Check Engine Light
 

Hi All,

The check engine light came on in my 2008 S40, I took it in to have the code read at Sears Auto and they gave me the code P0012. I took it back to the used car dealer where I bought it from for them to look at it and they said it was because I had been using regular (87 octane) gas instead of premium and that it was the VVT acting up because of that. They turned off the light and sent me on my way. When I started it again after I got home home after refilling the car with Premuim gas, the light came back on.

Could this be the problem or is there more such as a bad sensor or something like I suspect it is?

Thanks in advance!

Code P0012 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

Basically what the above states is to make sure that your VVT solenoid is powered and functioning first - easy to do yourself.

If the solenoid is working fine, it could be one of two things: 1) someone botched the timing job or 2) the VVT gear is defective.

If your car was a 1999-2004 x40 my bet would be the VVT gear...not sure about the newer model though. The challenge is that to replace the gear, you have to take the belt off...so I'd be tempted to take the hit and do both...but again, not sure about the 2008.

With the older cars it's usually the solenoid. First one I've read about on the newer models.

Has the timing belt been replaced recently?

Oh, it has nothing to do with the grade of gasoline. That is classic BS from a used car dealer.

Priceless. I can imagine how they laughed about that after you left.

Used car dealers are dishonest. Who knew?

Dishonest or not educated. No used car dealer is going to pay me what I make. But some backyard mechanic with experience working behind the counter at Autozone can probably land a job as a mechanic there for $13 an hour.

Just took it back to a Volvo dealer, timing skipped a tooth on the belt. Will be having the timing belt, tensioners, and water pump replaced tomorrow on the dealers cost.

Good job.

But "skipped a tooth?" I see people write that like it's no big deal but something needs to be really wrong for that to happen.

Probably installed wrong to begin with is my guess. When they couldn't figure it out they sold it. OR (tin foil hat on) the sneaky dealer installed it improperly looking to sell the a new car! (tin foil hat off) or not.

The timing belt looks as if it had never been done, the car has 117k, so it was about time for a new one anyway

Perfect timing then! No pun intended.