GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2007 🢒 SKY 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P1012

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 P1012: Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) Actuator Park Position Circuit

Circuit/System Description

The camshaft position (CMP) actuator is attached to each camshaft and is hydraulically operated in order to change the angle of the camshaft relative to crankshaft position (CKP). The CMP actuator solenoid is controlled by the control module. The control module sends a pulse width modulated 12-volt signal to a CMP actuator solenoid. The solenoid controls the amount of engine oil flow to a CMP actuator. The CMP actuator assemblies are also equipped with a locking pin. The locking pin prevents movement between the outer housing and the wheel vane assembly on engine start-ups. The CMP actuator is locked until sufficient oil pressure is available to control the CMP actuator. The locking pin is released by oil pressure before any movement in the CMP actuator assembly takes place. If the ECM detects that the CMP actuator is not in the locked position on a start-up, this DTC sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • DTCs P0010, P0013, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0366, P0367, P0368, P2088, P2089, P2090, and P2091 are not set.
    • The engine is operating for more than 1 second.
    • The ECM completed the CMP actuator solenoid output driver test.
    • The engine speed is more than 1,000 RPM.
    • DTC P1012 runs once during engine start-up.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that a CMP actuator is not in the parked position on an engine start-up.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P1012 is a Type C DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P1012 is a Type C DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

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

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Verification

Important: The supply of clean pressurized engine oil to the CMP actuator is essential to CMP actuator performance.

  1. Observe the engine oil level. The engine oil level should be within operating range.
  2. Ensure that the vehicle has the correct engine oil and is not old, burnt or contains additives. Refer to Checking Things Under the Hood in Service and Appearance Care within the Owner's Manual.
    3. ⇒If the vehicle has the incorrect engine oil, is old, burnt, or contains additives, change the oil and filter.
  3. Test the engine oil pressure for correct operation. Refer to Oil Pressure Diagnosis and Testing .
  4. Start the engine and verify that no abnormal engine noises are present.
    5. ⇒If abnormal engine noise is observed, refer to Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed .
    ⇒If engine Stalls or stalling is the customer concern, refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls .
  5. Advise the customer that the following conditions may cause DTC P1012 to set:
    6. • Turning the engine OFF while the accelerator pedal is pressed
    • Turning the engine OFF while driving
    • Pressing the accelerator pedal when starting the engine

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming