'96 E320 DCT P1342, Adjustable Timing Solenoid (Y49) I need help in testing and repl.
 

I am getting a Diagnostic Trouble code P1342. Is there a way to test the camshaft timing solenoid (Y49) ? Is it a remove and replace part ? Or are special tools needed? Norm in FL
1996 E320 107000mi.

Am I the only one that has had a P 1342 Trouble Code? I think it may be a bad Adjustable Timing Solenoid. Anyone have an idea?

No listing on that code , but you can test if the sol is working by unplugging the connector and supplying bat voltage to the sol.
at idle and look for rough running when energized..smooth when not ...
That will tell you if the sol itself [ and cam advance] is operating.
From there ,you will know if it is a power feed problem..

Alldata.com shows the DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) P1342. Electrical activation of adjustable camshaft timing solenoid (Y49)

Then do the test...
It is either not getting power or not responding to power ...

Norm
 

Norm, my 1996 S500 has adjustable cam timing solenoids... I suspect they are very similar to the system on your motor.
The solenoid is nothing more than an electromagnet coil... you can simply unplug the wire to it and test the coil for continuity at the connection point.
On my S500, there are only three allen bolts that hold each solenoid to the front of the timing chain cover (up on the heads).
Internally, the solenoid is not connected to anything... remove the three bolts and it comes right off.
Hope this helps, KenP

If you have an ohm meter, you can test for proper coil resistance ... looking for 4-6 ohms, no cont. to grouind

Being at home I can't look up the diagnostic concept for that code.

The only cam sensor codes I have dealt with were generated when the cam was installed with improper adjuster loading after head removal. I have seen this twice. Each time it was the first time the tech had done the reassembly.

The cam timing is changed at 3000 rpm if I recall. It might be valuable to view that activation. The controller has the ability to see both the results of activation (from the timing evaluation) but also by viewing the drop of voltage across an internal resistor that gives the controller a current evaluation. This is how the controller knows whether it is actually hooked up.

Here is a description of this DTC:
DTC P1_342 Electrical activation of adjustable camshaft timing solenoid (Y49)
Check Engine Lamp: two consecutive trips with fault.
Activation of Check Engine Lamp: at start of next trip.
The Engine control module checks the electric actuation of Y49 and sends a message via CAN. The Diagnostic Module recognizes a fault if problem occur for longer than approx. 2 seconds.

The camshaft adjusting solenoid is initially actuated with a current of 1.5 Amps for about 1 second from HFM control unit. Subsequently the current falls to the holding current of 1 Amp. When the solenoid is energized, the intake camshaft is advanced. The adjustment is dependent of engine coolant temperature (below 15C the camshaft adjustment doesn't operate), and on the engine load and engine RPM map. There are only two positions, advanced and retarded.
Camshaft adjustment (transmission in drive and partial throttle):
Up to approx. 1500 rpm - Retard
From 1500 to 4200 rpm - Advance
Above 4200 rpm - Retard
In transmission range P or N the camshaft advancement occurs at 3000 rpm.

Thank you all for your help, There is a lot of good information out there. I checked the resistance on the Camshaft Solenoid it was 12 ohms, it should be 4-8 ohms. I bought a new Solenoid and installed it today. No Ck Eng. lite . Thank you all for your help. Norm in FL

Two days, No Ck Eng. lite . The repalcement of the camshaft timing solenoid is a remove and replace 3 screws one connector. Again thanks to all for your help. Norm in FL