what is more likely cause of error code

Question

I have a 2008 Toyota RAV4 4 cylinder car. The check engine light came on along with the VSC and 4WD lights. Took it to the mechanic, he got a P0012 code and he said there was sludge and he drained the motor and installed a new cam shaft actuator. Lights came back on. He did this a second time and added sludge solvent. Again the lights went back on. Mechanic said I would need a new motor. Took the car to PEP Boys and they did a complete check engine diagnostic, they too got a P0012 code but said I needed a new ECM. Which is the more likely cause of the code. The car seems to run fine but at seems seems to idle rough.

Answer 1

HI there,

Hate to say it but the first shop is more likely right. If the ECM wasn't any good the truck probably wouldn't run. Unless they watched the timing advance on a scan tool I am not sure how they would condemn the ECM