2001 Miata check engine light on. [cause is P0012]

Maybe the cam actuator is worn inside?

Oil passages clogged going to vsv,cam,actuator
or how ever it works?

Have you googled the question?

Recheck the cam timing & belt relationship

Error Code: P0012

Fault Location:

Camshaft Position (CMP), Intake/Left/Front, Bank 1 - Timing Over-Retarded


Possible Cause:

Valve timing.

Mechanical fault.

Camshaft position (CMP) actuator.

Intake Camshaft Adjuster tight/stuck.

Intake Camshaft Adjuster faulty.

Possible Solutions:

Check Intake Camshaft Adjuster.


Check valve timing.

Check the timing gears.

P0012 - "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-******** (Bank 1)
OBD-II DTC Trouble Code Description

"A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-******** (Bank 1)
What does that mean?

A code P0012 refers to the VVT (variable valve timing) or VCT (variable camshaft timing) components and the car's PCM (powertrain control module, also called an ECM). That consists of a few different components but the P0012 DTC specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is over-********, the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set. The "A" camshaft is either the intake, left, or front camshaft.
Potential Symptoms

Most likely a P0012 DTC will result in one of the following:

hard starting
poor idle and/or
stalling

There are potentially other symptoms as well. Of course, when trouble codes are set, the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp, a.k.a. the check engine light) illuminates.
Causes

A P0012 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:

Incorrect camshaft timing
Wiring problems (harness/wiring) in intake timing control valve control solenoid system
Continuous oil flow to VCT piston chamber
Failed timing valve control solenoid (stuck open)

Possible Solutions

The main thing to check is to verify the operation of the VCT solenoid. You're looking for a sticking or stuck VCt solenoid valve caused by contamination. Refer to vehicle specific repair manual to perform component tests for the VCT unit. Notes: Dealer techs have advanced tools and the ability to follow detailed troubleshooting steps, including the ability to test components using a scan tool.

P0012 A Camshaft Position - Timing Over - Retarded (Bank 1 A P0012 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:

• Incorrect camshaft timing
• Wiring problems (harness/wiring) in intake timing control valve control solenoid system
• Continuous oil flow to VCT piston chamber
• Failed timing valve control solenoid (stuck open)

P0011 - "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
A code P0011 refers to the VVT (variable valve timing) or VCT (variable camshaft timing) components and the car's PCM (powertrain control module, also called an ECM). That consists of a few different components but the P0011 DTC specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is above a set limit (over-advanced), the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set. The "A" camshaft is either the intake, left, or front camshaft.

Potential Symptoms: Most likely a P0011 DTC will result in one of the following: hard starting, poor idle, and/or stalling. There are potentially other symptoms as well. Of course, when trouble codes are set, the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp, a.k.a. the check engine light) illuminates.

Causes: A P0011 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:
Incorrect camshaft timing
Wiring problems (harness/wiring) in intake timing control valve control solenoid system
Continuous oil flow to VCT piston chamber
Failed timing valve control solenoid (stuck open)

Possible Solutions: This DTC code is a result of a mechanical fault of the VCT unit or related components, so there is no need for electrical diagnosis. Refer to vehicle specific repair manual to perform component tests for the VCT unit. Notes: Dealer techs have advanced tools and the ability to follow detailed troubleshooting steps, including the ability to test components using a scan tool.


P0012 - "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
A code P0012 refers to the VVT (variable valve timing) or VCT (variable camshaft timing) components and the car's PCM (powertrain control module, also called an ECM). That consists of a few different components but the P0012 DTC specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is over-retarded, the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set. The "A" camshaft is either the intake, left, or front camshaft.

Potential Symptoms: Most likely a P0012 DTC will result in one of the following:
hard starting
poor idle and/or
stalling

There are potentially other symptoms as well. Of course, when trouble codes are set, the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp, a.k.a. the check engine light) illuminates.
A code P0012 refers to the VVT (variable valve timing) or VCT (variable camshaft timing) components and the car's PCM (powertrain control module, also called an ECM). That consists of a few different components but the P0012 DTC specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is over-retarded, the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set. The "A" camshaft is either the intake, left, or front camshaft.

Causes: A P0012 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:
Incorrect camshaft timing
Wiring problems (harness/wiring) in intake timing control valve control solenoid system
Continuous oil flow to VCT piston chamber
Failed timing valve control solenoid (stuck open)

Possible Solutions:
The main thing to check is to verify the operation of the VCT solenoid. You're looking for a sticking or stuck VCt solenoid valve caused by contamination. Refer to vehicle specific repair manual to perform component tests for the VCT unit. Notes: Dealer techs have advanced tools and the ability to follow detailed troubleshooting steps, including the ability to test components using a scan tool.

Hope this helps. Suerte.

Code P0012 - Variable Camshaft Timing Over Retarded - Bank 1

How does a P0012 code trigger the check engine light? This code will trigger the check engine light under the following condition:
* The comprehensive component monitor, referred to as the CCM, monitors the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) position for over-retarded cam timing. If the cam timing exceeds a maximum calibrated limit or is stuck in a retarded position, the check engine light will come on and set this trouble code.

Possible Causes:
Incorrect camshaft timing
VCT solenoid valve stuck open or continuous oil flow to piston chamber
Camshaft advance mechanism binding, or faulty VCT unit

Diagnostic Help:
This check engine light code is caused by a mechanical fault of the VCT unit or related components, so there is no need for electrical diagnosis. Possible symptoms may include rough idle, stall or hard start. Refer to manufacturer specific component tests for the VCT unit. You may also use the "Get Help" link if you need specifications or have any other related questions. Remember to refer to an appropriate manual for specific instructions.

Other details mentioned a P0012 DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following:
* Incorrect camshaft timing
* Wiring problems (harness/wiring) in intake timing control valve control solenoid system
* Continuous oil flow to VCT piston chamber
* Failed timing valve control solenoid (stuck open)

Possible Solutions:
The main thing to check is to verify the operation of the VCT solenoid. You're looking for a sticking or stuck VCt solenoid valve caused by contamination. Refer to vehicle specific repair manual to perform component tests for the VCT unit. Notes: Dealer techs have advanced tools and the ability to follow detailed troubleshooting steps, including the ability to test components using a scan tool.

Hope helps (remember to rate and comment this).

16396/P0012/000018 - Bank 1: Camshaft A (Intake): Advance Setpoint not Reached (Over-Retarded)

Possible Symptoms:
Erratic Idle

Possible Causes:
Intake Camshaft Adjuster tight/stuck
Intake Camshaft Adjuster faulty

Possible Solutions:
Check Intake Camshaft Adjuster
Use Output Test, Meas. Value Blocks (MVB) & Basic Setting

If the car runs fine, clear the code and see if it decides to come back.

have found that be adding a product made by a company called seaform called motor tune-up, costs about 9 bucks put into your oil will clean the sludge & build up in engine, i have used for about 12 years now works great can also use to clean injectors, i would put 1 whole can in oil, drive about 30 days, then change oil & filter, on normal bases, i use 1/2 can in oil & 1/2 in fuel tank i do every 2 months

i looked up trouble code P0012 for Camshaft position ”A” −timing over−retarded (BANK 1). Possible causes include: valve timing, oil control valve, oil control valve filter, camshaft timing gear assembly, or your engine control module.