Powertrain, generic (extended)

P215B Vehicle Speed - Output Shaft Speed Correlation

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P215B checks whether the vehicle speed, as the control unit has chosen it, matches the speed implied by the transmission output shaft. GM uses it widely in hybrids and EVs. The 2011 Volt tables set it, Type A with MIL after one trip, when wheel-based and output-shaft-based speed differ by more than 6.21 mph or when no secured speed source remains, counted over 400 of 800 samples of 25 ms. In the 2019 hybrid tables three sources are compared, output shaft, wheel sensors and motor speeds, and the code sets after 0.15 s when two of them disagree by more than 12.42 mph. GM bulletin 22-NA-089 links P215B on the 2017–2019 Bolt EV to a broken drive shaft washer damaging the wheel speed sensor, which is to be replaced. FCA lists P215B for the Pacifica Hybrid and fixes it with hybrid controller software.

Likely causes

Damaged wheel speed sensor (GM Bolt EV broken anti-click washer)
Faulty transmission output speed sensor or its wiring
Hybrid or transmission control software (FCA Pacifica Hybrid)
Lost speed message from another module on the data bus

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on after one trip
  • ABS, traction or stability lamps, systems switched off for the drive
  • Clicking noise from a front wheel (Bolt EV)

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€60–700
Time0.5–3 h

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

Parts involved

vehicle speed sensoroutput shaft speed sensorwheel speed sensor

Related codes

P215AP215CP0720P0721P0722P0500

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov.