AutoCodes – Buick – P1012 Buick

P1012 Buick Code - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Park Position Bank 1

Quick Answer

The Camshaft Position (CMP) actuator system enables the Engine Control Module (ECM) to change the camshaft timing of all 4 camshafts while the engine is operating. Common causes include Low engine oil level, Low engine oil pressure, Faulty Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Bank 1. 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: P1012 Buick indicates Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Park Position Bank 1.
Common causes: Common causes include Low engine oil level, Low engine oil pressure, Faulty Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Bank 1.
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 1,813

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 11, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1012 Buick Description

The Camshaft Position (CMP) actuator system enables the Engine Control Module (ECM) to change the camshaft timing of all 4 camshafts while the engine is operating. The CMP actuator assembly varies the camshaft position in response to directional changes in oil pressure. The CMP actuator solenoid controls the oil pressure that is applied to advance or retard a camshaft.
The CMP actuator assemblies have an outer housing that is driven by the engine timing chain. Inside the CMP assembly is a wheel with fixed vanes that is attached to the camshafts. The CMP actuator assemblies are also equipped with a locking pin. The locking pin prevents movement between the outer housing and the wheel vane assembly on engine start-ups. The CMP actuator is locked until sufficient oil pressure is available to control the CMP actuator. The locking pin is released by oil pressure before any movement in the CMP actuator assembly takes place. If the ECM detects that the CMP actuator is not in the locked position on a start-up, this Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets.

OBDII Code P1012 Buick - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Park Position Bank 1 - AutoCodes.com — P1012 Buick Code - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Park Position Bank 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1012 Buick?

Low engine oil level
Low engine oil pressure
Faulty Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Bank 1

How to Fix the DTC P1012 Buick?

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 P1012 Buick 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.

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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.