Camshaft actuator problems

[crit1]

I have a '95 C280 and have been getting the P1341 code which is the adjustable camshaft solenoid. I have had the solenoid replaced, the camshaft position sensor and OVP relay replaced and the check engine light comes on in less than 100 miles. I've had various people speculate that it could be a vacuum leak, camshaft timing bad, diagnosic module bad, MAP sensor and probably others. I've had it to my indy mechanic 4 times and they can't figure it out. Just prior to this, I had a rebuilt throttle actuator put in and the intake manifold was removed to get to it. Is it possible that there is a vacuum problem with the intake manifold and that is what is setting off the code? Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I've had it with this beast. I'm getting very close to being an Ex-Mercedes owner. I've had the car 7 months and have not been able to drive 100 miles without the CEL coming on. I've also replaced the wire harness and had the rear end rebuilt. Too much money and too frustrating.

[Pagz]

So after replacing all that you still get the same P1341 code?
wish i could help more but if you mechanic has checked it four times,maybe time to try somone else as well!

[crit1]

The plan is to try someone else. Maybe the dealer. I hate to pay their inflated prices, but don't feel like there is much choice. Hopefully, they'll diagnose it correctly.

[SLAMMED_C]

Originally posted by crit1
The plan is to try someone else. Maybe the dealer. I hate to pay their inflated prices, but don't feel like there is much choice. Hopefully, they'll diagnose it correctly.
if you had just goen to the dealer in the first place it probably would have saved you so much money.. seems like you have replaced so much stuff for no reason at all!..
whens the last time you have an oil change?
that code you get.. is it for the logic chain for camshaft solenoid?

[crit1]

Maybe I would have saved money in the long run, but I'm not too sure. The wire harness was pretty shot and the throttle actuator went bad. Of course these are two items that are well known to go bad on this model vehicle. However, you don't expect it to happen right after you purchase the car. I think these items would have to been changed anyway, so I don't think they weere changed for no reason (at least that's what I am telling myself). The item I definitely would have saved on by going to the dealer is frustration. I was going back and back and back to the same people which was driving me (and my wife) absolutely crazy. I recently changed the oil so it has nothing to do with that. And yes, this code is for the camshaft timing logic chain. The current theory now is that the light is caused by the camshaft timing not being correct. It's not wrong enough to cause any performance problems, but wrong enough to trigger the CEL. The head gasket (another problem with this model) was done just before purchase. If the shop didn't time the camshaft perfectly, this may have been the culprit. As most of the members of this site are, we're all a little crazy about our Mercedes. You fall in love with these cars and you just want them to run right. I rather not have to look for another vehicle. I like this one.

[crit1]

I brought the car to another mechanic and was told that the camshaft is not timed correctly. Apparently, the previous mechanic did not time it correctly when he did the head gasket. Of course, there is also a stripped valve cover bolt that needs to be tapped out and the serpentine belt adjuster needs to be replaced. The end result is a $950 job that I shouldn't have needed if the first guy did his job right. I wish I had some financial recourse with these guys. I had brought it back 4 times to have the CEL investigated and they did everything but suggest or look into camshaft timing (even though the code is 'adjustable camshaft timing....' Amazing isn't it?

[mayagman]

Just bring to dealership for a diagnosis and perform the work yourself? That's what I do..