Fault code P215B is called “Vehicle Speed – Output Shaft Speed Correlation” 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 P215B
Stored code P215B means that the control module (PCM) has detected a mismatch. Mismatch detected between vehicle output speed sensor and output shaft speed sensor.
The output speed and output shaft speed sensors are designed to detect vehicle speed, but each is part of a separate circuit. The vehicle speed sensor is located in the differential, and the output shaft speed sensor, located near the output shaft housing of the transmission or transfer case.
The vehicle speed sensor and output shaft speed sensor are electromagnetic sensors. They are installed in close proximity to the gears or pinions.
The toothed ring is mechanically attached to the axle, output or drive shaft of the transmission.
The ring rotates with the axle and when the teeth of the ring pass near the output shaft speed sensor, the magnetic field closes the input circuit of the sensor. The notches between the teeth of the gear ring create interruptions.
These interruptions in the circuit create a waveform signal that is sensed by the PCM as vehicle speed or output shaft speed. As the speed of the waveform signal increases, the estimated speed of the car and output shaft increases.
The PCM continuously monitors the vehicle output speed and output shaft speed as the vehicle moves forward. If the PCM detects a deviation between the vehicle output speed sensor and the output shaft speed sensor that exceeds the maximum threshold. Code P215B will be stored and the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P215B 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 illuminate (the code will be stored as a fault).
- Other related trouble codes may also be present (e.g., vehicle speed sensor or ABS malfunction).
- Malfunction of the speedometer.
- Accidental activation of ABS or traction control system (TCS).
- Irregular gear shifting.
- ABS codes may be stored.
- ABS system may be disabled.
Conditions contributing to the P215B code can cause incorrect speedometer readings or erratic shifting. The code should be considered serious and corrected as soon as possible.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P215B can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Excessive amount of metal debris on wheel speed sensor magnet surface.
- Defective output shaft speed sensor.
- Faulty vehicle speed sensor.
- Broken or damaged wiring and sensor connectors.
- Broken, damaged or worn ring gear teeth.
- Defective PCM module.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P215B
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P215B:
- Read all stored data and error codes with an OBD-II scan tool.
- Clear the error codes from the computer memory.
- Test-drive the vehicle to see if fault P215B appears again.
- Visually inspect the wires and connectors to the vehicle’s output shaft speed and speed sensors.
- Test the sensors themselves.
- Inspect the ring gear teeth for cracks or other damage.
- If the error persists, check the PCM module.
Diagnose and repair of problems
Use the scan tool to retrieve and record all trouble codes, then clear them and test drive the vehicle. After the test drive, reconnect the scan tool and check if code P215B has returned.
Codes that do not return are usually called intermittent codes and are often more difficult to diagnose.
Any diagnosis begins with a visual inspection of the relevant components, connectors and electrical circuits. Items that are corroded, damaged or simply disconnected should be repaired before continuing with the diagnosis.
Make sure that the vehicle battery is fully charged and that cable connections are corrosion-free and secure. Low battery voltage will distort the real-time test data and make a proper diagnosis nearly impossible.
Checking the sensors
Set the meter to “Ohm” and disconnect the sensor under test from the connector. Use the test leads to test the connector pins and compare the results to the sensor test specifications. Sensors that do not meet the specifications should be considered faulty.
If none of the sensors being tested reflect the appropriate degree of measurement of the values described in the specifications, you may assume that the sensor is defective. If there is an acceptable signal on the sensor connector that is not on the controller connector, then there is an open circuit between the controller and the sensor under test.
It is possible to assume a controller malfunction or programming error only after all other options for finding fault P215B have been exhausted.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P215B can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Ford
- Chevrolet
Fault code P215B can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0500, P0501, P0502, P0503, C0031, C0034, C0037, C003A, C003D.
