P0715 on 2013-2014 Audi RS5: Input Speed Sensor Circuit Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2014 Audi RS5

The 2013-2014 Audi RS5 is equipped with the 7-speed DL501 (also known as 0B5) S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission. Unlike many vehicles where the speed sensor is an easily accessible external part, the input speed sensors (including G612 and G632) on the RS5 are integrated into a circuit board within the complex mechatronics unit inside the transmission. Failures of this specific mechatronics circuit board are a well-documented weak point on this platform and other Audis using the DL501 gearbox. This makes a P0715 code a much more involved and costly repair than on a typical car.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
• Flashing PRNDS indicator on the dashboard
• "Gearbox malfunction: you can continue driving" message in the driver information system
• Harsh, jerky, or erratic gear shifts, sometimes described as a 'clunk' into gear.
• Transmission gets stuck in one gear (limp mode), often 2nd or 3rd.
• Failure to engage Drive or Reverse, especially when the transmission is warm.
• Delayed gear engagement.
• Vehicle may stall when coming to a stop or shifting from Park.
• Loss of odd or even gears.

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal Mechatronics Failure (Sensor/Circuit Board) 🔴 High Probability The DL501 mechatronics unit is a known failure point. The internal printed circuit board (PCB) which houses the speed sensors is prone to developing faults from heat and vibration over time, a fact acknowledged by Audi through multiple TSB revisions.
   How to confirm: A professional scan tool (like VCDS or ODIS) is needed to check for specific DFCC sub-codes (e.g., 8094, 8103, 18161 for P0715) which, according to TSB A351619, confirm this internal failure. If these codes are present alongside P0715, the internal failure is confirmed.
   Typical fix: The mechatronics unit must be removed from the transmission, and the faulty sensor module/circuit board replaced with a specific repair kit (P/N 0B5398009F). The transmission fluid and filters are also replaced during this service. A basic settings adaptation must be performed 🎬 See this step-by-step mechatronic service and fluid change guide with a diagnostic tool after the repair.
   Est. part cost: $600-$1200
2. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid ⚪ Low Probability While not a direct cause of the electronic fault, fluid that is old, contaminated with clutch material, or low can cause overheating and erratic hydraulic pressure, stressing the mechatronics unit and contributing to its failure. The DL501 has two separate oil circuits, and contamination in the mechatronics/clutch circuit is a concern.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. This must be done at a specific temperature using an appropriate scan tool. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid or fluid with metal particles indicates a severe problem.
   Typical fix: Perform a full transmission fluid and filter change. This is rarely a standalone fix for P0715 and is usually done as part of the mechatronics repair.
   Est. part cost: $250-$450
3. Damaged Wiring or Connectors ⚪ Low Probability This is much less common than internal mechatronics failure. The main external transmission harness connector is robust, but road debris or improper service could cause damage. A broken wire inside the connector housing has been reported in rare cases.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and the main round connector at the transmission for any signs of damage, corrosion, or fluid intrusion. Each wire can be gently pulled to check for internal breaks within the connector.
   Typical fix: Repair or replace the damaged section of the wiring harness or the connector.
   Est. part cost: $50-$300

Diagnosis Steps

1. Perform a full diagnostic scan with an Audi-specific tool like VCDS or ODIS to read the P-code and any associated DFCC (Diagnostic Fault Code Counter) codes.
2. Document all codes present. The presence of codes like P2765, P0716, or P171F alongside P0715 is highly indicative of mechatronics failure.
3. Check the transmission fluid level and condition according to the manufacturer's procedure, which requires monitoring the fluid temperature with a scan tool.
4. Inspect the main electrical connector and wiring harness leading to the transmission for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
5. If wiring and fluid levels are okay, and especially if the specific DFCCs mentioned in TSB A351619 (e.g., 8094, 8103, 18161) are present, the fault is confirmed to be the internal mechatronics sensor module.
6. Proceed with the removal of the mechatronics unit for repair using the specified repair kit.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Mechatronics Repair Kit (OEM #0B5398009F (supercedes 0B5398009A, B, C, D, E)) — This is the most common failure. The kit typically includes the replacement circuit board with the integrated speed sensors, which is the root cause of the P0715 fault.
  Trusted brands: Audi Genuine
  OEM price range: $700-$1200
  Aftermarket price range: $500-$900
• S-Tronic Transmission Fluid and Filter Kit — The fluid and filter must be replaced anytime the mechatronics unit is serviced. The DL501 has both an internal filter and an external filter that should be changed.
  Trusted brands: Audi Genuine, Liqui Moly, FCP Euro Kit, ECS Tuning Kit
  OEM price range: $350-$500
  Aftermarket price range: $200-$350

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P2765 — This code is for the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor 'B' Circuit. Both sensors 'A' and 'B' are on the same circuit board within the mechatronics unit. When one fails, the other often fails or is flagged at the same time. TSB A351619 lists them together.
• P0716 — This code indicates a range/performance issue with the Input Speed Sensor 'A'. It is often logged along with P0715 as the sensor's signal becomes erratic before failing completely.
• P171F — This code is for 'Transmission Input Speed (RPM) Sensor 2 Implausible Signal'. It's another sensor on the same internal module, and its presence strongly points to a mechatronics circuit board failure.
• P179F — This code relates to a 'Drive Position Sensor Malfunction'. This sensor is also part of the same internal mechatronics assembly, and this code frequently appears alongside the speed sensor faults, as noted in TSB A351619.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• A351619 2032211 (and revisions like /4, /5): Details the diagnosis for gearbox warning lights and lists DTCs P0715, P2765, P0716, and P171F, among others, as being caused by a faulty internal sensor module in the DL501 transmission for 2013-2014 RS5 models. It specifies that certain DFCC codes must be present and that technicians should complete a specific training course before attempting the repair.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The DL501 S-Tronic transmission's mechatronics unit is a widely documented failure item across multiple Audi models that use it, including the RS5, S4, and S5. The failure is so common that Audi has issued multiple revisions of a Technical Service Bulletin (A351619 2032211) detailing the diagnosis and repair procedure.
• Early versions of the DL501 (2009-2013) are considered more prone to these issues than later revisions.