Anyone ever get a P0012 code?

[montana_jeepn]

No other codes (just the standard VSC/Trac that comes on with any CEL).

Supposedly this is caused by "Camshaft Position ”A” −Timing
Over− Retarded (Bank 1)".

Trouble area could be:
Valve timing
OCV
Camshaft timing gear assy
ECM

If you have received this code, how did you fix it? I suspect the dealership reset it before they sold it to me (though their story was a connector came loose when power washing the engine). If I disconnect the battery, it goes away for about a week. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

What is the:

~Model Year
~Mileage
~Engine

Do you have any service history on the vehicle also? Are there any drivability issues?

 

[montana_jeepn]

2005, 4.7 V8, 133k. I have full service history. Is there something I should be looking for? TB was done at 111k. No drivability issues. Thanks!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

When was the timing belt done and does it mention anywhere in the history when the P0021 started showing up? This DTC seems to set occasionally for the VVTi equipped 2UZ-FE engines when the timing belts are installed just a hair off. Otherwise you're looking at possibly an issue with the VVTi system that could be an Oil Control Valve (OCV), VVTi Cam Phaser (the unit on the cam gear), valve timing, ECM, ect.

 

[montana_jeepn]

Timing belt was done at the dealership and there is no mention of the CEL in the history.

Bank 1 is the driver's side right?

What is the best approach? Thank you for all of your help!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I would inspect the timing marks, the camshaft covers are easy to remove. If you have access to an FSM you can see how to check the timing. If not I believe I have a section in the .pdf I linked in my T-Belt replacement thread that shows how to look at the timing.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/130732-2uz-fe-r-r-t-belt-water-pump.html

Or if that's a bit too much work for you, you can explain to dealership/shop that you would like them to verify the crank & camshaft timing and/or diagnose the issue for you.

 

[montana_jeepn]

I would inspect the timing marks, the camshaft covers are easy to remove. If you have access to an FSM you can see how to check the timing. If not I believe I have a section in the .pdf I linked in my T-Belt replacement thread that shows how to look at the timing.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/130732-2uz-fe-r-r-t-belt-water-pump.html

Or if that's a bit too much work for you, you can explain to dealership/shop that you would like them to verify the crank & camshaft timing and/or diagnose the issue for you.

Well, I've been driving her and the code went away by herself. After I talked to the dealership and finally got through to them that it was the same code that I had been told had been resolved and not just "any" code, they offered to have me bring it in to be diagnosed.

That is great, but now I am a little leery though because these were the same mechanics that took a power washer to the engine with enough force (pressure) to supposedly knock off clipped electronic connections and when I got home, I discovered that the oil plug was finger tight and lastly, I needed to use a pipe wrench to remove the filter.

Almost afraid of them breaking something else.

What do you think of the code resolving itself?
Have you ever seen something like that? I mean if the timing belt is mis-aligned, it won't re-align itself. Faulty wire? I put electro grease on the connections when I got it home the first time the code popped, but it still came back.

Thanks!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

It could have been a loose connection, the DTC will clear itself after a certain amount of drive cycles without the issue being present. As for it resolving itself, if it is indeed a timing issue; it is unlikely that it simply resolved itself. Which is good as it lends credence to a potentially loose connector, though a failing sensor could be the cause.

 

[montana_jeepn]

After some discussion with the dealership (non-Toyota), they agreed to take her in and troubleshoot the issue. Fortunately they have one prior Toyota tech on staff and there is a Toyota dealer just down the road. I told them I would pay the difference between the cost of the aftermarket parts and Toyota parts if any were required. Wish me luck.