What P0012 means
Posición del árbol de levas A - Exceso de retardo (Banco 1)
Common causes (general)
Before spending money on parts, verify the code with a scan tool and read freeze frame data. Freeze frame captures every sensor value at the moment the code set — this is often enough to figure out the root cause without further testing.
Manufacturer-specific descriptions
Different manufacturers use this code for slightly different failure modes. Here's what your specific make means by P0012:
| AUDI | Camshaft 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 |
| BMW | "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded |
| MITSUBISHI | A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1); V.V.T. over retarded |
| NISSAN | A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1) |
Read this code on your own car
DIY Fix My Car reads P0012 plus 25,000+ other DTC codes with manufacturer-specific descriptions. Includes freeze frame data, likely fix parts, and AI mechanic chat. Download free.