Faulty oil control valve (VVT solenoid). Low oil level or wrong viscosity. Stretched timing chain. Worn chain tensioner. Blocked oil screen at VVT solenoid.

Which cars are affected by P0012?

P0012 is most commonly reported on Ford, Toyota, BMW, Hyundai, Vauxhall vehicles, but can appear on any make.

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P0012

Medium severity

Camshaft Position A — Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

The intake camshaft timing on bank 1 is more retarded than the ECM commanded. This can cause poor idle quality, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions.

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Common causes of P0012

1Faulty oil control valve (VVT solenoid)

2Low oil level or wrong viscosity

3Stretched timing chain

+2 more causes

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Commonly affected vehicles

FordToyotaBMWHyundaiVauxhall

P0012 can appear on any vehicle — these are the makes where it is most frequently reported.

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Related fault codes

P0171Medium

System Too Lean (Bank 1)

P0300High

Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

P0420Medium

Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

P0172Medium

System Too Rich (Bank 1)