If you’re encountering a P0012 error code in your vehicle, there are two simple DIY methods you can try at home to resolve this issue.
Method A: Oil Change
1. Locate the oil drain plug on your vehicle and position an oil collection pan underneath it.
2. Use a socket ratchet to remove the plug from the oil pan, allowing the oil to flow into the collection pan.
3. Once all the oil is drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
4. Locate the oil filter, which is usually situated beside the oil pan or under the vehicle’s hood near the engine.
5. Place the collection pan under the filter to catch any oil, and then proceed to install the new oil filter, ensuring it is tightened appropriately.
6. Refill the vehicle with the specified amount of fresh oil, as indicated in the owner’s manual.
7. After the oil change, start the engine and let it run for a minute to normalize the oil pressure. Then, recheck the oil level using the dipstick.
8. Dispose of the used oil properly by transferring it to an airtight container and recycling it at an auto store or recycling center.
Method B: The Camshaft Oil Control Valve
Cars equipped with engines featuring variable valve timing systems typically contain camshaft oil control valves.
1. Carefully remove the camshaft oil control valve from the engine and clean it using a valve cleaner.
2. Use a multimeter to perform a test on the camshaft oil control valve to ensure its resistance falls between 6.9 ohms to 7.9 ohms at an ambient temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. If the reading is not within this range, it indicates a faulty camshaft oil control valve that needs replacement.
Implementing these methods can effectively address the P0012 error code in your vehicle. Following the repair, you can use the Zeus app to clear the error code and verify the status of your vehicle.
What does the error code P0012 indicate?
The error code P0012 indicates that the ECM has determined that the intake camshaft timing for bank one is more than what the ECM has commanded it to be.
What are the DIY methods to fix the P0012 error code?
Two DIY methods to fix the P0012 error code are: Method A – Oil Change, and Method B – The Camshaft Oil Control Valve.
How to perform an oil change as a method to fix the error code?
To perform an oil change, locate the oil drain plug on your vehicle, remove the plug, drain the oil, replace the oil filter, fill the vehicle with fresh oil, and check the oil level.
How to clean and test the camshaft oil control valve?
To clean and test the camshaft oil control valve, carefully remove it from the engine, clean it using a valve cleaner, and proceed to test it using a multimeter in ambient temperature. The specified resistance range for the valve is between 6.9 ohms to 7.9 ohms.
How to check if the camshaft oil control valve is faulty?
If the multimeter does not provide a reading within the specified resistance range, it indicates that the camshaft oil control valve is faulty and needs to be replaced.