Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
The P0012 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1). This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- medium
- Estimated cost
- $80-$400
Best-selling code reader on Amazon. Reads and clears check engine codes on any 1996+ vehicle. Under $30.
Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Essential for diagnosing sensor codes, checking voltage, and testing circuits. Under $15 and pays for itself on the first job.
Check Price on AmazonAffiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Hard starting
- Rough idle
- Reduced engine power
- Poor fuel economy
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Stuck-closed oil control valve Very High
- Low engine oil level or pressure High
- Oil sludge blocking cam actuator High
- Faulty camshaft position actuator Moderate
- PCM fault Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Check oil level and quality. Change oil if overdue.
-
Monitor camshaft timing angle: it should respond when the OCV is commanded. No movement means OCV or actuator failure.
-
Test OCV resistance and voltage supply.
-
Inspect cam actuator for carbon buildup on the vanes.
-
Verify oil passages to the actuator are not blocked with a thin wire or compressed air.
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0012 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2017 Toyota Camry/RAV4 2.5L Easy DIY
Intake camshaft timing is over-retarded. Usually caused by a clogged VVT oil control valve or low oil level. Replace the OCV (Denso 15330-28020) and change oil with 0W-20 synthetic. If the code persists after OCV replacement, the timing chain may have jumped a tooth. Check cam-to-crank correlation with a scan tool.
Labor: 0.5-1 hour2009-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Advanced DIY
Intake cam phaser is stuck retarded. Ford issued TSB 19-2346 for cam phaser noise and timing codes on EcoBoost engines. The cam phaser actuator wears internally and loses oil pressure. Replace both intake cam phasers and the timing chain tensioners. Use only Motorcraft 5W-30 oil and change every 5,000 miles.
Labor: 6-8 hours2012-2019 Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain 2.4L Advanced DIY
Intake cam timing over-retarded on the Ecotec 2.4L. This often indicates timing chain stretch rather than just a solenoid issue. GM TSB #14-06-01-002A. Listen for a rattle on cold start lasting 1-3 seconds. If present, replace the timing chain kit including chain, guides, and tensioner. Replace the VVT solenoid as well.
Labor: 4-6 hours2010-2018 Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage 2.4L Easy DIY
Low oil pressure from oil consumption causes the VVT actuator to default to the retarded position. Check oil level first -- Theta II engines burn oil heavily. Replace the intake OCV (Hyundai 24355-2G500) and top off oil. Monitor consumption over 1000 miles. If consumption is excessive, engine may need internal repair under Hyundai/Kia settlement.
Labor: 0.5 hourFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between P0011 and P0012?
P0011 is over-advanced (cam too far ahead) while P0012 is over-retarded (cam too far behind target). P0011 often means the OCV is stuck open; P0012 means it is stuck closed or oil cannot reach the actuator.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
Explore More
Was this helpful?
Share carcodefinder.com with a friend who needs to decode their check engine light.