P0012 on Lincoln
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
P0012 on Lincoln vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-retarded (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Lincoln model — most commonly on Navigator. 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 Lincoln range from $2,800 to $4,000, 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 Lincoln by Model
Lincoln Navigator(1 issue)
- 3.5L EcoBoost Cam Phaser Rattle / Timing Failure2018-2021
Fourth-generation Navigators with the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 commonly develop a loud rattle or diesel-like clacking from the front of the engine, most noticeable for 2-5 seconds on cold startup. The internal locking pin inside the variable camshaft timing (VCT) phasers fails, allowing oil to drain and slack to develop in the timing chain. Left unaddressed it can advance to crank/cam correlation faults and timing damage.
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View P0012 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0012 mean on Lincoln?▼
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 Lincoln specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0012 on Lincoln vehicles?▼
Common causes on Lincoln: 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 Lincoln?▼
Repair costs on Lincoln range from $2,800 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Lincoln models have P0012 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0012 on 1 Lincoln model: Navigator.