P0012 code meaning

What P0012 means

The engine control module compares the commanded position of the intake camshaft on bank 1 with the actual position from the camshaft and crankshaft sensors. This code is set when the camshaft stays further retarded than commanded for longer than a calibrated time. Usually the phaser does not move far enough out of its rest position, because oil pressure is too low to release the locking pin, the oil control valve does not open, or the oil screen is blocked. A stretched timing chain also shifts the camshaft towards retarded. Bank 1 is the cylinder bank that contains cylinder 1.

P0012 at a glance

• Check engine lightYes, usually on
• Emissions testCan fail
• Limp modePossible
• Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
• Typical labor0.5 to 10 hours
• Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle

Symptoms of P0012

• Check engine light on
• Noticeably less torque and pulling power
• Higher fuel consumption
• Harder starting in some cases
• Rattle from the timing drive if the chain is stretched

Common causes of P0012

• Most likelyOil pressure or oil level too low, oil worn out
• Most likelyOil control valve sticking closed or its screen blocked
• PossibleCam phaser defective or seized in its rest position
• PossibleTiming chain stretched or jumped a tooth
• Less likelyWear debris in the oil circuit, e.g. from a thrust bearing

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Cam phaser intake bank1Oil control valve intake bank1Engine oilTiming chain

What each part of P0012 means

What to do next

• Note P0012 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
• Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
• Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
• Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.

Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.

Codes often seen with P0012

• P0011 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Ba...
• P000A A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
• P0010 "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
• P0015 "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
• P0022 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
• P0025 "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
• P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)

Questions about P0012

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