AutoCodes – Toyota – P0012 2006 Toyota Prius

P0012 2006 Toyota Prius Code - Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the Oil Control Valve (OCV) to regulate the intake camshaft angle. Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Faulty variable valve timing (VVT), Faulty oil control valve (OCV). Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0012 2006 Toyota Prius indicates Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1.
Common causes: Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Faulty variable valve timing (VVT), Faulty oil control valve (OCV).
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 14,820

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 22, 2019

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0012 2006 Toyota Prius Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the Oil Control Valve (OCV) to regulate the intake camshaft angle. As a result of the angle change, the engine timing is advance or retard. Optimizing engine timing will help the engine improve torque and fuel economy, and the exhaust emissions decrease under overall driving conditions. The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system includes the Oil Control Valve (OCV) and VVT controller. The ECM detects the actual intake valve timing using signals from the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, and performs feedback control.

OBDII Code P0012 2006 Toyota Prius - Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com — P0012 2006 Toyota Prius Code - Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0012 2006 Toyota Prius?

Low or Dirty Engine Oil
Faulty variable valve timing (VVT)
Faulty oil control valve (OCV)
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) harness is open or shorted
Oil Control Valve (OCV) harness circuit is open or shorted
Damaged ECM

How to Fix the DTC P0012 2006 Toyota Prius?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0012 2006 Toyota Prius code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0012 2006 Toyota Prius code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0012 2006 Toyota Prius code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0012 2006 Toyota Prius code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0012 2006 Toyota Prius Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0012 on a 2006 Toyota Prius?

- Common symptoms of code P0012 include rough idling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel efficiency, and stalling.

2. What does the OBDII code P0012 'Camshaft Position 'A' Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1' mean for a 2006 Toyota Prius?

- This code indicates that the engine's camshaft timing for bank 1 is running too late, affecting engine performance.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0012 in a 2006 Toyota Prius?

- The potential causes of code P0012 can be a faulty camshaft position sensor, a malfunctioning variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid, or issues with the timing chain/belt.

4. How can I diagnose and repair OBDII code P0012 on a 2006 Toyota Prius?

- To diagnose code P0012, you can check the camshaft position sensor, inspect the VVT solenoid, and ensure proper timing chain/belt alignment. Repair often involves replacing faulty components or adjusting timing as necessary.

5. Can driving with OBDII code P0012 on a 2006 Toyota Prius cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with code P0012 may lead to increased engine wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to other engine components over time.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0012 on a 2006 Toyota Prius?

- Repair costs for code P0012 can vary depending on the specific issue, but it may range from $200 to $800, including parts and labor.

7. Is it safe to continue driving my 2006 Toyota Prius with OBDII code P0012 present?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with code P0012 present, as it can impact engine performance and potentially lead to more severe issues if left unaddressed.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0012 on a 2006 Toyota Prius?

- While some DIYers may be able to diagnose and address simpler causes of code P0012, it is generally recommended to have a professional mechanic inspect and repair the issue to ensure proper resolution.

9. Will resetting the OBDII code P0012 on a 2006 Toyota Prius make it go away permanently?

- Simply resetting the code without addressing the underlying issue will not solve the problem permanently. It is crucial to diagnose and repair the root cause of code P0012 for a lasting fix.

10. How often does OBDII code P0012 occur in 2006 Toyota Prius vehicles?

- OBDII code P0012 can occur sporadically in 2006 Toyota Prius vehicles, often due to age-related wear on components like the camshaft position sensor or VVT solenoid. Regular maintenance can help prevent its recurrence.