Fault code P0215 is called “Engine Shutoff Solenoid Malfunction” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P0215
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a general powertrain code. Error P0215 is considered a general code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly from model to model.
The engine shutdown solenoid valve is designed to shut off fuel under certain circumstances. It must be triggered in the event of a vehicle collision, rollover, severe engine overheating, or severe loss of oil pressure.
The PCM uses input from various engine and body position sensors to determine when the fuel cutoff is required. When this occurs, the PCM provides a voltage signal to the engine shutdown relay and the solenoid is activated.
Once activated, the valve prevents fuel from flowing into the engine and directs it back into the fuel tank. Through a special low pressure return line.
The PCM constantly monitors the resistance of the engine shutdown solenoid circuit when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
If the PCM detects that the voltage level in the engine shutdown solenoid circuit is different from that programmed, code P0215 will be stored in memory. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may also illuminate.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P0215 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- The “Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be memorized as a fault).
- Depleted exhaust codes may be present.
- The engine may not start.
- There may be no symptoms other than a stored fault code.
Depending on the symptoms, error P0215 may be serious, such as when the engine fails to start. Or moderate if there are no symptoms other than a stored fault code.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P0215 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- The engine shutdown solenoid valve is defective.
- The engine shutdown relay is defective.
- Tilt angle indicator (if equipped) may be defective.
- Open or short circuit in engine shutdown wiring harness.
- Faulty engine temperature sensor.
- Sometimes the cause is a defective PCM module.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0215
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0215:
- Read all stored data and error codes with an OBD-II scan tool. To find out when and under what circumstances error P0215 appeared.
- Clear the error codes from the computer memory and test-drive the vehicle to find out if the fault appears again.
- If the error code appears again, visually inspect the electrical wires and connectors.
- Check the engine shutdown solenoid valve.
- Test the engine shutdown relay.
- If there are no defects, check the PCM itself and its program part.
Diagnose and repair of problems
If code P0215 is stored, make sure there are no engine oil pressure or excessive temperature codes. Diagnose and correct them before proceeding to solve this problem.
Some vehicles use a vehicle tilt indicator in the engine shutdown system. Check if it is activated, clear any relevant codes before proceeding with further diagnostics.
Connect the scan tool to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and retrieve any stored codes and freeze frame data. Make a note of this information as it may be useful in the diagnostic process. Now clear the codes and perform a test drive on the vehicle to see if the code resets.
Check the wires and solenoid valve
Use a multimeter to test the engine shutdown solenoid, following the specifications in the vehicle’s manual. Set the multimeter to the ohm scale to measure the continuity and resistance of the wires.
Disconnect the connector from the disconnect solenoid and connect the test leads to the pins. If the solenoid does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, it should be replaced.
If the engine shutdown solenoid meets specifications, use a multimeter to check for voltage and ground at the connector. If neither is found, check for signals on the appropriate pins on the PCM connector.
If no voltage and ground signals are present on the PCM connectors, you likely have a faulty PCM or programming error. If both signals are detected on the PCM connector, but not on the solenoid connector, there is a faulty relay or an open circuit.
If the vehicle has been involved in a collision or the angle of the vehicle has been extreme. In most cases, resetting the code should be enough to clear error P0215.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P0215 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Audi
- Chevrolet
- Citroen (C4, C5, Dispatch, Picasso)
- Dodge (RAM)
- Fiat (Ducato)
- GMC
- Lexus
- Mercedes-Benz
- Peugeot (206, 207, 307, 308, 406, 407, 508, Expert, Partner)
- Ssangyong (Kyron)
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
Fault code P0215 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P2125, P2566.
