P0012 on Infiniti
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
P0012 on Infiniti vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-retarded (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Infiniti model — most commonly on Q50. This code means the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more retarded than the computer commanded — the variable valve timing system isn't reaching its target position. The computer controls camshaft timing through an oil-fed actuator (cam phaser) and a control solenoid; when actual timing lags the desired setting, this code sets. It is commonly caused by oil flow problems (low, dirty, or wrong oil), a stuck solenoid, or a worn cam phaser. Symptoms can include rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and sometimes rattling on startup. Typical repair costs on Infiniti range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0012
- •Low, dirty, or incorrect-viscosity engine oil
- •Faulty or stuck intake camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid
- •Worn or stuck camshaft phaser/actuator
- •Clogged solenoid screen or oil passages
- •Wiring or connector problems at the solenoid
- •Timing chain wear or stretch affecting cam timing
- •Faulty camshaft position sensor
P0012 on Infiniti by Model
Infiniti Q50(1 issue)
- M274 2.0T Timing Chain and Camshaft Adjuster Wear2014-2018
The Q50's 2.0t uses the Mercedes-Benz M274 turbocharged four, shared with the C300 and GLC300. The timing chain and the camshaft adjusters (variable valve timing phasers) wear faster than the engine's design life, with problems commonly surfacing somewhere around 80,000 miles and reported as early as 60,000 on neglected cars. The first symptom is a brief metallic rattle on cold start as oil pressure builds and the tensioner takes up slack. Left alone, chain stretch throws off cam timing, sets correlation codes, and in the worst cases the chain skips teeth or breaks, which on this interference engine destroys valves and pistons. Extended oil change intervals and low oil level accelerate the wear.
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What does P0012 mean on Infiniti?▼
P0012 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)." This code means the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more retarded than the computer commanded — the variable valve timing system isn't reaching its target position. The computer controls camshaft timing through an oil-fed actuator (cam phaser) and a control solenoid; when actual timing lags the desired setting, this code sets. It is commonly caused by oil flow problems (low, dirty, or wrong oil), a stuck solenoid, or a worn cam phaser. Symptoms can include rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and sometimes rattling on startup. On Infiniti specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0012 on Infiniti vehicles?▼
Common causes on Infiniti: Low, dirty, or incorrect-viscosity engine oil, Faulty or stuck intake camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid, Worn or stuck camshaft phaser/actuator, Clogged solenoid screen or oil passages, Wiring or connector problems at the solenoid. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0012 on a Infiniti?▼
Repair costs on Infiniti range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Infiniti models have P0012 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0012 on 1 Infiniti model: Q50.