I have a 2006 scion xb throwing codes.

Question

I have a 2006 Scion XB with 200,000 miles on it. It is showing a P0012 and a C1201 code. The XB runs rough and performs poorly when the engine is cold. It runs normally when it warms up. I have cleaned the MAF and throttle body and it ran good for two days, then it threw the codes again. Some people are saying to change the cam position sensor and others say change the camshaft actuator. Can you help me zero in on the right component so I don't just throw pars at this problem?

Answer 1

P0012 - when was the last time you replaced the oil? dirty oil is the first cause of this problem. 

Worst case that alot of people have had VVTI controller (timing gear assembly) was stuck on the lock position. The camshaft has to be removed to replace the VVTI gear assembly. You can try to do a engine flush and see it may fix the problem.

here is a picture of how dirty old can clog the VVTI holes or the dirty wont let it move 

 

here is a youtube video of how the VVTI works.

Possible causes

- Dirty or low 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