P0012: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
The bank 1 intake cam is further retarded than the engine computer wants, so the valve timing is lagging behind.
What P0012 means
With P0012, the computer has found the bank 1 "A" cam, usually the intake cam, sitting more retarded than it should. On many engines the phaser rests at full retard and uses oil pressure to advance, so a retarded cam often means the phaser is not getting enough oil or is stuck. RepairPal lists a failed timing solenoid, low oil level, oil that does not meet the maker requirements, a failed actuator, a worn timing chain and an engine that is not timed correctly. P0012 often shows up right after start up or at idle when oil pressure is lowest. Shops check oil level and pressure, then command the solenoid with a scan tool and watch actual versus desired cam angle. A cam that will not move at all suggests a stuck phaser or a blocked oil feed. A cam that is retarded even at rest, especially with P0016, suggests chain stretch. Starting with clean oil of the right grade solves more of these than people expect.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or stalling
- Reduced power and acceleration
- Worse fuel economy
- Rattle or ticking from the front of the engine on some engines
Most common causes
- Low oil level or oil pressure
- Incorrect or dirty engine oil
- VVT solenoid stuck
- Cam phaser stuck in the retarded position
- Timing chain stretched or jumped
- Clogged oil passage to the phaser
What to check yourself first
Check the oil level and condition. If the car was recently serviced, confirm the correct oil grade was used. A rattle for a second or two on cold start can point to a worn phaser or chain tensioner.
Typical fixes and what they cost
| Fix | Typical cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and filter change with the correct oil | $160-$188 | RepairPal lists an oil and filter change as a common first repair. Use the exact oil viscosity your engine calls for. |
| Replace variable valve timing (oil control) solenoid | $469-$594 | Replaced if it is stuck or its screen is clogged. |
| Replace variable valve timing actuator (cam phaser) | $1,094-$1,425 | If the phaser is locked or leaking oil internally. |
| Replace timing chain | $2,120-$2,764 | When the base timing is out because the chain has stretched. |
Typical US price ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. Your shop should confirm the cause with a diagnostic before replacing parts.
Related repair guides
- Kia Sorento Engine Recall: Which Years Get the KSDS Update and the 15-Year/150,000-Mile Warranty
- 2017-2018 Honda CR-V Oil Level Rising or Smells Like Gas? The 1.5T Oil Dilution Problem Explained
- 2010-2013 Chevy Equinox Burning Oil? Fix the 2.4L Engine or Sell It
- 2007-2009 Toyota Camry Burning Oil? What's Going On and What a Fix Costs Now
Related codes
- P0011 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
- P0010 "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1)
- P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
- P0014 "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
- P0022