P0012

What it means

P0012 on an Audi means the engine control unit has seen the intake camshaft on bank 1 sitting too far retarded compared with the crankshaft, beyond the target the variable valve timing system is commanding. The ECU compares the camshaft position sensor signal with the crankshaft signal and sets the code when the measured timing error stays outside limits. Causes range from oil level or oil quality problems to a faulty adjuster valve or a stretched timing chain.

Symptoms

• Engine management light on
• Rough or unstable idle
• Loss of power or flat acceleration
• Poor fuel economy
• Rattling or chain noise on cold start
• Hesitation or occasional stalling

Possible causes

• Engine oil level too low or oil in poor condition (sludged, wrong grade or not meeting the manufacturer's specification)likely
• Faulty camshaft adjustment (variable timing) solenoid valve or its wiring and connectorlikely
• Stretched or worn timing chain or tensioner, leaving the cam timing out of positionpossible
• Blocked oil passage or clogged solenoid screen restricting oil flow to the adjusterpossible
• Camshaft adjuster (variable valve timing actuator) worn or stickingpossible
• Engine incorrectly timed after previous repair workrare
• Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor giving a false timing readingrare

How to diagnose

1. Read the stored codes and freeze frame data to see engine temperature, load and speed when the fault set, and check for other cam or crank related codes.
2. Check the oil level on the dipstick and the condition of the oil, and confirm the oil in the engine meets the manufacturer's specification for that engine.
3. Inspect the camshaft adjustment solenoid, its connector and wiring for damage, oil contamination, corrosion or loose pins.
4. Use live data to compare the commanded and actual camshaft position on bank 1 and see whether the value follows the request.
5. Run the output test on the solenoid with a diagnostic scan tool and check the solenoid's resistance against the manufacturer's figure for that model.
6. Remove the solenoid and check it moves freely and that its oil screen and feed are clean.
7. Check the oil pressure if the oil supply is suspected, using the procedure for that engine.
8. Check the timing chain stretch and correct timing, as the method depends on the engine, using the manufacturer's procedure.

How to fix

• Correct the oil level and change the oil and filter to the specified grade if it was low, dirty or the wrong type.
• Replace the faulty camshaft adjustment solenoid, or repair damaged wiring or connectors.
• Clean or replace a blocked solenoid screen or oil feed passage.
• Replace the camshaft adjuster if it is worn or sticking.
• Replace the timing chain, tensioner and guides, and set the timing to specification if chain stretch is confirmed.
• Replace a faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor if testing shows an incorrect signal.

Can I keep driving?

This code for other makes

• P0012GenericA Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

Nearby codes

• P0011AudiCamshaft variable timing solenoid failure, Engine oil level is too low, The engine is not timed correctly, The engine oil does not meet the manufacturer's requirements, Variable valve timing actuator failure, Worn timing chain
• P0013AudiPowertrain Control Module (PCM) failure, Variable valve timing actuator failure, Wiring issue