P0012: Camshaft Position A Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
The intake camshaft is more retarded than commanded. Usually oil supply or the timing actuator.
Green, yellow, red: three ways P0012 can look
The same code can be a quick fix or a reason to pull over. Match your situation to the closest example.
Keep an eye on it
Fixed by an oil change.
Schedule a repair
Rough idle or rattle. Diagnose soon.
Stop and get help
Stalling or loud rattle. Don't drive.
Symptoms you might notice
- Rough idle
- Poor power
- Stalling
Common causes, cheapest first
- Low or dirty oil
- Stuck oil control solenoid
- Worn cam phaser
- Stretched timing chain
What you can check before calling
- Check oil level and condition
A code points to a system, not a part. Replacing parts based on the code alone is how people spend money without fixing the problem. Testing confirms the cause first.
Generic codes (second character 0) mean the same thing on every vehicle. Some manufacturers add their own details, so check service information for your exact vehicle.
Related codes
More cam & crank timing codes
- P0014
Camshaft Position B Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) - P0017
Crankshaft Position / Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B) - P0008
Engine Position System Performance (Bank 1) - P0010
Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1) - P0335
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction - P0336
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Look up another code
Cummins fault code (like 1922), J1939 SPN and FMI (like SPN 3251 FMI 0), or an OBD-II code (like P0420).
Questions
What does P0012 mean?
P0012 means "Camshaft Position A Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)". The intake camshaft is more retarded than commanded. Usually oil supply or the timing actuator.
Can I drive with code P0012?
It depends on what the vehicle is doing. Green: Fixed by an oil change. Yellow: Rough idle or rattle. Diagnose soon. Red: Stalling or loud rattle. Don't drive.
What causes P0012?
The most common causes are: low or dirty oil; stuck oil control solenoid; worn cam phaser.
Is P0012 a serious code?
It can be. Stalling or loud rattle. Don't drive.
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