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DTC codes / BMW codes / P1532

P1532 · BMWB Camshaft Position Actuator Control Open Circuit Bank 2

P1532 on BMW vehicles indicates that the engine control module (DME) has detected an open circuit in the electrical path for the Bank 2 camshaft position actuator, which is the solenoid that adjusts intake or exhaust cam timing on the bank of cylinders that does not contain cylinder 1. The DME commands a duty cycle to move the actuator, but the circuit shows infinite resistance or no current flow, so the computer sets this fault and typically disables variable valve timing on 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 besides the warning light
  • Rough idle or uneven running, especially when cold, due to the camshaft staying in its default position
  • Reduced engine power and poor throttle response because variable valve timing is disabled on Bank 2
  • Increased fuel consumption as the DME reverts to a fixed cam timing strategy
  • Intermittent misfire codes or a stumble during acceleration if the actuator sticks or fails to return
  • A noticeable rattle or ticking from the Bank 2 camshaft area if the actuator is mechanically stuck while electrically open

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Broken or chafed wire in the actuator harness, particularly at the connector or where the loom bends near the cylinder head
  2. Corroded or loose electrical connector pins at the Bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid
  3. Failed camshaft position actuator solenoid with an open internal coil winding
  4. Blown fuse or damaged relay in the actuator power supply circuit, though this often affects multiple solenoids
  5. Engine control module (DME) driver circuit failure, which is rare but possible after a short circuit or water intrusion
  6. Oil sludge or debris blocking the actuator screen and causing the solenoid to overheat and open-circuit internally

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Clear the code and perform a wiggle test on the Bank 2 actuator harness while watching live actuator duty cycle data to see if the circuit cuts in and out
  2. Visually inspect the actuator connector for corrosion, pushed-back pins, or melted plastic, and check the wire loom for chafing near the head
  3. Measure resistance across the Bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid with a multimeter and compare it to the Bank 1 actuator or factory specification
  4. Check for battery voltage at the actuator connector with the key on and verify the ground path back to the DME using a loaded test light
  5. Swap the Bank 2 actuator with the Bank 1 actuator and see if the code moves to Bank 1, confirming a faulty solenoid rather than wiring
  6. If wiring and solenoid test good, check for oil sludge at the actuator screen and clean or replace the screen if restricted
  7. As a last step, test the DME driver circuit with an oscilloscope or substitute a known-good DME only after all other causes are ruled out

Before you replace the Bank 2 actuator

  • A chafed wire inside the plastic loom near the Bank 2 cam cover is a far more common cause of this open circuit than a failed solenoid, so always flex the harness while watching live data before condemning the actuator.
  • The DME may set P1532 intermittently if the actuator connector is only partially seated, and simply reseating the connector with dielectric grease can cure the fault without any parts.
  • An open circuit can be caused by a failed splice inside the engine harness where the Bank 2 actuator wiring joins the main loom, which is easy to miss if you only test from connector to connector.
  • This code does not always mean the actuator is dead; a shorted or open DME driver can mimic the same symptom, so verify the control side with a noid light or scope before replacing the computer.
  • Oil sludge blocking the actuator screen can cause the solenoid to overheat and open-circuit internally, so always check the screen and camshaft oil passages on high-mileage BMW engines.

Can I keep driving with P1532?

You can usually drive the car to a workshop, but avoid sustained high-rpm driving and heavy load because the Bank 2 camshaft will stay in its default position, which can cause poor performance and increased exhaust emissions. If the engine runs very rough or misfires badly, stop driving and have it towed to prevent catalytic converter damage.

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.

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