OBD Guide
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P0012

ACamshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

P0012 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: ACamshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1). Common causes: variable valve timing (vvt) solenoid malfunction, clogged oil channels of the vvt system. Estimated repair cost: $89–278.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Limited driving only, diagnose soon
Approx. repair cost
$89–278 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Loss of engine power
  • Unstable idle speed
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Rough engine idling
  • Difficulty starting the engine
  • Metallic knock in the engine
  • Check Engine light comes on

Causes

  • Variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid malfunction
  • Clogged oil channels of the VVT system
  • Low engine oil pressure
  • Using poor quality or contaminated oil
  • Camshaft position sensor malfunction
  • Mechanical damage to the timing chain or belt
  • Worn or seized VVT clutch
  • Faulty VVT system wiring or connectors

How to Fix

  1. Read error codes using a diagnostic scanner
  2. Check the level and quality of the engine oil, replace if necessary
  3. Check the oil pressure in the system
  4. Inspect the VVT solenoid for damage and proper connection.
  5. Check VVT solenoid resistance (usually 6-12 ohms)
  6. Clean the oil passages of the VVT system with a special flush
  7. Check the camshaft position sensor signal
  8. Replace faulty components if necessary
  9. Reset error codes and take a test drive
  10. Recheck the system for errors

Related codes

P0011P0021P0022P0016P0017P0018P0019

Error P0012 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the P0012 code mean?

P0012 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: ACamshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

What causes a P0012 error code?

The most common causes of P0012 include: Variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid malfunction; Clogged oil channels of the VVT system; Low engine oil pressure; Using poor quality or contaminated oil.

How do I fix a P0012 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0012: Read error codes using a diagnostic scanner. Check the level and quality of the engine oil, replace if necessary. Check the oil pressure in the system. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0012?

Limited driving only, diagnose soon

How much does it cost to fix P0012?

The estimated repair cost for P0012 is $89–278. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

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