OBD codes / P0012
P0012
ModerateCamshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
P0012 is usually drivable short-term, but address it soon — check oil level and condition immediately, since that alone fixes many cases. If the cause is a worn phaser or timing chain, continued driving can make it worse and hurt performance and economy.
What this code means
P0012 is the retarded-timing counterpart to P0011: the variable valve timing on the Bank 1 intake cam is more retarded (behind) than the computer commanded, and it can't correct it. Variable timing runs on oil pressure through a control solenoid, so the most common and cheapest cause is oil — low level, the wrong viscosity, or dirty/overdue oil clogging the small passages. Next is a stuck VVT/VCT solenoid or a clogged screen; less often a worn cam phaser or stretched timing chain. An oil change is a smart first step.
Symptoms you might notice
- Rough idle or stalling
- Loss of power or hesitation
- Rattle from the front of the engine at start-up
- Reduced fuel economy
- Check-engine light
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $60–$1,500 · about ~0.3–6 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Oil change (when low/dirty oil is the cause) | $30–$100 | ~0.3–0.6 hrs |
| VVT/VCT solenoid (oil-control valve) | $30–$150 | ~0.5–2 hrs |
| Camshaft phaser | $150–$500 | ~3–6 hrs |
The low end assumes the cause is simply low or dirty oil — which genuinely does fix a fair number of these, but isn't guaranteed. The typical repair is the VVT solenoid (modest); a worn phaser or stretched timing chain is the major, high-end job. Get a chain/phaser repair diagnosed before committing.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0012 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
Can I drive with P0012?
Short-term usually yes, but check your oil right away. If it's just oil, it's trivial; if it's a worn phaser or timing chain, continued driving can worsen it. Get it diagnosed if an oil change doesn't clear it.
Can low oil cause P0012?
Yes — it's one of the most common causes. The variable-timing system runs on oil pressure through tiny passages, so low, dirty, or wrong-grade oil readily triggers it. An oil change with the correct viscosity is a smart first move.
Is P0012 the same as P0011?
Opposite directions of the same system: P0011 is the intake cam over-advanced, P0012 is the intake cam over-retarded, both on Bank 1. Causes and fixes are the same: oil, solenoid, then phaser/chain.
How much does it cost to fix P0012?
From an oil change to a major repair. Oil and solenoid fixes are cheap-to-modest; a camshaft phaser or timing chain is a big labor job. Diagnose before assuming the worst.
Seeing P0012 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0012 for my vehicleGeneric OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.