SL/R129: How to test camshaft adjuster magnets from wires?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 8
From: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
How to test camshaft adjuster magnets from wires?
How can I test the camshaft adjuster magnet wires?
I recently got a P1519 code which is the Bank 1 camshaft adjuster. Before replacing the camshaft adjuster magnets I decided to swap bank 1 and 2 to see if the code follows. I've put about 100~ miles or so and the check engine light hasn't come back yet.
Upon checking the service records, it looks like the previous owner replaced both camshaft adjuster magnets already roughly 10k miles ago. Is it common for them to fail that "young"?
I want to test the wiring to see if that may be the reason the code was thrown however if I'm not mistaken since the magnets are not always engaged I cannot just check for a current from the wire plug correct? How would I test the wiring to determine whether it really is an issue with the camshaft adjuster magnet or something else? Thanks in advance.
I recently got a P1519 code which is the Bank 1 camshaft adjuster. Before replacing the camshaft adjuster magnets I decided to swap bank 1 and 2 to see if the code follows. I've put about 100~ miles or so and the check engine light hasn't come back yet.
Upon checking the service records, it looks like the previous owner replaced both camshaft adjuster magnets already roughly 10k miles ago. Is it common for them to fail that "young"?
I want to test the wiring to see if that may be the reason the code was thrown however if I'm not mistaken since the magnets are not always engaged I cannot just check for a current from the wire plug correct? How would I test the wiring to determine whether it really is an issue with the camshaft adjuster magnet or something else? Thanks in advance.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 701
Likes: 207
From: Lutz, FL
1997 MB SL600
The cam adjusters last a long time.
The wiring and connectors for the cam adjuster can get very brittle with age and heat, they did on my 97 SL600.
I ended up replacing the plastic snap together connectors.
The wiring and connectors for the cam adjuster can get very brittle with age and heat, they did on my 97 SL600.
I ended up replacing the plastic snap together connectors.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,155
Likes: 1,769
From: Colorado
G550
If swapping bank harnesses made the problem vanish, is it possible the problem bank's connector was simply not fully seated to begin with? If you suspect a faulty magnet, you can measure the resistances of both to see if they're the same. You can also use a 12v battery and try actuating each of them -- you should be able to hear a click. Checking the signal from the ECU is possible, but might require some creativity. Start with the above first.
