P0012

P0012 causes

Internal engine issues like dirty or sludged oil or incorrect camshaft timing may cause the P0012 trouble code. 

Here’s a more detailed list of some of the underlying reasons for error code P0012:

Oil & Oil Control Valve Issues:

• Low levels of engine oil
• Polluted engine oil
• Usage of incompatible engine oil
• Variable camshaft timing (VCT) oil control valve stuck in an open position
• Insufficient oil flow to the VCT piston and phaser

Variable Camshaft Timing & Variable Valve Timing Issues:

• Malfunctioning cam timing
• Damaged variable camshaft timing solenoid (VCT solenoid)
• Faulty camshaft phaser, jammed in the retarded position
• Defective variable valve timing actuator

Timing Chain Issues:

• Worn timing chain or timing belt that has stretched over time
• Failed timing chain guide or tensioner