P0012 code

If the error codes started popping after swapping the OCVs, swapping the factory pieces back in would be my first move. P0012 is bank 1 (passenger side), and P0022 is bank 2 (driver side). Here's what the service manual says about them:

MONITOR DESCRIPTION
The ECM optimizes the intake valve timing using the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) system to control the intake camshaft. The VVT system includes the ECM, the Oil Control Valve (OCV) and the VVT controller. The ECM sends a target duty-cycle control signal to the OCV. This control signal regulates the oil pressure applied to the VVT controller. The VVT controller can advance or retard the intake camshaft.If the difference between the target and actual intake valve timings is large, and changes in actual intake valve timing are small, the ECM interprets this as the VVT controller stuck malfunction and sets a DTC.

Example:
A DTC will be set when the following conditions 1), 2) and 3) are met:1) The difference between the target and actual intake valve timings is more than 5° CA (Crankshaft Angle) and the condition continues for more than 4.5 seconds.2) It takes 5 seconds or more to change the valve timing by 5° CA.DTCP0011Camshaft Position "A" - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)DTCP0012Camshaft Position "A" - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)DTCP0021Camshaft Position "A" - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)DTCP0022Camshaft Position "A" - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)DTC No.

DTC Detection Conditions
Trouble Areas
P0011 P0021 Advanced cam timing:With warm engine and engine speed of between 550 rpm and 4,000 rpm, all conditions (a), (b) and (c) are met (1 trip detection logic)a) Difference between target and actual intake valve timings is more than 5° CA (Crankshaft Angle) for 4.5 seconds(b)
Current intake valve timing is fixed (timing changes less than 5° CA in 5 seconds)(c) Variations in VVT controller timing are more than 19°CA of maximum delayed timing (advanced)

P0012 P0022 Retarded cam timing:
With warm engine and engine speed of between 550 rpm and 4,000 rpm, all conditions (a), (b) and (c) are met (2 trip detection logic)a) Difference between target and actual intake valve is timings more than 5° CA (Crankshaft Angle) for 4.5 seconds(b) Current intake valve timing is fixed (timing changes less than 5° CA in 5 seconds)(c) Variations in VVT controller timing is 19° CA or less of maximum delayed timing (retarded)

After above conditions 1) and 2) are met, the OCV is forcibly activated 63 times or more.DTCs P0011 and P0021 (Advanced Cam Timing) are subject to 1 trip detection logic.DTCs P0012 and P0022 (Retarded Cam Timing) are subject to 2 trip detection logic.These DTCs indicate that the VVT controller cannot operate properly due to OCV malfunctions or the presence of foreign objects in the OCV.

The monitor will not run unless the following conditions are met:- The engine is warm (the engine coolant temperature is 75°C [167°F] or more).- The vehicle has been driven at more than 40 mph (64 km/h) for 3 minutes.- The engine has idled for 3 minutes.

 

Your feedback is much appreciated. I will proceed with swapping back the OCVs on the weekend. Thank you!​

 

Were the new OCVs aftermarket parts or Toyota? Let us know how it goes this weekend.

 

Mice chewed your wiring harness. Just pull the engine out and replace the harness

 

Thank you. Will sure do.
The OVCs were aftermarket. Got'em from Autozone (Duralast)​

 

Yeah, swapping the stock OCVs back in would definitely be my next move. Make sure your harness connector pins are clean, and the connectors click fully into place during assembly.

 

Thank you guys!
Well, I think I created a problem for myself by just going with aftermarket parts. Swapped the OCVs back to the originals, I didn’t even need to clear the codes. Once I reconnected the battery my dashboard was clear. I have been driving all day today and no codes. Just returned the darn duralast items.
Go OEM with sensors everybody.
Here a couple of pictures as a reference (OEM to the right) Both seem to be exactly the same


For some reason the website rotates this picture. I moved the OEM to the left here (or bottom), but tried to place them at the same angle position based on the sensor. It looks like everything at the bottom (piston?) has a different angle. Don’t know if this would make a difference though. Thought on sharing.

​

 

Glad it's back to working normally. The aftermarket part was probably made by a chinese political prisoner, using a pack of matches and his shoe for assembly line tooling.

While I haven't scoped the oil passages in the engine's head casting it's safe to assume they are linear, not annular as there's not much casting space to work with in there. So having the OCV's oil orifices facing the wrong direction would impede flow to the VVT actuator and reduce its ability to advance cam timing on command.

 

I hate to open up a can of worms again, but clearly everyone chimming in has more experience then I do on this chat (and most in this entire forum). I have been looking on youtube for a while to see where the VVT solenoids are even located to replace mine (P0012 code is turned on most days I drive). From the pictures posted it looks like 1 bolt and an electrical plug to swap a new VVT in. Is this something anyone with a wrench can replace?

 

Yes. A basic ratchet set with some extension will come useful. Disconnect the battery before unplugging anything. I would recommend to clean around the solenoids before removing them. I cannot think of anything else to recommend. You should be good to go. Remember to go with OEM solenoid

 

Thank you!

 

Can you show me where they was located at. I need to replace mine and I cannot seem to locate them

 

OCV Valve Locations:



OCV Filters:

 

P0010 code, passenger side. I think mine may have broken during cam gear install. Is changing this as easy as removing that 10mm bolt and the ocv will simply slide out? If so, as aggravating as it is, I'll be happy if the ocv is the only problem and swapping it is as easy as one bolt. Anyone done it?

 

HELP HELP. I need as much help as possible. I have a 2007 tacoma 4.0 i put in a new JASPER engine. That p0012 code will not come off. With the new engine i installed new camshaft sensors both sides. Still same code so i returned the bank 1 sensor to see if it was that still same code. I replaced the pigtail on that side to see if that was it still same code. It had new valve cover screens(filters) i replaced the bank 1 wasnt that dirty. I relaced the valve cover on that side because it had a bunch of sludge build up in it. Still code is on. The wierd thing is that when i first changed the oil the light took longer to come on. I checked the timing chain everything was were its suppose to be chain is tight. Still btw this is a new engine it has less that 300 miles on it. I still have to replace the ecm. But after that i dont know what else to do

 

Did you go with OEM for the vvti solenoid? I am trying to hunt this down myself currently as well. 07 FJC and P0012 w/ 307k miles