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Home / DTC / P0012 — Camshaft variable timing solenoid failure, Engine oil level is too low, The engine is not timed correctly, The engine oil does not meet the manufacturer's requirements, Variable valve timing actuator failure, Worn timing chain

P0012 — Camshaft variable timing solenoid failure, Engine oil level is too low, The engine is not timed correctly, The engine oil does not meet the manufacturer's requirements, Variable valve timing actuator failure, Worn timing chain

Detailed page for trouble code P0012.

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Code

P0012

AUDI P — Powertrain

Camshaft variable timing solenoid failure, Engine oil level is too low, The engine is not timed correctly, The engine oil does not meet the manufacturer's requirements, Variable valve timing actuator failure, Worn timing chain

Brand: AUDI
Type: P — Powertrain
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty/blocked camshaft variable timing (VVT) solenoid or valve
  • Low engine oil level or degraded/incorrect oil viscosity
  • Oil passages clogged with sludge or deposits
  • Faulty VVT actuator (stuck or leaking)
  • Worn or stretched timing chain, guides or sprockets
  • Damaged wiring, poor connector connection or short to power/ground for VVT circuit

Symptoms

  • MIL/Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Rough idle or unstable idle
  • Reduced engine power, hesitation or poor acceleration
  • Decreased fuel economy
  • Hard starting or extended cranking
  • Unusual engine noise (rattle) from timing cover area

What to check

  • Read and record freeze frame data and all stored/related DTCs with a capable scan tool
  • Check engine oil level, color and service history; verify correct oil grade
  • Visually inspect VVT solenoid wiring and connector for damage, corrosion or looseness
  • Check camshaft and crankshaft position sensor signals with scan tool or oscilloscope
  • Monitor commanded vs actual camshaft angle using OEM-capable scan tool
  • Inspect for oil leaks around solenoid and timing cover

Signal parameters

  • Camshaft angle actual vs target (degrees)
  • VVT solenoid duty cycle / PWM command (%)
  • VVT solenoid current draw (A) or coil resistance (Ω)
  • Engine oil pressure (kPa/bar or psi)
  • Intake/exhaust camshaft position sensor voltages and waveform
  • Crankshaft position sensor signal

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Safety: Park on level surface, engage parking brake, allow engine to cool before disconnecting components.
  2. Retrieve codes and freeze frame, note related codes (cam/crank sensors, oil pressure). Clear codes and perform a controlled drive cycle to reproduce P0012.
  3. Check engine oil level and condition. If low or contaminated, top up or change to correct manufacturer-specified oil and retest. Many VVT issues clear after proper oil service.
  4. Visually inspect VVT solenoid connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing or poor pin contact. Wiggle test while monitoring live data to see if cam control changes.
  5. Test VVT solenoid electrical characteristics: measure coil resistance and compare to spec; check supply voltage and ground at connector with key on. If intermittent or out of spec, repair wiring/connector.
  6. Command the VVT solenoid on/off or variable duty via scan tool while monitoring camshaft actual vs target. If solenoid does not change camshaft angle, remove and bench-test solenoid (apply battery or apply regulated PWM per service procedure).
  7. If solenoid and wiring are good, inspect oil passages and VVT actuator for sludge or sticking. Remove solenoid/actuator and inspect for varnish or metal debris; clean or replace as required.
  8. Check oil pressure at idle and under load. Low oil pressure can prevent VVT operation; diagnose oil pump, relief valve or clogged passages if pressure low.
  9. If cam timing still incorrect after solenoid replacement and oil/system checks, inspect timing chain, guides and tensioner for wear or jumped tooth. This typically requires removal of timing cover and detailed mechanical inspection.
  10. After repair, clear codes and perform functional tests and a road test with scan tool monitoring cam target vs actual. Verify no recurrence of code.
  11. If diagnosis stalls or multiple components are suspect, consult OEM service manual for model-specific test plans and possible software updates.

Likely causes

  • Low oil level or oil that does not meet manufacturer's viscosity/quality
  • Faulty or clogged VVT solenoid
  • Electrical fault at VVT solenoid (open, short, corroded connector)
  • VVT actuator sticking or hydraulically leaking
  • Timing chain/tensioner wear or jump

Fault status

⚠️ Status
P0012 — Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1). Possible VVT solenoid, oil supply/quality, actuator, or timing chain issue.
🔴 Repair difficulty: Hard
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5-4.0 hours

Similar codes

P0011 P0013 P0014 P0022 P0023 P0024
Repair manuals

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Code

P0012

Generic P — Powertrain

A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

Brand: Generic
Type: P — Powertrain
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty/blocked camshaft variable timing (VVT) solenoid or valve
  • Low engine oil level or degraded/incorrect oil viscosity
  • Oil passages clogged with sludge or deposits
  • Faulty VVT actuator (stuck or leaking)
  • Worn or stretched timing chain, guides or sprockets
  • Damaged wiring, poor connector connection or short to power/ground for VVT circuit

Symptoms

  • MIL/Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Rough idle or unstable idle
  • Reduced engine power, hesitation or poor acceleration
  • Decreased fuel economy
  • Hard starting or extended cranking
  • Unusual engine noise (rattle) from timing cover area

What to check

  • Read and record freeze frame data and all stored/related DTCs with a capable scan tool
  • Check engine oil level, color and service history; verify correct oil grade
  • Visually inspect VVT solenoid wiring and connector for damage, corrosion or looseness
  • Check camshaft and crankshaft position sensor signals with scan tool or oscilloscope
  • Monitor commanded vs actual camshaft angle using OEM-capable scan tool
  • Inspect for oil leaks around solenoid and timing cover

Signal parameters

  • Camshaft angle actual vs target (degrees)
  • VVT solenoid duty cycle / PWM command (%)
  • VVT solenoid current draw (A) or coil resistance (Ω)
  • Engine oil pressure (kPa/bar or psi)
  • Intake/exhaust camshaft position sensor voltages and waveform
  • Crankshaft position sensor signal

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Safety: Park on level surface, engage parking brake, allow engine to cool before disconnecting components.
  2. Retrieve codes and freeze frame, note related codes (cam/crank sensors, oil pressure). Clear codes and perform a controlled drive cycle to reproduce P0012.
  3. Check engine oil level and condition. If low or contaminated, top up or change to correct manufacturer-specified oil and retest. Many VVT issues clear after proper oil service.
  4. Visually inspect VVT solenoid connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing or poor pin contact. Wiggle test while monitoring live data to see if cam control changes.
  5. Test VVT solenoid electrical characteristics: measure coil resistance and compare to spec; check supply voltage and ground at connector with key on. If intermittent or out of spec, repair wiring/connector.
  6. Command the VVT solenoid on/off or variable duty via scan tool while monitoring camshaft actual vs target. If solenoid does not change camshaft angle, remove and bench-test solenoid (apply battery or apply regulated PWM per service procedure).
  7. If solenoid and wiring are good, inspect oil passages and VVT actuator for sludge or sticking. Remove solenoid/actuator and inspect for varnish or metal debris; clean or replace as required.
  8. Check oil pressure at idle and under load. Low oil pressure can prevent VVT operation; diagnose oil pump, relief valve or clogged passages if pressure low.
  9. If cam timing still incorrect after solenoid replacement and oil/system checks, inspect timing chain, guides and tensioner for wear or jumped tooth. This typically requires removal of timing cover and detailed mechanical inspection.
  10. After repair, clear codes and perform functional tests and a road test with scan tool monitoring cam target vs actual. Verify no recurrence of code.
  11. If diagnosis stalls or multiple components are suspect, consult OEM service manual for model-specific test plans and possible software updates.

Likely causes

  • Low oil level or oil that does not meet manufacturer's viscosity/quality
  • Faulty or clogged VVT solenoid
  • Electrical fault at VVT solenoid (open, short, corroded connector)
  • VVT actuator sticking or hydraulically leaking
  • Timing chain/tensioner wear or jump

Fault status

⚠️ Status
P0012 — Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1). Possible VVT solenoid, oil supply/quality, actuator, or timing chain issue.
🔴 Repair difficulty: Hard
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5-4.0 hours

Similar codes

P0011 P0013 P0014 P0022 P0023 P0024
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Code

P0012

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

Intake camshaft position timing - delayed excessively (bank 1)

Brand: LAND ROVER
Type: P — Powertrain
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty/blocked camshaft variable timing (VVT) solenoid or valve
  • Low engine oil level or degraded/incorrect oil viscosity
  • Oil passages clogged with sludge or deposits
  • Faulty VVT actuator (stuck or leaking)
  • Worn or stretched timing chain, guides or sprockets
  • Damaged wiring, poor connector connection or short to power/ground for VVT circuit

Symptoms

  • MIL/Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Rough idle or unstable idle
  • Reduced engine power, hesitation or poor acceleration
  • Decreased fuel economy
  • Hard starting or extended cranking
  • Unusual engine noise (rattle) from timing cover area

What to check

  • Read and record freeze frame data and all stored/related DTCs with a capable scan tool
  • Check engine oil level, color and service history; verify correct oil grade
  • Visually inspect VVT solenoid wiring and connector for damage, corrosion or looseness
  • Check camshaft and crankshaft position sensor signals with scan tool or oscilloscope
  • Monitor commanded vs actual camshaft angle using OEM-capable scan tool
  • Inspect for oil leaks around solenoid and timing cover

Signal parameters

  • Camshaft angle actual vs target (degrees)
  • VVT solenoid duty cycle / PWM command (%)
  • VVT solenoid current draw (A) or coil resistance (Ω)
  • Engine oil pressure (kPa/bar or psi)
  • Intake/exhaust camshaft position sensor voltages and waveform
  • Crankshaft position sensor signal

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Safety: Park on level surface, engage parking brake, allow engine to cool before disconnecting components.
  2. Retrieve codes and freeze frame, note related codes (cam/crank sensors, oil pressure). Clear codes and perform a controlled drive cycle to reproduce P0012.
  3. Check engine oil level and condition. If low or contaminated, top up or change to correct manufacturer-specified oil and retest. Many VVT issues clear after proper oil service.
  4. Visually inspect VVT solenoid connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing or poor pin contact. Wiggle test while monitoring live data to see if cam control changes.
  5. Test VVT solenoid electrical characteristics: measure coil resistance and compare to spec; check supply voltage and ground at connector with key on. If intermittent or out of spec, repair wiring/connector.
  6. Command the VVT solenoid on/off or variable duty via scan tool while monitoring camshaft actual vs target. If solenoid does not change camshaft angle, remove and bench-test solenoid (apply battery or apply regulated PWM per service procedure).
  7. If solenoid and wiring are good, inspect oil passages and VVT actuator for sludge or sticking. Remove solenoid/actuator and inspect for varnish or metal debris; clean or replace as required.
  8. Check oil pressure at idle and under load. Low oil pressure can prevent VVT operation; diagnose oil pump, relief valve or clogged passages if pressure low.
  9. If cam timing still incorrect after solenoid replacement and oil/system checks, inspect timing chain, guides and tensioner for wear or jumped tooth. This typically requires removal of timing cover and detailed mechanical inspection.
  10. After repair, clear codes and perform functional tests and a road test with scan tool monitoring cam target vs actual. Verify no recurrence of code.
  11. If diagnosis stalls or multiple components are suspect, consult OEM service manual for model-specific test plans and possible software updates.

Likely causes

  • Low oil level or oil that does not meet manufacturer's viscosity/quality
  • Faulty or clogged VVT solenoid
  • Electrical fault at VVT solenoid (open, short, corroded connector)
  • VVT actuator sticking or hydraulically leaking
  • Timing chain/tensioner wear or jump

Fault status

⚠️ Status
P0012 — Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1). Possible VVT solenoid, oil supply/quality, actuator, or timing chain issue.
🔴 Repair difficulty: Hard
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5-4.0 hours

Similar codes

P0011 P0013 P0014 P0022 P0023 P0024
413

Browse 413 LAND ROVER manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

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+100 karma for a short comment :)
Keep it short and practical. Up to 500 characters.
Send to email
Code

P0012

MITSUBISHI P — Powertrain

V.V.T. over retarded

Brand: MITSUBISHI
Type: P — Powertrain
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty/blocked camshaft variable timing (VVT) solenoid or valve
  • Low engine oil level or degraded/incorrect oil viscosity
  • Oil passages clogged with sludge or deposits
  • Faulty VVT actuator (stuck or leaking)
  • Worn or stretched timing chain, guides or sprockets
  • Damaged wiring, poor connector connection or short to power/ground for VVT circuit

Symptoms

  • MIL/Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Rough idle or unstable idle
  • Reduced engine power, hesitation or poor acceleration
  • Decreased fuel economy
  • Hard starting or extended cranking
  • Unusual engine noise (rattle) from timing cover area

What to check

  • Read and record freeze frame data and all stored/related DTCs with a capable scan tool
  • Check engine oil level, color and service history; verify correct oil grade
  • Visually inspect VVT solenoid wiring and connector for damage, corrosion or looseness
  • Check camshaft and crankshaft position sensor signals with scan tool or oscilloscope
  • Monitor commanded vs actual camshaft angle using OEM-capable scan tool
  • Inspect for oil leaks around solenoid and timing cover

Signal parameters

  • Camshaft angle actual vs target (degrees)
  • VVT solenoid duty cycle / PWM command (%)
  • VVT solenoid current draw (A) or coil resistance (Ω)
  • Engine oil pressure (kPa/bar or psi)
  • Intake/exhaust camshaft position sensor voltages and waveform
  • Crankshaft position sensor signal

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Safety: Park on level surface, engage parking brake, allow engine to cool before disconnecting components.
  2. Retrieve codes and freeze frame, note related codes (cam/crank sensors, oil pressure). Clear codes and perform a controlled drive cycle to reproduce P0012.
  3. Check engine oil level and condition. If low or contaminated, top up or change to correct manufacturer-specified oil and retest. Many VVT issues clear after proper oil service.
  4. Visually inspect VVT solenoid connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing or poor pin contact. Wiggle test while monitoring live data to see if cam control changes.
  5. Test VVT solenoid electrical characteristics: measure coil resistance and compare to spec; check supply voltage and ground at connector with key on. If intermittent or out of spec, repair wiring/connector.
  6. Command the VVT solenoid on/off or variable duty via scan tool while monitoring camshaft actual vs target. If solenoid does not change camshaft angle, remove and bench-test solenoid (apply battery or apply regulated PWM per service procedure).
  7. If solenoid and wiring are good, inspect oil passages and VVT actuator for sludge or sticking. Remove solenoid/actuator and inspect for varnish or metal debris; clean or replace as required.
  8. Check oil pressure at idle and under load. Low oil pressure can prevent VVT operation; diagnose oil pump, relief valve or clogged passages if pressure low.
  9. If cam timing still incorrect after solenoid replacement and oil/system checks, inspect timing chain, guides and tensioner for wear or jumped tooth. This typically requires removal of timing cover and detailed mechanical inspection.
  10. After repair, clear codes and perform functional tests and a road test with scan tool monitoring cam target vs actual. Verify no recurrence of code.
  11. If diagnosis stalls or multiple components are suspect, consult OEM service manual for model-specific test plans and possible software updates.

Likely causes

  • Low oil level or oil that does not meet manufacturer's viscosity/quality
  • Faulty or clogged VVT solenoid
  • Electrical fault at VVT solenoid (open, short, corroded connector)
  • VVT actuator sticking or hydraulically leaking
  • Timing chain/tensioner wear or jump

Fault status

⚠️ Status
P0012 — Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1). Possible VVT solenoid, oil supply/quality, actuator, or timing chain issue.
🔴 Repair difficulty: Hard
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5-4.0 hours

Similar codes

P0011 P0013 P0014 P0022 P0023 P0024
406

Browse 406 MITSUBISHI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

MITSUBISHI

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Keep it short and practical. Up to 500 characters.
Send to email

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