[NPT57]

Hey Guys.. I’m stumped with a P1554 (Intake Vanos Solenoid Sticking).

I switched the two Vanos solenoids and cleared the codes… P1554 intake code still came back. I purchased a new solenoid, changed oil, filter, cleaned vanos filter screens, and spark plugs (plugs were due)..

P1554 came back instantly. I’m stumped!

Car symptoms:
- Inconsistent crank when starting (sometime long)
- Car Seems slow/sluggish and sometimes when accelerating the car skips a beat

Where do I go from here? Completely stumped.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by NPT57

...P1554 (Intake Vanos Solenoid Sticking). [NOT Correct Code definition -- see below.].
I switched the two Vanos solenoids and cleared the codes… P1554 intake code still came back. I purchased a new solenoid, changed oil, filter, cleaned vanos filter screens, and spark plugs (plugs were due).. P1554 came back instantly. I’m stumped!... Car symptoms:
- Inconsistent crank when starting (sometime long)...

Here are BMW Fault Code Lookup definition of P1554 | 2A98 Code & LINK to Fault Info Sheet for that Code:
P1554 | 2A98 | DME: Crankshaft - inlet camshaft, reference | MSV70 | Engine electronics
https://bmwfault.codes/XMLDiagView?d...QANAAyADAANAA=

Note the "Service Notes". My interpretation of that code, since the Crankshaft and Camshafts are tied together via the timing chain: the signal, as received by the DME from the Crankshaft Sensor is NOT correctly synchronized with the signal as received by DME from Intake Camshaft Position Sensor. The fact that there was NO change by swapping VANOS Solenoids confirms that VANOS function has NOTHING to do with the code, as suggested by the "Service Notes" above.

If I were trying to solve that code, I would use INPA or ISTA (BMW Diagnostic Software) to:
1) View/Post "Freeze Frame Data", a "Snapshot" of engine conditions at moment Code was saved in DME Fault Memory;
2) View/Post "Live Data" showing Cam Angles, Actual & Target, to see if angle is steady, changing slowly as engine warms at idle, or if it fluctuates or varies.

With those clues, we can get a better idea of what is happening. Also, has there been any recent work under hood? If so, please describe in detail.
George

[NPT57]

Thanks for the background.. Interesting. Without data logging, can I assume the car needs either the can shaft sensors/crankshaft sensors replaced?

This would answer the long and inconsistent crank when starting.

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by NPT57

Thanks for the background.. Interesting. Without data logging, can I assume the car needs either the can shaft
sensors/crankshaft sensors replaced? This would answer the long and inconsistent crank when starting.

Diagnosis is relatively CHEAP (it DOES require time & THOUGHT ;-)
Part$ are Expen$ive. BimmerGeeks K+DCAN Cable: $50; INPA FREE (sorry BMW -- know you are trying to eradicate
BMW Standard Tools availability ;-).

See attached ScreenPrint of Live Data of Cam Angle, Target (Sollwert) angle & Actual Angle. You can ALSO monitor
Crankshaft Sensor Signal by viewing RPM input to DME. You can get a LOT of "Clues" about what is actually happening,
by understanding what INPUTS/ Signals the DME Receives, and HOW to view them. If you don't have a Windows Laptop,
check out ProTool which costs $95 for Diagnostic License, & can be installed on Android device.
George