P0012 trouble code, applicable to all car manufacturers, means “A Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)”.
Background Information: The camshaft controls the opening and closing of the valves. In a variable valve timing system, the electronic camshaft control valve (or oil control valve, OCV) adjusts the camshaft angle by changing the oil pressure to the camshaft adjuster (mechanical type) according to instructions from the engine control module (ECM) to ensure that the valves open and close at the optimal time. The causes of the P0012 fault include improper setting of the A intake/left/front camshaft timing, and mechanical jamming of the camshaft retardation mechanism. In short, it refers to a timing issue. The “A” camshaft must be the “intake,” “left,” or “front” camshaft, determined by viewing from the driver’s position to determine left/right and front/rear. Bank 1 refers to the cylinder bank that includes cylinder 1, and Bank 2 is the bank opposite to Bank 1.
Tip: To quickly find trouble codes, you can use a professional OBD diagnostic tool to obtain the corresponding trouble codes, which helps to accurately pinpoint the problem. This data can help you understand the performance of vehicle components and troubleshoot potential problems before they become serious.