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.
Essential for diagnosing sensor codes, checking voltage, and testing circuits. Under $15 and pays for itself on the first job.
Affiliate links — 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
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) 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. Confirm the exact part for your year and engine with a retailer's fitment lookup or your VIN before ordering - these applications split by engine and build date.
Labor: 0.5-1 hour2009-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Advanced DIY
Intake cam phaser is stuck retarded. Ford issued a service bulletin 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. Your dealer can confirm whether an open service bulletin or warranty extension applies to your VIN.
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. 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. Your dealer can confirm whether an open service bulletin or warranty extension applies to your VIN.
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) and top off oil. Monitor consumption over 1000 miles. If consumption is excessive, engine may need internal repair under Hyundai/Kia settlement. Confirm the exact part for your year and engine with a retailer's fitment lookup or your VIN before ordering - these applications split by engine and build date.
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.
What actually makes the computer set this variable valve timing code?
California's OBD II regulation defines two separate VVT malfunctions (Title 13 CCR 1968.2, section (e)(13.2)). Target Error is the system failing to reach the commanded valve timing within a crank-angle or lift tolerance; Slow Response is reaching it, but too late. Both are set at the point where the deviation would push emissions past 1.5 times the FTP standards. The practical consequence is that a phaser can be moving and still be faulty — being slow is its own failure, so a component that responds correctly but sluggishly will still set a code. This is the threshold the monitor is designed around, not a description of your specific fault — the regulation says what the system must detect, not how to find it on your vehicle.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
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.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- California Code of Regulations, Title 13 section 1968.2 (OBD II)malfunction criteria, section (e)
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- Toyota Corolla and Matrix (2ZR-FE)
- Chevrolet Malibu (2.4L)
- GMC Canyon (2.5L)
- Buick LaCrosse (2.4L)
- Saturn Vue (2.4L)
Related Codes
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
Explore More
Was this helpful?
Send this to whoever is fixing the car — your mechanic, or the person asking what the light means.