Fault code P0012 is called “”A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P0012
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a general powertrain code. Error P0012 is considered a general code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly depending on the model.
Code P0012 refers to variable valve timing (VVT) or variable camshaft timing (VCT) components. It also refers to the vehicle’s PCM (Powertrain Control Module) or ECM (Engine Control Module). VVT is a technology used in an engine to give it more power or efficiency under different operating conditions.
It consists of several different components, but fault code P0012 specifically refers to camshaft timing. If the camshaft timing is excessively slow, the engine error light will come on and the code will be set.
The camshaft “A” is the intake, left or front camshaft. This code refers to Bank 1. Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder #1.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P0012 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- The Check Engine light on the control panel will illuminate (the code will be written to the ECM memory as a fault).
- The vehicle engine may have difficulty starting.
- Floating revolutions, as well as attempts to stall at idle.
- Other symptoms are also possible.
If fault P0012 appears, you may have trouble starting the engine, or it may run erratically, run rough at idle, or even stall. If left unresolved for a long time, it can lead to other problems.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P0012 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Incorrect valve timing setting.
- Wiring problem in inlet phase control solenoid valve system.
- Continuous oil flow to VCT piston chamber.
- Distribution valve control solenoid defective (stuck in open position).
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0012
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0012:
- Visually inspect the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors electrical wiring and connector. Check the engine oil level and viscosity, and check the condition and viscosity of the engine oil.
- Check the engine oil level and the condition and viscosity of the oil.
- Read all stored data and error codes with an OBD-II scanner. To determine when and under what circumstances the error occurred.
- Erase the error codes from the ECM memory and test drive the vehicle to see if code P0012 appears again.
- Give a command to turn the oil control solenoid valve on and off to find out if the timing of the valve is changing.
Diagnose and repair of problems
The first thing to check is the operation of the VCT solenoid. You need to make sure that the valve is not jammed or stuck due to contamination. To do this, refer to your car’s repair manual. After that, you can check the components of the VCT unit.
If you find it difficult to solve the problem with the P0012 error, you should contact the experts. Authorized dealers have advanced tools. As well as the ability to perform detailed troubleshooting actions. Including the ability to test components with a diagnostic tool.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P0012 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Audi (A4)
- BMW (X3, X5)
- Chevrolet (Aveo, Cruze)
- Chrysler
- Citroen (C3, C5)
- Fiat (Doblo)
- Ford (Kuga, Mondeo)
- Geely (Emgrand)
- Hyundai (Elantra)
- Kia (Ceed, Cerato, Sorento)
- Land Rover (Range Rover)
- Lexus
- Lifan
- Mazda (3, 6, CX-7, Demio, MPS)
- Mercedes-Benz
- Nissan
- Opel
- Peugeot (3008, 307, 308, 407)
- Renault (Logan)
- Skoda
- Suzuki (Grand Vitara)
- Toyota (Avensis, Camry, Corolla, Prado, Prius, RAV4, Scion, Yaris)
- Volkswagen (Passat)
- Volvo
- Vortex (Estina, Tingo)
- LADA (Vesta)
Fault code P0012 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0010, P0011, P0015, P0016, P0018, P0020, P0021, P0022, P0102, P0170, P0171, P0174, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0316, P0340, P0345, P0352, P0607, P1297, P1415, C1201, C1231.
