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

- Code Popularity: 66,451 Views
- Repair Importance Level: 3/3
- Repair Difficulty Level: 3/3
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What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0012 Ford?

NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
  • 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
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How to Fix the DTC P0012 Ford?

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

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.

There is a Factory Service Bulletin for the 2002-2003 Ford Focus:
2002-2003 Ford Focus Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0012









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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0012 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. The specific diagnosis time and labor rates at auto repair shops can differ based on factors such as the location, make and model of the vehicle, and even the engine type. It is common for most auto repair shops to charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

What are Code Possible Symptoms?

  • Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
  • Engine Lack / Loss of Power
  • Engine Rough Idle

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

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