector but is absent from the solenoid connector, suspect a faulty relay or an open circuit
Additional Diagnostic Notes
If the vehicle in question has been involved in a collision or if the vehicle’s tilt angle has been extreme, clearing the code may be sufficient to correct your malfunction