Bob's Mechanical Repairs

P0012 — Camshaft Position Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

Bob's Mechanical Repairs — independent family-run garage in Birnam, Dunkeld, Perthshire. Call 01350 727 276 or email [email protected].

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The intake camshaft timing on bank 1 is more retarded than commanded.

P0012 — also written POO12, P 0012, 0012 — is the OBD-II code for camshaft position over-retarded (bank 1). Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.

P0012 is a engine fault code, typically costing £100–£1200 to put right in a UK garage.

What causes P0012?

  • VVT solenoid failure
  • Oil flow restriction
  • Worn timing components

How P0012 is fixed

  • Replace VVT solenoid
  • Oil service
  • Inspect timing chain

P0012 repair cost in the UK

Most P0012 repairs land between £100–£1200 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.

Can you drive with P0012?

Drivable, but get checked promptly.

Urgency: medium.