Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2159 Vehicle Speed Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

P2159 means the circuit of speed sensor B is electrically intact, but its signal does not fit: implausible jumps, dropouts or a value that disagrees with other speed sources. Two makers document it. Audi lists P2159 with fault environment code 8099 as a plausibility fault of speed sensor B on the 0B5 S tronic gearbox of the 2010–2014 RS5 and the S4, S5, S6 and S7; together with P0501 (sensor A) and gear selector codes it points to the gearbox-internal sensor module and its circuit board, which has to be replaced after case disassembly. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander engine control groups P2159 with P0500/P0501 as vehicle speed sensor faults, detected over two trips and lighting the MIL. P2158 is the pure circuit fault of the same sensor. Expect gearbox warnings, erratic shifting or a speedometer that jumps.

Likely causes

Faulty speed sensor or transmission sensor module (Audi 0B5)
Damaged tone ring, wrong air gap or metal debris on the sensor tip
Intermittent contact in wiring or connector
Wrong tyre size or speed factor configured

Symptoms

  • Check engine light or gearbox warning on
  • Erratic shifting or emergency gearbox mode
  • Speedometer jumping

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–2,500
Time0.5–8 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

vehicle speed sensorwheel speed sensorwiring harness

Related codes

P2158P0501P0500P215AP215B

References: static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, law.cornell.edu.