Check engine and traction control light on again

Went to the dealership last friday and told the service writer that I had an engine skip between 1300 and 1400 rpms and again at about 1800 rpm. I get a text message with a video of my driveshaft from the dealer saying the vibration is from my driveshaft due to my lift other than that its all good come and get it but we will be closed when you get here. I asked them if the truck had any pending or history codes and the answer was no not at all. Last night I get in the truck and the lights come on again. Surprise I hooked the truck up to a scanner and I got two codes 1 history code and 1 active P0012 camshaft position 'A'timing over-retarded bank 1 and the same in history. This is the third time in 3000 miles anyone have any suggestions on what would cause this because the mechanic said he has no idea but we will change the oil and that should correct the problem. The service adviser told me they would have to pull the motor if this happens again the first time it was in. The second time I dropped it off and I was told they changed the oil again and that the light came on because something probably got into the sensor from the last oil change and I should be all set. The truck has 107,000 miles on it and this is getting old dealing with guys that cant do anything but change parts when the computer tells them what is wrong. What happened to mechanics that could fix these things without guessing?

 

You probably need to clean or replace the VVT Solenoid valves on on each bank. And replace the oil filters associated with these valves. I'll post an image of their location in a minute.





The filter looks like this where it screws into the engine:



The filter can be frustrating to get out. Take your time and be patient.

 

Thank you for the info. I have one more appointment at the dealer tomorrow at7:30 . I will see what they come up with and if they can’t figure it out I will order the parts and take care of this issue . The funny thing is I think I am going to be fixing the problem myself because they can’t figure it out. Like I said before I think I am dealing with a parts changer not a mechanic. If this is a pain in the a$$thats probably why they don’t want to do it.

 

Update us when you find out.

 

You my friend were correct it was the vvt solenoid. I finally got a mechanic that had a clue and checked into the problem. When I dropped the truck off the light was back off. They had to order the parts and it will be completed on Tuesday afternoon. I will keep you up to date on the progress as soon as they get it done.

 

Good to hear. Thanks for the update. I would also inquire about checking / replacing the filter elements associated with these solenoid valves.

 

Got the taco back Last night and it has not had any issues after changing the solenoid valve on bank one. I believe they changed the filter also. Are you a Toyota mechanic or just had the same problem?

 

I am a retired (20 Years) USN Submarine Missile Technician. Currently working for a major tier 1 automotive parts manufacturer as an electronics automation technician (25 years). Yes, I'm an old fart. 65 years young.

I have been working on cars since my first when I was 14 years old a 1949 Ford Custom modified with a 4 speed transmission and a 390 Cu In engine. I have been working on Toyota's since my first one a 1966 Toyota Corona. I enjoy helping others with my minimal experience. I read a lot.

 

Thank you for your service. I figured you had something to do with automotive due to the fact you called out the issue with my truck. I appreciate the help because I was thinking a coil or fuel pump issue. Obviously the first mechanic was blowing of the job Or just didn’t have a clue what was going on. I haven’t worked on these things since I was in college and they didn’t have all this computer garbage on them then. I am also an old fart I guess. Thank You for the assistance it worked out perfectly the truck is fixed and running good.

 

I'm glad to have been able to help.