Broken or disconnected electrical connector at the bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid; Damaged or corroded wiring harness between the DME and the actuator; Failed camshaft position actuator solenoid (open internal coil); Blown fuse or relay supplying power to the actuator circuit; Faulty engine control module (DME) driver for the actuator circuit, though rare

DTC codes / BMW codes / P1569

P1569 · BMWA Camshaft Position Actuator Control Open Circuit Bank 2

Q: What does code P1569 mean?

A Camshaft Position Actuator Control Open Circuit Bank 2. P1569 on BMW vehicles indicates that the engine control module (DME) has detected an open circuit in the wiring for the camshaft position actuator on bank 2. This means the electrical path to the actuator solenoid is broken, so the computer cannot command variable camshaft timing on that bank.

P1569 on BMW vehicles indicates that the engine control module (DME) has detected an open circuit in the wiring for the camshaft position actuator on bank 2. This means the electrical path to the actuator solenoid is broken, so the computer cannot command variable camshaft 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
Rough idle or engine misfire, especially when cold
Reduced engine performance and poor fuel economy
A noticeable loss of power at higher engine speeds
In some cases, the engine may enter limp mode

Common causes, most likely first

Broken or disconnected electrical connector at the bank 2 camshaft position actuator solenoid
Damaged or corroded wiring harness between the DME and the actuator
Failed camshaft position actuator solenoid (open internal coil)
Blown fuse or relay supplying power to the actuator circuit
Faulty engine control module (DME) driver for the actuator circuit, though rare

How to diagnose and fix it

Visually inspect the actuator connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Check the fuse and relay that supply power to the camshaft position actuator circuit
Measure resistance across the actuator solenoid terminals to check for an open coil
Perform a voltage drop test on the ground and power circuits to the actuator
If the circuit is intact, test the DME output signal with an oscilloscope or bidirectional scan tool
Replace the camshaft position actuator solenoid if it fails electrical testing
Clear the fault code and verify the repair with a test drive and live data monitoring

Don't overlook the wiring harness

A common mistake is replacing the camshaft position actuator solenoid without first checking the connector and wiring, as a broken wire or corroded pin is often the real cause.
The open circuit may be intermittent, so wiggle-test the harness while monitoring live data or using a multimeter to catch a break that only appears under vibration.
This code can be set by a faulty DME driver, but that is rare; always rule out the solenoid and wiring before condemning the engine control module.
Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1, so confirm which bank is bank 2 on the specific BMW engine before ordering parts.
After repairs, the DME may need to relearn the camshaft adaptation values; a simple code clear may not be enough to restore smooth operation.

Can I keep driving with P1569?

You can usually drive the vehicle with this code, but avoid aggressive acceleration and high engine speeds because the variable camshaft timing is disabled on bank 2. Prolonged driving may lead to poor fuel economy and increased emissions, so schedule a diagnosis soon.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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