Got a CEL today and code came back p0012, cam position actuator a - bank 1 timing over - retard. Anyone know of a fix for this or at least a way of troubleshooting....01 A4 1.8t...Thanks for any help!

 

Reset it and see if it returns. You might try unplugging and cleaning the connector.

 

i am kinda a noob to this whole audi thing....where would i find this connector?

 

is this gonna be a headache or could it just be a simple sensor?

 

Its located right at the front of the motor at the end of the valve cover. The connector is going into the side of it. Its easy to take off, remove the upper part of the timing cover (snaps on) and you should see two 10mm bolts holding it on. Remove it and clean it, then re-set the code, the sensors hardly fail.
If the code returns i would have someone diagnose the problem, it could be a sticking hydraulic cam tensioner.

 

i cleaned everythng out today real well, no corrsion on the wires, no bare wires. Put it back on, reset the codes and the CEL was gone! Went to the grocery store and when i came back to the car and started it again the CEL was back....same code p0012....is it time to bite the bullet and take it to the dealer or is there anything else i can try myself?

 

so what was the fix?

 

taking it to the dealer on tuesday....i tried everything easy....we will see what they say,,,

 

keep us informed about wut happens, i do have the same problem i think. Was just gonna replace it when the money came in.

 

just talked to the tech today...he said it was the cam tension adjuster....a really expensive part....about $700 just for the part and about $1200 total with the labor.....warranty will hopefully cover that if not i will have to take on the chin....i wish i knew that before i took it in i would have changed it myself....oh well