Mercedes-Benz Forum banner

Camshaft position sensor solenoid magnet DIY

59557 Views 23 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  Udon
A P0015 code started last month on my 2007 S550. After one reset with my OBDII scanner, the CEL came back after a week. Not wanting to have this get worse, did some research and found the following which prompted me to jump on this DIY repair for an original solenoid magnet that should be replaced with an upgrade.

Purpose
The camshaft sensor is magnetic device with a solenoid. It gathers and sends information about the car’s camshaft speed (and as a result the position of each piston) to the electronic control module. This information is received by the computer, which then uses this data to further calculate the time of ignition and the timing of fuel injection required by the engine. Progressive problems with these sensors are:

1. "Check Engine" Light
The first symptom of a failing camshaft sensor manifests as a warning from the car’s control module. As the camshaft sensor fails, the computer sends the driver a warning sign via the “check engine” light on the car’s dashboard. When the check engine light first comes on, the driver has enough time to service the car and replace all faulty parts, including the failing camshaft sensor. However, if you ignore this flashing light for a considerable time, it could later lead to engine trouble.

2. Disrupted Driving
Another symptom of a failing camshaft sensor is experiencing constant disruption while driving. If you are experiencing symptoms like frequent stalling, poor idling of the car at 500 to 600 rpms, a massive drop in the rpms slowing down the car to a crawl, a noticeable drop in engine power, poor mileage, abnormal acceleration activity, frequent stumbling, etc., it probably means you have a failing camshaft sensor that needs immediate attention.

3. Ignition Trouble
If you ignore all of the above symptoms, you end up with one that really can’t be ignored—no ignition. Remember, as the sensor begins to weaken, so does the signal it transmits to the car’s computerized control station. If you let the problem carry on for too long, the engine will suffer from a “no spark” situation. Once the signal switches off, so will your engine, thereby stranding you.
See less See more
1 - 1 of 24 Posts
Troubleshooting

For my condition, P0015 code is Bank 1 Position "B" for the Camshaft Position Sensor. (Not to be confused with the single Crankshaft Position Sensor which detects the flywheel and crankshaft position). Bank 1 is passenger side of engine, and position "B" is the exhaust cam. So I needed to replace the solenoid on the exhaust cam on the passenger's side of the engine. The top one is the Intake and the bottom is the Exhaust. As a preventive measure, I replaced both solenoids. The M272 and M273 engines have four camshaft positions sensors and solenoids, so other CEL similar codes may be p0011, p0012, and P0014.

Found a STAR diagnostic screen which indicates Solenoid Magnet replacement is part# A2720510177 as opposed to doing the hall-effect sensor replacement for M272 engine (STAR also indicates not to replace the hall-effect sensor). My S550 is a 2007 5,461 cc (5.461 L; 333.3 cu in) V8 (M273) engine. However, the M272 and M273 are modular cousins, and the M272 is just the 6 cylinder version. These parts and instructions should compatible between all MB platforms that use these two engines.

I got new MB camshaft solenoid magnets from FCPEuro for about $25 each. The Solenoid Magnet replacement is part# A2720510177. (See Picture) Evidently, this is an upgrade part from original A2720510 0 77 which proves to be a bit wonky over time.

This guy is wrong about B bank cam sensor locations. The Intake sensor is closest to intake cam! The Exhaust sensor is higher than the Intake, and closest to exhaust cam. Gordie @ flcar.net (I'm a real Mercedes Mechanic/shop Owner, with over 40 years experience!)
1 - 1 of 24 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top