2009 throwing code p0012

The check engine light recently came on showing the code p0012 ( Camshaft Position "A" Timing Over-Retarded (Bank1). The research I've done indicates it potentially be the oil control valve, or potentially bad oil in the truck. The CEL came on roughly 50-100 miles after an oil change ( Mobil SW-30 put into the truck). I have limited knowledge into this sort of thing, but I'm assuming this is the correct oil for the truck? The truck is going in to get looked at in a couple days.

Thanks

 

It’s possible it’s the oil. But highly unlikely.
The OCV also has a filter.

You could possibly pull the OCV and inspect it.
It’s about as “cheap” as a diagnosis and fix gets.
One on top isn’t fully closed.


If it’s not the OCV or filter. It could be a cam gear.
Maybe even a stretched timing chain, but I doubt it since you aren’t having a crank/cam correlation code with it.

I guess my point is, it’s probably worth throwing in a OCV.
Mostly because everything else is labor intensive and expensive to diagnose and fix.
Unless you have a really good scan tool, then it can speed things up a bit.

BTW, I pulled the above picture from here.
https://www.fjcruiserforums.com/threads/p0012-code.488514/

Good luck

 

Ok, thanks for the reply this is very helpful. My code is reading the Bank 1 side which if I'm not mistaken is the passenger side? I have found these VVT solenoids which I think are synonymous with OCV and should work with my truck?

Engine Variable Timing Solenoid - Variable Valve Timing Solenoid (autozone.com)

 

Correct. 1 is passenger side.

 

Thanks

 

Better late than never, especially if it saves someone a lot of hassle:

On the way home from work earlier this week, the truck lit up the Check Engine and Traction Control lights. Took it easy the last 20 miles and ran code when I got home... pulled up the P0012 (bank 1). Read what my options were on this forum, pulled the OCV filter and cleaned it (it was in good condition), changed the oil and filter (it had just gotten to 5k since the last one), cleared the code, took it for a "vigorous" drive for about 20 minutes, and... no code!

Figure it's worth trying if it saves messing with the other options...

 

It's real easy to test.
You can pull it out and put 12V on it and see if the solenoid will activate, but as THshooter pointed out, that doesn't necessarily mean its right. So... what I would do first is disconnect the plug while it's still installed, and then run a 12v jumper to it while the engine is idling. If the engine bogs down, then it's working fine.

I have a whole thread here about this. I have PHD in P0012. Ask me anything.

edit:
here ya go
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/camshaft-position-sensor-location.533216/page-6#post-23098616