‘A’ Camshaft Position- Timing Over-Retarded Or System Performance- Bank 1
Table of contents
P0012 KIA Possible Causes
- Low or Dirty Engine Oil
- Faulty Valve Timing Control (VTC)
- Valve Timing Control (VTC) harness is open or shorted circuit.
- Valve Timing Control (VTC) circuit poor electrical connector
- Incorrect timing
- Engine mechanical problems
- Damaged Engine Control Module (ECM)
How do I fix code P0012 KIA?
Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins.
Tech Notes
- There is a factory service bulletin for the following KIA models:
- Kia Rio (JB)
- Kia Soul (AM)
- Kia Optima (MG)
- Kia Rondo (UN)
- Kia Forte (TD)
- Kia Spectra (LD)
- Kia Sportage (KM)
- Kia Optima (MG)
- Kia Sedona (VQ)
- Kia Amanti (GH)
- Kia Borrego (HM)
- Kia Sedona (VQ)
- Kia Sorento (BL)
- Kia Borrego (HM)
- The bulletin provides information on how to inspect and diagnose problems related to the Oil Control Valve (OCV) used in Constant Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), if at any time the OCV is suspected as the caused of rough idling, poor acceleration, camshaft timing misalignment-related trouble codes, misfire-related trouble codes.
- Factory Service Bulletin: Kia Constant Variable Valve Timing Oil Control Valve Inspection OBDII Code P0012
Cost of diagnosing the P0012 KIA code
The cost of diagnosing the P0012 KIA code is 1.0 hour of labor. The auto repair labor rates vary by location, your vehicle’s make and model, and even your engine type. Most auto repairs shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.
Possible Symptoms
- Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
- Lack/Loss of power
- Engine rough idle
P0012 KIA Description
The CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) system is installed to the chain sprocket of the exhaust camshaft. There is no variation in valve timing of the exhaust cam because the exhaust camshaft is driven by the timing belt. The timing of the intake cam is varied by the relative operation the CVVT vane to the housing. The CVVT controller regulates the intake camshaft angle using oil pressure through the OCV (Oil Control Valve). As result, the relative position between the camshaft and the crankshaft becomes optimal, and the engine torque improves, fuel economy improves, exhaust emissions decrease by changing the valve open/close timing of the intake camshaft.
The deviation of the camshaft position from the target point is evaluated during stable driving condition. The Engine Control Module (ECM) accumulates this deviation for a certain period and sets DTC P0011 when the accumulated deviation is too high. The target camshaft position is predetermined value depending on engine speed and throttle angle in the ECM.
