AutoCodes – BMW – P1551 BMW

P1551 BMW Code - Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Open Circuit Bank 1

Quick Answer

P1551 BMW indicates Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Open Circuit Bank 1. Common causes include Faulty Camshaft Position Actuator 'A', Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' harness is open or shorted, Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P1551 BMW indicates Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Open Circuit Bank 1.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Camshaft Position Actuator 'A', Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' harness is open or shorted, Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 13,896
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 29, 2019
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Code P1551 BMW Description

OBDII Code P1551 BMW - Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Open Circuit Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com
P1551 BMW Code - Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' Control Open Circuit Bank 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1551 BMW?

  • Faulty Camshaft Position Actuator 'A'
  • Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' harness is open or shorted
  • Camshaft Position Actuator 'A' circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1551 BMW?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1551 BMW code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1551 BMW Code

What does the OBDII code P1551 mean for a BMW?

Code P1551 indicates an open circuit issue with the camshaft position actuator 'A' on Bank 1, which affects the timing control system.

What are the common symptoms of code P1551 in BMW vehicles?

Symptoms include rough idling, reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and possibly an illuminated check engine light.

What causes the P1551 code in a BMW?

Common causes are damaged wiring, a faulty camshaft position actuator, corroded electrical connectors, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

How can I diagnose the P1551 code on a BMW?

Check the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, test the camshaft position actuator for proper function, and use a scan tool to monitor related sensor data.

Can driving with the P1551 code damage my BMW engine?

Yes, driving with this code can lead to improper engine timing, which may cause further damage over time. Prompt repairs are recommended.

How do I fix the P1551 code in a BMW?

Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors, replace the camshaft position actuator if faulty, and clear the code using an OBDII scanner.

Does the P1551 code affect engine performance?

Yes, it can cause reduced power, hesitation, and poor fuel efficiency due to improper camshaft timing.

How much does it usually cost to repair the P1551 code on a BMW?

Repairs can range from $150 to $600 depending on whether wiring or the camshaft position actuator needs replacement.

Can a bad ECM cause the P1551 code in BMW vehicles?

Yes, a malfunctioning ECM can fail to send or process signals to the camshaft actuator, triggering the code.

How can I prevent the P1551 code from occurring again in my BMW?

Regular maintenance, inspecting wiring and connectors for damage, and addressing engine timing issues promptly can help prevent recurrence.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1551 BMW OBDII Code

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