Error code P1388

2012 BMW 320

104,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • MANUAL

ONEMARK23

MEMBER
1 POST

I was driving and the car came up with drive-train fault all of a sudden the engine shut off. it would turn over but not fire. I had it towed home and a friend has a code reader it came up with just one code P1388. Looked it up and it said camshaft retarded. I was told it's the camshaft sensor is this correct? Hope so as i have ordered a new one.

Jan 8, 2020 at 8:13 PM

KASEKENNY

✓Experienced Mechanic
18,907 POSTS

Unfortunately, I don't think the sensor is the issue. More than likely you have a variable valve solenoid issue or actuator issue. When these get stuck open it retards the timing. This could be because of a failed solenoid, actuator, or contaminated oil.

Check out all this info and let me know if you have questions. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-camshaft-variable-valve-timing-works

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Jan 9, 2020 at 3:14 AM