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P1520 fault code: what it means

P1520: Exhaust camshaft (B) actuator fault, bank 1. Rough running and less power.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Costly if missed

Usual causes, most likely first

  1. faulty exhaust VANOS solenoid
  2. clogged oil passages
  3. low oil level

P1520 by make

BMW

Exhaust camshaft (B) actuator fault, bank 1. Rough running and less power.

Usual causes: faulty exhaust VANOS solenoid; clogged oil passages; low oil level

Mini

Exhaust camshaft (B) actuator fault, bank 1. Rough running and less power.

Usual causes: faulty exhaust VANOS solenoid; clogged oil passages; low oil level

Not sure what P1520 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.