GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0012: Intake Camshaft Position (CMP) System Performance - Retarded

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

CMP Solenoid High Control

P0010

P0012

P0010

P0010

--

CMP Solenoid Low Control

--

P0012

P0010

--

--

Circuit/System Description

The CMP actuator solenoid enables the powertrain control module (PCM) to change the intake camshaft timing while the engine is running. The CMP actuator solenoid contains a spool valve that controls the advance of the camshaft. The CMP actuator solenoid valve is controlled by a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal from the PCM. The CMP sensor monitors the camshaft position or the camshaft angle, and compares that position or phase to the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal. The PCM determines whether the camshaft angle is correct by comparing the actual camshaft position to the target camshaft position. By continuously analyzing the input of the CMP sensor and the CKP sensor the PCM can detect a fault in the CMP actuator system.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0100, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0115, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0125, P0335, P0339, P0340, P0341, P0351, P0352, P0353, P0354 are not set.
    • Battery voltage is greater than 11 volts.
    • The engine is running between 500-4,000 RPM.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 75-100°C (167-212°F).
    • The vehicle speed is greater than 8 km/h (5 mph).
    • DTC P0012 runs once per drive cycle when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The PCM does not detect a change in the camshaft timing.
    • The PCM detects that the camshaft timing is fixed.
    • Either of the above conditions occurs twice when the CMP actuator solenoid is activated.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0012 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0012 is a type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect for any recent engine mechanical repairs. An incorrectly timed or incorrectly installed camshaft can cause a DTC P0012 to set.
    • Inspect the CMP sensor reluctor for a damaged tooth. A damaged reluctor can cause an incorrect CMP sensor reading that may set a false DTC P0012.
    • If a DTC P0012 and P0010 are both present, test for a condition in the CMP actuator solenoid control circuits.
    • Electrical resistance in the CMP actuator solenoid control circuits can affect solenoid spool valve movement and cause a DTC P0012 to set.
    • An intermittent DTC P0012 can be caused by a loss in the oil supply to the CMP solenoid valve or the CMP actuator assembly.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Camshaft Actuator System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

    Important: All CMP actuator system DTCs must be cleared before the CMP actuator solenoid scan tool output control is enabled.

  1. Engine running at normal operating temperature, command the CMP actuator solenoid ON with the scan tool. The engine should run rough or stall.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the camshaft position (CMP) actuator solenoid.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 10 ohms between the CMP low control circuit terminal 2 and ground G104.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the CMP low control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
  4. Engine running, connect the CMP actuator solenoid to B+ and ground with a pair of 10A fused jumper wires. Verify the engine runs rough or stalls.
  5. If the engine does not run rough or stall, remove the CMP actuator solenoid and verify the solenoid plunger moves 3 mm (0.125 in) when connected to B+ and ground. If the solenoid plunger moves less than the specified range, test or replace the CMP actuator solenoid. If the solenoid plunger moves greater than the specified range, test the following conditions:
    • A plugged or restricted CMP actuator solenoid oil filter
    • A blockage or restriction in the CMP actuator system oil passages
    • Incorrect operation of the CMP actuator assembly--Refer to Camshaft Position Actuator Locking Pin Adjustment and Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Replacement.
    • Correct engine valve timing--Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Replacement.
  6. Test the solenoid high control circuit for high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the CMP actuator solenoid.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the CMP actuator solenoid.
  2. Test for 6.9-7.9 ohms at 20°C (68°F) between the actuator solenoid terminals.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the CMP actuator solenoid.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between each terminal of the CMP actuator solenoid and the CMP actuator solenoid housing.
  5. If not the specified value, replace the CMP actuator solenoid valve.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Replacement
    •  Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Filter Replacement
    •  Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Replacement
    •  Control Module References for control module replacement, setup, and programming