P0012 code in Toyota Yaris 2007

[Ramon1691]

Hello Yaris world I'm having a code in my Toyota Yaris 1nzfe engine p0012 camshaft over retarded bank 1 I'm stressing over this the car has 147000 thousand miles the previeous owner didn't keep up with maintenance that well, car runs fine a little roughy idling at times and sometimes it takes a few cranks to start I did a whole tune up on it when I bought it 3 months ago like I said no issues driving it I did some research on the matter it appears it can be as simple as a solenoid like the oil control valve or the camshaft gear code got erased after installing new battery a month ago it hasn't come back my mechanic says to wait until it comes back to take it in my question is hat could be causing this issue? If it was serious shouldn't the check engine come back right away?

[Tinkerman]

I wouldn't worry about it for now, it's just a sensor. If the sensor is bad it will definitely throw a code, if nothing throws no worry.

[Ramon1691]

How are you so shure is the sensor what about the camshaft gear? I check the service bulletin out for this problem but my vin number doesn't fall in to that

[Bluevitz-rs]

the oil passages for the VVTi cam gear could have been clogged. If the code was cleared and hasn't returned, it's possible the problem has cleared itself. Just keep up on the oil changes. 3000 miles and use good filters.

[Ramon1691]

I cleared it and it came back after a month and then disappeared on his own within an hour of driving only issue car is having sometimes it takes a few cracks to start and also it feels like it starts up week

[Bluevitz-rs]

It could be the sensor on the side of the head, or the oil control valve and/or VVTi cam gear.

You'd need to perform an active test with a techstream computer from Toyota.

The hard start could be from a bad or weak sensor signal, or the VVTi cam gear is stuck. It should return to full retard when the engine is off.

[Ramon1691]

Thanks for replying bluevitz-rs so the owner didn't keep up with the oil changes and I just bought the car about 3 months ago check engine light came on after I did an oil change car has 140000 miles on it do you think it would be a good idea to inspect the OCV and the filter underneath that? Before I start dreading is the cam gear as I said the previous owner didn't exactly take very well care of the car the sensor is pretty cheap but the damn camshaft gear is 300 bucks at the stealership lol

[Ramon1691]

The stealership wants a lot of money to diagnose is that my only option? Or can I have a local mechanic check it I'm gonna check the OCV this weekend I'm hoping that's what that is because I'm a broke college student lol

[Bluevitz-rs]

start with the valve yourself.

you could always pull a used parts from an auto wreckers. Once you pull the valve cover off, you'll soon see what condition the engine was in.

[Ramon1691]

What would happen if I don't get it fixed right away say in a few months would it do some serious engine damage?

[Bluevitz-rs]

Nothing. You can drive with the oil control valve disconnected if you want. Only effects fuel economy really.

[Bluevitz-rs]

Have you put in fresh plugs? Worn plugs can also effect starting.

[Ramon1691]

A week after I bought the car I put a air filter had the original one from factory I put some ngk plugs and also a new battery because the one it had was pretty much done I did an oil change with the recommended viscosity and I changed the cabin air filter also haven't changed the coil packs because a mechanic said you only replace them once l they fail I try taking the ocv out and I pectin it but couldn't do it because I don't have the right tools I'm taking in to my mechanic so that he can clean it and test it and clean the filter under it also

[Ramon1691]

My mechanic mention that he is gonna check oil pressure will that tell him whether is the camshaft gear or not? As ido said before the service bulletin doesn't apply to mine but I'm wondering whether the lack Of maintenance could have damaged the oil control valve it idles a bit rough at times tho that could be my imagination

[Ramon1691]

Here's a link to the video this is what it sounds like at times
http://youtu.be/dtJywXKDr-4

[mehullica]

Without an oscilloscope you'll never see if the actuator or oil control valve is failing. Take out the solenoid & clean it while applying power & ground. See if that helps.

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by mehullica

Without an oscilloscope you'll never see if the actuator or oil control valve is failing. Take out the solenoid & clean it while applying power & ground. See if that helps.

There is also a filter for the OCV located directly below it on the block. It is a wire mesh filter, which can be removed and cleaned.

[Bluevitz-rs]

Get your mechanic to perform a compression test too.