AutoCodes – Ford – P0012 2020 Ford F150

P0012 2020 Ford F150 Code - 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

Quick Answer

The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid valve is an integral part of the VCT system. Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Incorrect camshaft timing, Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Bank 1 Solenoid 1 (VCT11). 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 2020 Ford F150 indicates 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1.
Common causes: Common causes include Low or Dirty Engine Oil, Incorrect camshaft timing, Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Bank 1 Solenoid 1 (VCT11).
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.

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Code Popularity 416

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 28, 2023

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0012 2020 Ford F150 Description

The Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid valve is an integral part of the VCT system. The solenoid valve controls the flow of engine oil in the VCT actuator assembly. As the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the duty cycle of the solenoid valve, oil pressure/flow advances or retards the cam timing. Duty cycles near 0% or 100% represent the rapid movement of the camshaft. Retaining a fixed camshaft position is accomplished by dithering (oscillating) the solenoid valve duty cycle.
The PCM calculates and determines the desired camshaft position. It continually updates the VCT solenoid duty cycle until the desired position is achieved. A difference between the desired and actual camshaft position represents a position error in the PCM VCT control loop. The PCM disables the VCT and places the camshaft in a default position if a concern is detected. A related Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) also sets when the concern is detected.
When the VCT solenoid is energized, engine oil is allowed to flow to the VCT actuator assembly which advances or retards the camshaft timing. One half of the VCT actuator is coupled to the camshaft and the other half is connected to the timing chain. Oil chambers between the 2 halves couple the camshaft to the timing chain. When the flow of oil is shifted from one side of the chamber to the other, the differential change in oil pressure forces the camshaft to rotate in either an advance or retard position depending on the oil flow.
This DTC sets when the VCT position is over-retarded. This DTC sets when the camshaft timing exceeds a maximum calibrated value or remains in a retarded position.

OBDII Code P0012 2020 Ford F150 - 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com — P0012 2020 Ford F150 Code - 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0012 2020 Ford F150?

Low or Dirty Engine Oil
Incorrect camshaft timing
Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Bank 1 Solenoid 1 (VCT11)
Faulty Camshaft Position (CMP) Bank 1 Sensor 1 (CMP11)
Variable Camshaft Timing Bank 1 Solenoid 1 circuit is open or shorted
Variable Camshaft Timing Bank 1 Solenoid 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Camshaft Position Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit is open or shorted
Camshaft Position Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing Phaser

How to Fix the DTC P0012 2020 Ford F150?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) may be accompanied by other DTCs. Diagnose all Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor DTCs first. If no CMP sensor related DTCs are present, continue checking the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0012 2020 Ford F150 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 2020 Ford F150 code?

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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 2020 Ford F150 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0012 on a 2020 Ford F150?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, engine misfires, and illuminated Check Engine light.

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

- This code indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected that the camshaft timing for bank 1 is over-retarded.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0012 on a 2020 Ford F150?

- Possible causes include a faulty camshaft position sensor, issues with the variable valve timing (VVT) system, engine oil flow problems, or a malfunctioning timing chain.

4. How can I diagnose the source of OBDII code P0012 on my 2020 Ford F150?

- Diagnosis typically involves checking the camshaft position sensor, inspecting the VVT system, examining oil flow and quality, and ensuring the timing chain is functioning correctly.

5. Can driving with OBDII code P0012 on a 2020 Ford F150 cause further damage to the vehicle?

- Continuing to drive with this code may potentially cause damage to the engine over time, so it is advisable to address the issue promptly.

6. Is it safe to reset the Check Engine light after receiving OBDII code P0012 on a 2020 Ford F150?

- While resetting the light may temporarily turn it off, the underlying issue causing the code will remain unresolved and may lead to further problems down the line.

7. How can I repair OBDII code P0012 on my 2020 Ford F150?

- Repairing this code typically involves replacing the faulty camshaft position sensor, addressing VVT system issues, resolving oil flow problems, or fixing timing chain issues.

8. Can I fix OBDII code P0012 on a 2020 Ford F150 myself, or should I seek professional help?

- Depending on your mechanical skills and knowledge, you may be able to address simpler causes like sensor replacements. For more complex issues, it's recommended to consult a professional mechanic.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P0012 on a 2020 Ford F150?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the specific cause of the code and whether you choose to address it yourself or take your vehicle to a mechanic. Costs may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

10. Are there any preventive maintenance steps I can take to avoid OBDII code P0012 on my 2020 Ford F150 in the future?

- Regularly servicing your vehicle, changing the engine oil on time, and addressing any unusual engine noises promptly can help prevent issues that may trigger this code.