DTC P0012 — Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

P0012 indicates: Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1).

Diagnostic summary P0012
What it means Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
Can you drive? ⚠️ Drive with caution
Urgency Medium 5/10
Typical price $80 – $700
Check first Read DTCs with OBD-II scanner
Updated Apr 8, 2026 Seen on Powertrain AI + user reports
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P0012

ℹ️ What does it mean?

Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

🔍 Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Reduced engine performance
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Unusual engine behavior

⚠️ Possible Causes

  • Dirty oil
  • Faulty VVT solenoid
  • Clogged oil passages
  • Timing chain issue

🚗 Can I drive with this code?

⚠️
Drive with caution

Drive with caution. Schedule a repair soon.

🔧 How to Diagnose

  1. 1 Read DTCs with OBD-II scanner
  2. 2 Check freeze frame data
  3. 3 Inspect related components
  4. 4 Clear codes and test drive

🛠️ How to Fix

  1. 1 Change oil and filter
  2. 2 Replace VVT solenoid
  3. 3 Clean oil passages
  4. 4 Inspect timing chain

💰 Estimated Repair Cost

$80 $700
Repair cost by car / region Early rough estimate. Accuracy improves as more real repair stories are added.
DIY / parts$28 – $455
Mechanic / labor$36 – $525
Repair range$80 – $700

FAQ

What does P0012 mean?
Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
How serious is P0012?
Severity: medium. Drive with caution. Schedule a repair soon.
How much does it cost to fix P0012?
Estimated repair cost: $80–$700 depending on vehicle and region.
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