P0012
A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1
Variable valve timing (VVT)
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0012 means the intake camshaft on bank 1 is timed further retarded than the ECM commanded — the variable valve timing (VVT) system isn't advancing the cam correctly. The most common trigger is oil-related: low, dirty, or wrong-grade oil, or a clogged oil control valve, since VVT is driven by oil pressure. Expect rough idle, reduced power, and worse economy until it's corrected.
High
Can I keep driving? Usually yes, but expect rough running and reduced power; fix it soon since bad cam timing hurts economy and can cause stalling in some cases.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Rough idle or occasional stalling
- Reduced power and hesitation
- Increased fuel consumption
- Rattle at start-up (worn phaser)
Common causes
Most likely first
- Low, dirty, or wrong-viscosity engine oil (a leading cause of VVT faults)Likely
- Clogged oil control valve or VVT solenoid screenCommon
- Faulty camshaft oil control (phaser) solenoidCommon
- Stretched timing chain or jumped timingLess often
- Faulty camshaft position sensorLess often
- Failed ECM (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Check oil level and condition first — top up or change with the correct grade.
- Remove and clean or replace the oil control valve/VVT solenoid and its screen.
- Inspect the camshaft position sensor and its wiring.
- Check the timing chain for stretch or a jumped tooth.
- Clear the code and recheck actual cam timing with a scan tool.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0012?+
Short trips are usually fine, but rough running and possible stalling mean you shouldn't put off the repair — and check your oil first.
Can I just clear P0012?+
It will return unless the underlying cam-timing problem is fixed. Since dirty oil is a common trigger, start there before clearing.
Related codes
Often seen with P0012
Read & clear P0012 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX