Need a little help here, CODE P0012

was driving home from work today and the CEL popped on. Scanned when i got home and got code P0012 - timing over retarded bank 1

Ive done some reading here but wanted to see if i could catch some knowledgeable peeps on here before bed. First, im wondering if i can drive it for a few days. As i was driving home, the cel popped on but i noticed zero change in engine performance. Yes im well aware we have no idea what the actual problem is. From reading, its most probable to be the ocv or filter. If it is those, is it ok to drive easily to and from work, 20 miles.

Other than that, some help on where to start would be very much appreciated!

 

First thing you should do is verify engine oil level and condition is good, low and/or dirty oil will affect VVT operation.

If that's good it's likely a failing oil control valve on bank 1.

 

I did check oil level, and condition looks good, last changed 800 miles ago. I have 140k on the odometer.

 

anyone know IF it is the ocv, if its ok to drive temporarily?

 

Yes, it shouldn’t be a problem. My taco threw the code a couple of times; replacing the VVT oil control valves fixed the problem and seem to have made the truck run smoother besides. If you’re able to clear the code, you may find it doesn’t come back for a while.

 

quick update here. I got the light to clear by itself, by sheer luck probably. I figured it was most likely the valve stuck. Its cold as heck here and i wasnt going to be digging into those valves as working outside is done about 5 minutes at a time before my fingers stop working.

So, i remembered i used a high mileage oil (mobil) last oil change, 800 miles ago. Figured maybe that knocked something loose with the extra detergents and stuck the valve or gunked the filter. I used the oil because of a sale, wont do that again. This goes against my thought of the cause which is gunk being knocked loose, but i threw in 5 oz seafoam into the oil to see if i could free the valve. Drove around for 20 minutes and did an oil change. Started after the oil change and the light cleared by itself.
Theres a lot of assumptions here, but it worked. CEL was constant through 5 starts prior. Just get me to warmer weather...

 

Had the same issue about 1100 miles ago, cleared by itself and hasn’t returned. Planning on doing the valves when the weather warms up in the spring. I’ll be at about 175k by then.