Broken, chafed, or disconnected wire in the bank 2 camshaft actuator circuit (open circuit).; Corroded or loose electrical connector at the bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid.; Failed camshaft position actuator solenoid (open coil winding).; Faulty engine control module (DME) driver for the actuator circuit, though rare.; Damage to the wiring harness from heat, rodents, or previous repairs.

DTC codes / BMW codes / P1526

P1526 · BMWA Camshaft Position Actuator Control Open Circuit Bank 2

Q: What does code P1526 mean?

A Camshaft Position Actuator Control Open Circuit Bank 2. P1526 on BMW vehicles indicates that the engine control module (DME) has detected an open circuit in the wiring for the bank 2 camshaft position actuator, which is the solenoid that adjusts camshaft timing. The computer commands the actuator but sees no electrical current flow, so it sets this fault and typically disables variable valve timing for that bank.

P1526 on BMW vehicles indicates that the engine control module (DME) has detected an open circuit in the wiring for the bank 2 camshaft position actuator, which is the solenoid that adjusts camshaft timing. The computer commands the actuator but sees no electrical current flow, so it sets this fault and typically disables variable valve timing for that bank.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeBMW specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms.
Rough idle or misfire, especially when the engine is cold or under light load.
Reduced engine performance and poor fuel economy due to fixed cam timing.
A noticeable lack of power at higher engine speeds or during acceleration.
In some cases, the engine may enter limp mode or exhibit delayed throttle response.

Common causes, most likely first

Broken, chafed, or disconnected wire in the bank 2 camshaft actuator circuit (open circuit).
Corroded or loose electrical connector at the bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid.
Failed camshaft position actuator solenoid (open coil winding).
Faulty engine control module (DME) driver for the actuator circuit, though rare.
Damage to the wiring harness from heat, rodents, or previous repairs.

How to diagnose and fix it

Clear the code and test-drive to verify it returns; note any freeze-frame data.
Visually inspect the bank 2 camshaft actuator solenoid connector and wiring for damage or corrosion.
Measure resistance of the actuator solenoid with a multimeter and compare to specification.
Check for battery voltage at the solenoid connector with the key on and engine off.
Perform a continuity test on the signal and ground wires between the solenoid and DME.
If wiring is good but solenoid resistance is out of spec, replace the actuator solenoid.
If all circuits test good, diagnose the DME driver circuit or replace the DME as a last resort.

Open Circuit Doesn't Always Mean Bad Solenoid

A common misdiagnosis is replacing the camshaft actuator solenoid when the real fault is a broken wire inside the harness loom near the exhaust manifold, where heat causes insulation to crack.
The DME may set P1526 even if the solenoid coil is intact, because the open circuit can be on the ground side of the circuit, which is often overlooked during continuity testing.
On some BMW engines, the bank 2 camshaft actuator shares a ground point with other sensors, so a corroded ground can trigger this code along with other unrelated faults.
P1526 can be stored intermittently if the wiring is chafed and only loses contact over bumps or when the engine moves under load, so a wiggle test of the harness is essential.
Do not confuse this code with timing chain issues; P1526 is strictly an electrical open circuit, and replacing mechanical timing components will not fix it.

Can I keep driving with P1526?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid sustained high-speed driving or heavy loads because the engine may lack power and run inefficiently. If the check engine light flashes or the engine runs very poorly, stop driving and have it towed.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for BMW vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.