P0012 A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
What does P0012 mean?
P0012 — A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1) (bank 1). This is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code a scanner retrieves when your vehicle's computer detects a camshaft position - timing over-retarded (bank 1) on bank 1. The level of risk depends on how the vehicle is currently running and how long you've been driving with the light on.
Common causes of P0012
- VVT oil control valve stuck closed
- Clogged oil passages to the camshaft phaser
- Low engine oil pressure
- Failed phaser or stretched timing chain
How to fix P0012
- Confirm engine oil is at the correct level and fresh
- Command the VVT solenoid with a scan tool to verify the phaser responds
- Clean or replace the oil control valve
- Measure oil pressure at the phaser
- Inspect the timing chain and phaser, replacing worn parts