P13CA – BMW DTC

BMW DTC P13CA – ‘A’ Camshaft Incorrect Assembly (Bank 1)

DTC P13CA meaning on BMW

The DTC P13CA on a BMW indicates an ‘A’ Camshaft Incorrect Assembly fault on Bank 1. This fault code is triggered when the engine control module detects that the camshaft is not in the correct position or alignment as per the manufacturer’s specifications.

BMW DTC P13CA symptoms

Symptoms of the BMW DTC P13CA may include rough idling, loss of power, engine misfires, poor fuel efficiency, and in some cases, the Check Engine Light may illuminate on the dashboard.

BMW DTC P13CA causes

The common causes of the BMW DTC P13CA fault include incorrect camshaft timing, a faulty camshaft position sensor, a damaged camshaft phaser, or issues with the timing chain or timing chain tensioner.

BMW DTC P13CA seriousness

Ignoring the DTC P13CA fault code on a BMW can lead to potential engine damage, reduced performance, and increased fuel consumption. It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent further complications.

How to diagnose DTC P13CA on BMW

To diagnose the DTC P13CA on a BMW, a mechanic would typically perform a visual inspection of the camshaft components, check the camshaft timing, inspect the camshaft position sensor, and conduct a thorough scan of the engine control module for any related fault codes.

How to fix DTC P13CA on BMW

Fixing the BMW DTC P13CA fault may involve realigning the camshaft timing, replacing the camshaft position sensor, repairing or replacing the camshaft phaser, or addressing any issues with the timing chain or tensioner. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s repair procedures for a proper fix.

How to erase DTC P13CA on BMW

Once the underlying issue causing the DTC P13CA fault on a BMW has been resolved, the fault code can be erased using a diagnostic scanner or by disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for a few minutes. However, it is important to ensure that the fault has been properly fixed before clearing the code.

Recommended tools & DTC Scanners for BMW

Best Diagnostic App for modern BMWs: BimmerLink

Recommended Bluetooth adapter for Bimmerlink: OBDLink CX

Cable adapter for Bimmerlink: Enet Cable USB Type C

For older BMWs we recommend: Autel AutoLink AL319 (2024 version)

Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter

Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep our DTC database up to date and provide valuable content for free. We only recommend products that we have tested and believe to be the best in their class.