P1057 Code: Bank 1 Camshaft Adjustment Circuit (Audi, VW)
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Code P1057 is a manufacturer-specific fault code. It means different things in different car makes. On Volkswagen and Audi, code P1057 means a short exists for Bank 1 Camshaft Adjustment or the sensor has an Open Circuit. Follow the procedures below to learn how to troubleshoot the P1057 problem and find possible solutions to fix it.
At a Glance
- What P1057 means: the bank 1 camshaft adjustment valve circuit has a short or an open. It is a wiring and circuit fault code, not a mechanical timing code.
- Most common cause: the camshaft adjuster valve connector. The pins corrode and the harness chafes where it runs past the valve cover.
- Second cause: the adjuster valve itself.
- Third: a chafed wire further back in the harness, which is the one that takes time to find.
- Cost: $40 to $140 for the valve. $100 to $300 for a wiring repair. $160 to $400 at a shop.
How to Troubleshoot P1057 Code: Bank 1 Camshaft Adjustment Short To Open Circuit on Audi and Volkswagen
Symptoms
The first symptom of a faulty camshaft adjustment sensor is that the check engine light comes on, and in some instances, the vehicle may go into limp mode.
- Engine Light ON / Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
- Reduced power
- Limp home
- The transmission is stuck in gear.
Possible Causes
- Faulty Camshaft Actuator
- The Camshaft Actuator harness is open or shorted.
- Camshaft Actuator circuit poor, corroded, or damaged connection
P1057 Meaning by Make
- Volkswagen: Bank 1 Camshaft Adjustment Short To Open Circuit (Volkswagen)
- Audi: Bank 1 Camshaft Adjustment Short To Open Circuit (Audi)
- BMW / Mini: Post catalytic convertor fuel trim (FT), bank 1: too lean (BMW)
- Dodge: Heated oxygen sensor (H02S) 2, bank 1 circuit high (Dodge)
- Freightliner / Sprinter: Heated oxygen sensor (H02S) 2, bank 1 circuit high (Freightliner)
Replacing the Camshaft Adjustment on a Volkswagen or Audi is very simple. Unplug the electrical connector, remove the Torx bolt, remove and replace the sensor, and make sure to lock the electrical connector.
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Test the solenoid and the wiring before buying
This is a circuit code, which means the engine control module is reporting an electrical reading rather than passing judgement on the part. Two measurements separate a failed solenoid from a wiring problem, and both take a few minutes.
Unplug the camshaft adjustment valve and measure the resistance across its two terminals, comparing the figure against the specification in your service information. A winding that has gone open circuit or shorted reads obviously wrong. Also check between each terminal and the valve body for continuity, since a winding shorting to the casing produces the same code.
Then check the harness side. With the ignition on, confirm the connector is receiving power and has a clean ground. If the supply is missing, the fault lies between the valve and the module and a new valve changes nothing. Inspect the pins for green corrosion and for oil, because a leaking valve seal lets engine oil wick along the inside of the harness and into the connector, and oil in a connector causes intermittent faults that return after the part has been replaced. Flex the harness by hand while watching the live data, since a conductor broken inside intact insulation reads fine until it moves.
Keep circuit codes and timing codes apart
This distinction saves a great deal of wasted work. P1057 and its relatives describe the electrical circuit that operates the camshaft adjuster. Codes such as P0011 and P0012 describe something different: the camshaft not reaching the position the module commanded.
That matters because the two have different causes. For a performance code, oil condition, oil level, a clogged oil control valve screen and a stretched timing chain are all live suspects. For a circuit code they are not. If you are chasing P1057 on its own, changing the oil will not clear it, however overdue the service happens to be.
What it does while it is active
With the adjuster circuit faulted, the module stops varying the camshaft timing and holds it at a default position. The engine still runs, but you lose the low speed torque and the fuel economy the variable timing was providing, and on a turbocharged engine the response feels noticeably flat. Expect a rough idle on some engines, higher consumption and a failed emissions test.
It is not an emergency, but it is not something to leave indefinitely either, because the light will mask anything new that appears. Clear the code after the repair and drive the car through a few cold starts and a mix of town and highway running before calling it finished, since valve timing faults are load dependent and can stay away at idle on the driveway. A full system scanner shows commanded against actual camshaft position in live data, which confirms the adjuster is now being driven and responding rather than leaving you waiting for the light.
What This Repair Costs
| Repair | Typical total cost |
|---|---|
| DIY, camshaft adjuster valve | $40 to $140 |
| Connector repair or pin replacement | $60 to $200 |
| Independent shop | $160 to $400 |
| Dealer | $300 to $550 |
| Harness repair | $150 to $450 |
Rough US estimates for planning, not quotes. Prices vary widely by model, parts brand and region, so get a written quote before committing.
Because this is a circuit code, inspect the connector before ordering anything. Green or crusty pins are your answer and a pin kit costs a fraction of a new valve.
When to Stop and Hand It Over
- The fault is intermittent and will not reproduce. Chasing a chafed wire needs a wiring diagram and time.
- The code returns with a new valve and a clean connector.
- There is a cold start rattle, which points at the timing chain rather than the circuit.
Testing the Circuit Instead of Guessing
A circuit code has three possible causes and they cost $60, $140 and several hours respectively. A generic reader shows the code and stops there.
The YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro reads Audi and VW specific codes, shows live camshaft adjustment values, and can command the adjuster valve on and off. Commanding it while watching the live value is the test. A valve that responds proves the circuit is good and sends you looking elsewhere, and a valve that does nothing narrows it to the valve or its wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P1057 mean on an Audi or VW?
It points to a fault in the bank 1 camshaft adjustment circuit, which usually means the cam adjuster solenoid or its wiring.
Can I drive with code P1057?
For a short time. The engine may run rough or lose power because cam timing is not being adjusted. Fix it soon.
Can low oil cause P1057?
Low or dirty oil can cause cam timing faults, but P1057 is a circuit code. Check the oil, then test the solenoid and wiring.
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