Can a stored (not active) Code 1685 be cleared???
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Joined: Mar 2026
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From: Annapolis/Ocean Pines MD
2012 ML350, 2010 Camaro 2SS, 1998 BMW M3 vert, 1985 BMW 5 Series with Procharged SBC
Can a stored (not active) Code 1685 be cleared???
Anyone know how to clear a stored (not active) DTC P001685 (cam implausible with crank)?
My AUTEL MAXICOM can't clear this code and it has not cleared on its own in 75 miles of varied driving.
Thanks...Steve.
My AUTEL MAXICOM can't clear this code and it has not cleared on its own in 75 miles of varied driving.
- Can the stored P001685 code be cleared?
- Is there a relearn procedure to clear the code?
- Do I just have to drive around a while for the ECM to either relearn or convince itself all is now well?
Thanks...Steve.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 12,168
Likes: 6,883
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
STORED CODE BACKGROUND
Anyone know how to clear a stored (not active) DTC P001685 (cam implausible with crank)?
My AUTEL MAXICOM can't clear this code and it has not cleared on its own in 75 miles of varied driving.
Thanks...Steve.
My AUTEL MAXICOM can't clear this code and it has not cleared on its own in 75 miles of varied driving.
- Can the stored P001685 code be cleared?
- Is there a relearn procedure to clear the code?
- Do I just have to drive around a while for the ECM to either relearn or convince itself all is now well?
Thanks...Steve.
You are trying to clear a correlation fault that won't go away.
- 1st - ECU POWERED UP!
ECU code clearing is unlike ECU code reading: it requires full ignition.
Like this: IGN:ON - ENG:OFF + Use scanner to clear.
- 2nd - STORED TRANSIENT FAULT!
Some stored faults are really active transients.
As soon as they are cleared, they do come right back.
Meaning they are both Active & Stored - no kidding!
- 3rd - CORRELATION FAULTS
These faults come from shifted camshaft reluctors. This takes place given active rattling was ignored long enough.
-- Normal fix is a new camshaft: $$$$
-- DIY fix involves resetting reluctor position.
- 4th - LUCKY DAY ?
Perhaps you're dealing with a mixed up ECU condition from oily CPS ($50Ea).
If your engine rattling was never ignored
then you qualify for lucky condition
else rattling was ignored
then code is a true correlation fault: $$$$.
For everyone else change favorite oil EARLY ie. 5k.Mi. to slow down phaser lock on thin oil pressure.
When rattling begins then repair soon to save your camshaft.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jun 9, 2026 at 02:04 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 12,168
Likes: 6,883
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Camshafts Failed Reluctors
The ECU uses variable oil pressure to position each camshaft in relation to the main crankshaft position.
ECU measures the actual angle position of each camshaft using Camshaft Position Sensors (CPS) to read the coded notches on a round plate called reluctor wheel.
Having this live data feedback, the ECU is able to build a map of pressure vs. Rpm to position individual camshafts in timely relationship with crank. thus variable timing function - Great!
The ECU monitors feedback data for correlation. It pulls a fault when the camshafts are in the wrong position for a prolonged time.
This happens when a reluctor sensor wheel has shifted out of its reference position. The CPS data are then invalid.
> How can reluctors shift-out of place ??
The camshafts and reluctors are factory pressed together lightly such that when a failed phaser gear hammers its camshaft during startup-rattling, the reluctor moves around its camshaft.
This standard failure calls for new camshaft and phaser gear.... $$$$.
Multiple ways are available to prevent this issue. The easiest way is to repair startup rattling as soon as convenient.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jun 10, 2026 at 09:27 AM.
