P115D MINI – Mass or Volumetric Air Flow A Air Mass Too High Compared to Model

P115D MINI Possible Causes

  • Collateral fault caused by other intake system components, Valvetronic, turbocharger
  • Leaking intake system
  • Faulty hot film mass air flow sensor (HFM)
  • Hot film mass air flow sensor (HFM) wiring harness is open or short-circuited
  • Poor electrical connection in the hot film mass air flow sensor (HFM) circuit

How to Fix P115D MINI Code?

Start by checking the “possible causes” listed above. Visually inspect the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

  • Engine light on (or engine service warning light soon)

P115D MINI Meaning

The mass air flow must be within a valid range under all engine operating conditions. The diagnostic function compares the air mass calculated from the model with the measured air mass. A malfunction is detected when the mass air flow falls below or exceeds a calibrated minimum or maximum respectively for a calibrated period of time.

P115E – Control Throttle Actuator Throttle Body Air Flow at Maximum Limit

P115E Possible Causes

  • Carbon deposits around the throttle plate

How to Fix Code P115E?

Start by checking the “possible causes” listed above. Visually inspect the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

  • Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

P115E Meaning

During idle, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors throttle angle and airflow. If the airflow is determined to be lower than expected, the PCM adjusts the throttle angle to compensate. The reduced airflow is typically the result of deposit buildup in the engine around the throttle body. Code P115E indicates that the PCM has reached the maximum allowable compensation and is no longer able to compensate for the buildup.

P115E FORD – Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Air Flow at Maximum Limit

P115E FORD Possible Causes

  • Carbon deposits around the throttle plate

How to Fix P115E FORD Code?

Start by checking the “possible causes” listed above. Visually inspect the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

  • Check engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

P115E FORD Meaning

During idle, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors throttle angle and airflow. If the airflow is determined to be lower than expected, the PCM adjusts the throttle angle to compensate. The reduced airflow is typically the result of deposit buildup in the engine around the throttle. Code P115E indicates that the PCM has reached the maximum allowable compensation and is no longer able to compensate for the buildup.

P115E Lincoln – Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Air Flow at Maximum Limit

P115E LINCOLN Possible Causes

  • Carbon deposits around the throttle plate

How to Fix P115E LINCOLN Code?

Start by checking the “possible causes” listed above. Visually inspect the corresponding cable harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

  • Engine light on (or engine service warning light soon)

P115E LINCOLN Meaning

During idle, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors throttle angle and airflow. If the airflow is determined to be lower than expected, the PCM adjusts the throttle angle to compensate. The reduction in airflow is typically the result of deposit buildup in the engine around the throttle. Code P115E indicates that the PCM has reached the maximum allowable compensation and is no longer able to compensate for the buildup.

P115E Mercury – Control Throttle Actuator Throttle Body Air Flow at Maximum Limit

The P115E code on Mercury vehicles indicates a problem with carbon buildup on the throttle body, restricting airflow and forcing the PCM to compensate. Decoding the causes, symptoms, and repair methods.

Meaning of Mercury Code P115E

The P115E code indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has reached its compensation limit for insufficient idle airflow. This reduction is typically caused by carbon deposits clogging the throttle body, preventing optimal air management.

Severity of Code P115E

  • Moderate risk:
    • 🚨 Untreated carbon buildup can worsen performance and fuel consumption.
    • ⚠️ Long-term risk of damaging Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors or the throttle body.
    • 📉 Jerky and uncomfortable driving, especially during acceleration.

Symptoms of Code P115E

  • 🚨 Check Engine Light illuminated.
  • 📉 Unstable idle (engine shaking or stumbling).
  • ⚡️ Acceleration delays.
  • ⛽ Increased fuel consumption (up to 10–15%).
  • 🌫️ Increased pollutant emissions.

Possible Causes of Code P115E

1. Clogged Throttle Body

  • Carbon buildup due to dirty intake ducts or aging engine oil.

2. Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

  • Incorrect values sent to the PCM.

3. Electrical Circuit Problems

  • Damaged wires or oxidized connector on the throttle body.

4. Clogged Air Filter

  • Air restriction worsening the clogging.

Diagnostic and Repair Steps

🔍 Step 1: Visual Inspection

  • Locate the throttle body (between the air filter and the intake manifold).
  • Check for carbon buildup on the plate and walls.

🧹 Step 2: Throttle Body Cleaning

  1. Remove the throttle body (disconnect the battery before any work).
  2. Use a specific throttle body cleaner (e.g., CRC Throttle Body Cleaner).
  3. Gently scrub deposits with a microfiber cloth.
  4. Reinstall the throttle body and reset the PCM via an OBD-II scanner.

🔌 Step 3: TPS Sensor Check

  • Measure the sensor’s resistance with a multimeter (expected values: 0.5–4.5 Ω).
  • Replace the sensor if values are out of specification.

🌬️ Step 4: Air Filter Replacement

  • Install a new filter to ensure optimal airflow.

Average Repair Cost

  • Manual cleaning: €50–150 (depending on throttle body access).
  • Throttle body replacement: €300–800 (part + labor).
  • TPS sensor: €80–200 (depending on model).

Preventive Tips

  • ✅ Use an intake cleaning additive every 20,000 km.
  • ✅ Replace the air filter according to manufacturer recommendations.
  • ✅ Prefer synthetic engine oils to reduce deposits.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can the P115E code clear itself after cleaning?

Yes, but reset the PCM with a scanner to confirm the fault is gone.

❓ Can I use premium gasoline to prevent clogging?

Premium gasoline slightly reduces deposits, but mechanical cleaning is still necessary.

❓ How long does a throttle body cleaning take?

About 1 to 2 hours for a DIYer, depending on throttle body accessibility.

Conclusion: Regular Maintenance to Avoid P115E

The Mercury P115E code is a warning signal against throttle body clogging. Periodic cleaning and rigorous maintenance prevent this issue and preserve your engine’s performance.

P115F – Accelerator/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch ‘A’/’B’ Synchronous Operation Correlation, Row 1

P115F Possible Causes

  • Faulty electric motor throttle actuator
  • Electric motor throttle actuator wiring harness is open or short-circuited
  • Poor electrical connection in the electric motor throttle actuator circuit

How to Fix Code P115F?

Start by checking the “possible causes” listed above. Visually inspect the corresponding cable harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed in, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

  • Engine light on (or engine service warning light soon)
  • Engine running in emergency program
  • Reduced power

P115F Meaning

The electric motor throttle actuator is attached to the intake plenum and adjusts the throttle valve. The engine’s air supply is modified by adjusting the throttle valve. The Digital Motor Electronics (DME) calculates the throttle valve position using the following information: Accelerator pedal position and torque demand from other control units.
The Digital Motor Electronics opens or closes the electric motor throttle actuator electrically. The opening angle of the throttle valve in the electric motor throttle actuator is monitored by 2 Hall effect sensors. The throttle valve is moved by an electric drive motor. This servo motor is activated by a pulse-width modulated signal with a frequency of 1000 Hz.
The Digital Motor Electronics diagnostic monitors the voltages of the two throttle sensors relative to each other. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is detected when the voltages of the two throttle sensors deviate too much from each other.

P115F BMW – Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch ‘A’/’B’ Synchronous Operation Correlation, Bank 1

P115F BMW Possible Causes

  • Faulty electric motor throttle actuator
  • Electric motor throttle actuator wiring harness is open or short-circuited
  • Poor electrical connection in the electric motor throttle actuator circuit

How to Fix BMW Code P115F?

Start by checking the “possible causes” listed above. Visually inspect the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Technical Notes

BMW Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): 101C08

Possible Symptoms

  • Engine light on (or engine warning light soon)
  • Engine running in emergency program
  • Reduced power

P115F BMW Meaning

The electric motor throttle actuator is attached to the intake plenum and adjusts the throttle valve. The engine’s air supply is modified by adjusting the throttle valve. The Digital Motor Electronics (DME) calculates the throttle valve position using the following information: Accelerator pedal position and torque demand from other control units.
The Digital Motor Electronics electrically opens or closes the electric motor throttle actuator. The opening angle of the throttle valve in the electric motor throttle actuator is monitored by 2 Hall effect sensors. The throttle valve is moved by an electric drive motor. This servo motor is activated by a pulse width modulated signal with a frequency of 1000 Hz.
The Digital Motor Electronics diagnostic monitors the voltages of the two throttle valve sensors relative to each other. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is detected when the voltages of the two throttle valve sensors deviate too much from each other.

P115F MINI – Accelerator / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch ‘A’ / ‘B’ Synchronous Operation Correlation, Row 1

🔧 P115F MINI Code: Throttle Actuator Malfunction – Complete Guide

🚨 Common Symptoms

  • 🚨 Check Engine Light On.
  • 🚗 Limp Mode/Reduced Power: Limited power, restricted RPM.
  • 🛑 Erratic Acceleration or delayed response.
  • 🔄 Unstable Idle (engine shaking).

⚠️ Possible Causes

  1. Faulty Throttle Actuator (electric motor or Hall sensors).
  2. Wiring Issues:
    • Damaged harness (short circuit, cut wires).
    • Corroded connectors, bent/disconnected pins.
  3. Poor Electrical Connection between the actuator and the DME (Digital Motor Electronics).
  4. DME Failure (rare, check after ruling out other causes).

🔧 Repair Steps

🔌 Safety First!

  • ⚡ Disconnect the battery before any work to prevent electrical damage.

1. Visual Inspection

  • Locate the throttle actuator (on the intake manifold).
  • Check the wiring harness: Look for burns, corrosion, or exposed wires.
  • Inspect connectors: Clean pins with contact spray.

2. Hall Sensor Testing

  • Measure sensor voltage with a multimeter:
    • Compare values from both sensors (they should be consistent).
    • Abnormal difference → Faulty actuator.
  • Use an oscilloscope to analyze the PWM signal (1000 Hz) from the actuator motor.

3. Electrical Circuit Test

  • Check power and ground:
    • Expected supply voltage: 5V (refer to MINI manual).
  • Test continuity between the actuator and the DME.

4. Reset/Recalibration

  • After repair, reset the DME with a specialized tool (e.g., BMW/MINI ISTA).
  • Recalibrate the actuator via a learning procedure (often required).

📌 Technical Meaning

  • Description: “Voltage discrepancy between the two Hall sensors in the throttle actuator”.
  • Operation:
    • The DME compares signals from both sensors to verify the actual throttle position.
    • A persistent disagreement triggers the P115F code and activates limp mode.

🛠️ Common Repairs

  • Replace the throttle actuator (integrated unit with sensors).
  • Repair wiring (soldering, replacing connectors).
  • Clean the throttle body (if clogged with carbon deposits).
  • DME software update (if calibration error).

🚨 Key Points to Remember

  • Do not force the actuator manually: Risk of damaging internal gears.
  • Use OEM parts: Generic actuators may cause compatibility issues.
  • Recurring code? Check the DME with a BMW/MINI scanner (e.g., ISTA, INPA).

💡 Technical Tip:
After replacing the actuator, perform an adaptation procedure using a compatible BMW/MINI tool to avoid residual errors.

🚗 Need Help? Share your exact MINI model and year for specific advice!🔧

P1160 – Return Spring Failure

P1160 Possible Causes

  • Check throttle body linkage
  • Faulty throttle actuator motor
  • Throttle actuator motor harness is open or shorted
  • Poor electrical connection in throttle actuator motor circuit
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix Code P1160?

Start by checking the “possible causes” listed above. Visually inspect the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

  • Engine light on (or engine warning light soon)

P1160 Meaning

This electric motor is connected to the throttle shaft and is actuated by the engine ECM. Therefore, the ECM controls the motor’s speed and power. The engine ECM can slightly close the throttle to facilitate starting. It can also adjust the throttle position for cruise control, traction control, and engine speed limiting. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set when the ECM detects that the throttle position is not within the desired range.

P1160 AUDI – Intake Air Temperature Sensor Shorted to Ground

P1160 AUDI Possible Causes

  • Faulty intake air temperature sensor
  • Intake air temperature sensor harness is shorted
  • Poor electrical connection in the intake air temperature sensor circuit

How to Fix P1160 AUDI Code?

Start by checking the “possible causes” listed above. Visually inspect the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Look for damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

Possible Symptoms

  • Engine light on (or engine service warning light soon)

P1160 AUDI Meaning

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the intake air temperature sensor. The ECM sets the OBDII code when the intake air temperature sensor does not meet factory specifications.