What causes a camshaft actuator to go bad?
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The variable valve timing camshaft actuators may stick due to dirty engine oil or a faulty control solenoid. A sticking actuator may cause a rough idle and the check engine light to illuminate.
Can you drive with a P0012 code?
We do not recommend driving your vehicle with a P0012 trouble code. Fuel economy will be diminished, as well as your engine may show signs of hesitation and/or lack of power.
How do I fix code P0012?
What repairs can fix the P0012 code?
- Resetting the fault codes and performing a road test.
- Changing the oil and filter to the proper oil viscosity for the engine’s specifications.
- Repairing or replacing the wiring or connection to the camshaft oil control solenoid.
What can cause a P0012 code?
P0012 Causes
- Engine oil is too low*
- Dirty/sludged engine oil*
- Low oil pressure.
- Malfunctioning camshaft timing.
- Short in intake timing control/oil control circuit.
- Faulty intake valve timing control solenoid.
- Faulty oil control valve (OCV)
What causes over retarded timing?
Engine oil is incompatible with the manufacturer’s requirement for the engine. Worn timing chain. Failed timing chain guide or tensioner. Contaminated engine oil obstructing the VVT solenoid screen; NOTE: this is a common occurrence!
Can you drive with a bad camshaft position actuator solenoid?
Yes, it is safe to drive with a bad camshaft sensor. However, the performance of your engine will not be as good and fuel consumption may increase.
What does camshaft position actuator solenoid do?
A camshaft actuator solenoid –normally installed in the front of each cylinder head — is used to precisely control the flow of oil into the camshaft actuator. This changes the rotation of the camshaft to adjust valve timing and valve overlap on the go.
How much does it cost to fix P0012?
Since several factors can trigger diagnostic trouble code P0012, the repair cause will vary based on the actual cause of the problem. If dirty or wrong engine oil is the cause, it will only cost around $50 to fix it. If the reason is engine sludge, then you should budget to spend about $150 to $300.
What does a camshaft position actuator solenoid do?
The camshaft position actuator solenoid is tasked with the job of rotating the exhaust side camshaft relative to its sprocket to advance or retard its timing. The end result is variable valve timing that improves engine performance, fuel economy and a reduction in emissions.
Where is the actuator on a VVT solenoid?
In most cases, that mechanism is an actuator (also known as a phaser) at the end of the camshaft (though some vehicles, such as Hondas with VTEC, may have a different design). There’s a lot of confusion surrounding VVT solenoid operation, as well as the symptoms associated with a bad VVT solenoid.
How does a VVT solenoid work on a PCM?
The PCM controls the VVT solenoids based on input from various sensors. Typically, there’s one VVT solenoid for each actuator. Some vehicles only have an actuator on the exhaust camshaft or the intake camshaft, while others have actuators on both.
What are the symptoms of a bad VVT solenoid?
A faulty VVT solenoid can prevent the VVT actuator from getting the oil pressure it needs. When this happens, you may hear a rattling noise or ticking noise from the engine.