P2015 - intake position sensor - lever arm fix or new manifold

[jayse]

Car was cheap (in my opinion), but hoped it would take a bit longer before i had to fix stuff.

First long journey 2 days after getting the car, on the way home roughly half the M25, dredded EML came on. Scanned and cleared it, but a few days later its come back again. Both were hot days with AC on full, not sure if that is a factor...

Looked into it and it looks like a known fault / design issue with the plastic arm going out of range. When new looks like only option was a new intake manifold, but i've seen a workaround with a metal 'cap' to prevent the arm over extending (as i understand it).

Given the cost difference now (looking at ebay), £20 for the metal cap and £100 odd for a new intake manifold (although i've seen some as low as £60), what's the recommendation?

Has anyone fitted the cap, it is just a stop gap, literally, or does it actually solve the problem.

Car still drove fine on both occassions, just the niggling light in the dash making me think twice and curtailing my fun...

thanks

[Nino]

This is a very common Mk6 GTI issue and it's usually the intake manifold runner linkage wearing over time rather than anything you've done. The hot weather and A/C being on is almost certainly just a coincidence.

If it is P2015, the metal repair bracket/stop is a well-proven fix and plenty of owners have run them for years without any further issues. It effectively stops the actuator arm from travelling beyond the worn section of the manifold, so it's more than just a temporary bodge in many cases.

That said, if the manifold itself has other issues (failed runner motor, excessive play, broken flaps, etc.) then the bracket won't fix those, and a replacement manifold is the better option.

For around £20, I'd fit the bracket first if the manifold is otherwise operating correctly. If the fault returns or diagnostics show the manifold has additional problems, then I'd replace the manifold.

I'd also avoid the really cheap £60 manifolds unless they're genuine or from a reputable brand. There are some poor-quality aftermarket ones about, and it's not a job you'll want to do twice.

[jayse]

Thanks Nino

[Nino]

No worries, best of luck.