The camshaft is considered one of the most important parts of the engine. It plays a crucial role in ensuring optimum fuel efficiency and engine performance. It controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. The powertrain control module (PCM) of your vehicle constantly monitors the performance of the camshaft. If there is something wrong with the intake camshaft timing for Bank 1, the PCM triggers the P0012 code.
This trouble code may appear for various reasons, and a mechanic will need to properly the main cause of the DTC P0012. This article explains the P0012 code meaning, causes, symptoms, and how to fix.
Code P0012 Definition
- P0012 Generic: Camshaft Position Intake—Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
- P0012 Toyota: Over-retarded bank 1 intake timing for “A” camshafts
- P0012 Mazda: Timing over-retarded on the right side of CMP
- P0012 Ford: ‘A’ Variable Camshaft Timing Over Retarded Bank 1
- P0012 BMW: Over-retarded bank 1 intake camshaft position timing
In a straight overhead camshaft engine or an inline engine, the “A” indicates the intake camshaft. Alternatively, if the engine is configured as a V, it refers to the intake camshaft on Bank 1.
According to the code, “Bank 1” refers to the engine side that contains the number one cylinder. This applies to engines with boxer or V configurations.
What Does Code P0012 Mean?
The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0012 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) detects that the intake camshaft timing for bank 1 is over-retarded than the specified timing. This indicates a difference between the desired position angle and the actual position angle of the camshaft.
A Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system plays a vital role to enhance both engine performance and fuel efficiency by managing the timing of intake and exhaust valve operations. A camshaft is used to operate these valves.
To control the camshaft, the PCM utilizes an oil control valve. It uses the data of the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors to assess the real-time intake valve timing. This data allows the PCM to validate the timing of the intake camshaft.
Whenever the camshaft is retarded or advanced, the PCM sends an alert to warn the driver. The timing issue occurs during either phase of the camshaft motion. Other trouble codes such as P0012, P0010, P0017, or P0013 may also appear at the same time.
Causes of P0012 Code
The following are the major causes of the P0012 trouble code:
- A bad or failing variable timing solenoid on a camshaft
- Valve timing actuators that are defective or failing
- Low oil levels
- Dirty or contaminated engine oil
- Damaged or worn timing chain or belt
- Defective oil control valve
- Damaged electric wiring
- Bad camshaft timing
- Fault camshaft position sensor
Symptoms of Code P0012
As the P0012 trouble code goes bad, it gives one of the below-given symptoms:
- Failed emissions test
- The check engine light starts illuminating
- You may face engine misfiring issues
- Engine stalling
- A reduction in the fuel economy
- A reduction in the engine performance
- Knocking/rattling from the motor
Read More: Symptoms of P0017
Tools Needed to Diagnose Code P0012
P0012 trouble code can be diagnosed and repaired with the following tools:
- Oil pressure gauge
- Proper hand tools.
- Fused jumper wire
- OBD II scan tool
How to Diagnose the P0012 Code
Follow the following steps to diagnose the P0012 trouble code:
- Use an OBD2 scan tool to ensure the presence of the P0012 code. Clear the code and perform a test drive. If the code returns, move forward for further inspection.
- Check the engine oil for correct viscosity and cleanliness.
- Check the oil leve.
- Visually inspect the electrical wiring to the crankshaft sensor, MAP sensor, oil control solenoid valve, and camshaft sensor for loose connections, damaged wiring harness, or any other issues.
- Test whether the camshaft timing changes by turning the oil control solenoid valve on and off.
- Inspect the camshaft position sensor for a fault.
- Inspect the crankshaft position sensor for damage.
- When no problems are noted and the P0012 code still exists, perform a manufacturer-specific pinpoint test and any necessary repairs.
Common P0012 Diagnosis Mistakes
- Overlooking the basic checks such as engine oil and electrical system inspection
- Not using the appropriate diagnostic tool
- Not inspecting the parts visually
- Not clearing the codes after making the necessary repairs
- Replacing parts without testing
How Serious is the P0012 Code?
The P0012 code is a serious trouble code. Driving with code may lead to different issues such as engine starting issues, acceleration problems, or poor fuel economy. Engines or valve trains can experience other problems if the camshafts aren’t retarding while driving the vehicle.
Driving with the P0012 code for an extended period of time may lead to the complete failure of the engine parts. Therefore, it is recommended to address this code as soon as possible.
What repairs can fix the P0012 code?
Fixing the P0012 trouble code is not too hard. It is very easy. You may perform the following repairs to fix the P0012 code:
- Replace the bad timing belt or chain
- Perform an oil change
- Replace the bad intake valve timing solenoid
- Replace the faulty oil pump
- Repair electrical issues
- Replace the bad camshaft actuator
- Install new oil control valve
- Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor
P0012 Code Repair Cost
The repair or fixing cost of the P0012 code varies according to the vehicle model and the type of repair. Following are the major repair costs of P0012 which include the repair cost of the relevant parts and labor costs.
| Parts | Repair costs |
|---|---|
| Oil pump replacement | $210 to $1,600 |
| Camshaft actuator replacement | $290 to $1100 |
| Timing chain or a belt replacement | $900 to $5100 |
| New intake valve timing solenoid | $290 to $560 |
| Oil filter replacement | $40 to $80 |
| Oil control valve replacement | $140 to $460 |
| Repairing electrical issues | $50 to $510 |
How to Prevent P0012 code?
Follow the following control measures to prevent your vehicle from triggering the P0012 code:
- Ensure regular maintenance
- Ensure sufficient oil level
- Change oil regularly
- Use the correct oil
- Avoid extended idling
- Replace timing components according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Always use high-quality fuel
FAQ Section
What is the Code P0012 Definition?
P0012 code stands for Camshaft Position “A” – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1).
Can I drive my vehicle with a P0012 trouble code?
When you have a P0012 trouble code, you should not drive your vehicle. Driving with this code may cause a decrease in fuel economy, as well as a decrease in engine power. If may also lead to the complete failure of the engine.
Can dirty oil cause P0012?
Incorrect oil viscosity may also trigger the P0012 trouble code. For example, if your engine oil is too thick, the camshaft control valve will not work properly, and the system may fail.
Can an oil change fix P0012?
Because P0012 is related to intake camshaft timing, most problems are caused by dirty oil. The engine oil is not expensive to repair. Changing the oil and oil filters will usually fix this OBD2 trouble code.
Can a car run without a camshaft position sensor?
No, your car can’t move without a camshaft position sensor. The engine starts or stalls when not rotating. If the same sensor is disconnected and no signal is sent, your engine will not work efficiently.
Will disconnecting the battery reset the crankshaft sensor?
To reset the Check Engine Light, disconnect the battery from the battery negative terminal, allow the vehicle to sit for an hour, and then reconnect the battery. This drains all power from your electronic devices and erases your short-term memory.
What is a camshaft position timing over-Retarded Bank 1?
Camshaft position timing over-retarded Bank 1 Indicates that the vehicle’s computer has determined that the camshaft timing of the bank 1 cylinder is set earlier or later than the ECM expects.