S60 2002 P0012 code -> tried most things?

Jeppert · Post by **Jeppert** » 28 Feb 2017, 09:18

Hi guys, hoping to find some advice as I'm running out of options..

Bought an '02 S60 2,4 non-turbo 4 weeks ago. Days after buying CEL came on and started idling (very) rough when engine was hot. When cold ran smoothly. Codes P0012 and P0300 were thrown.

- Checked sparkplugs. Needed replacement and did so. Problem remained
- Checked the VVT solenoid, took it apart and cleaned it. New gasket. Problem remained
- Checked Camshaft Position Sensor with a multimeter. Electrically functional but I do not know if it works as supposed
- Found out that when rough idle was induced and the VVT solenoid was disconnected, the enige smoothed out. Figured it was broken (although it should have been the other way around i think) so I replaced it. The very rough idle stopped and P0300 was out of the building (yay!). But P0012 came back. Still in idle sometimes vibrating a bit.
- Since the timing belt needed replacement anyway I replaced it and was hoping it might fix the P0012. Double-double-double checked timing marks and tensioner pulley setting to match right setting. P0012 came back. Interestingly now also when engine was cold, also vibrates a bit when cold.
- Oil looks clean and I think its good as I bought it from a guy who runs an oil change shop. Not 100% sure though, don't know what type and haven't seen the filter.

Now I have three suspects on my mind, but I'd like to know what you think about this before spending any more $$$.
- CPS is faulty (although electronically ok)
- ECM is messing up things
- The oil quality is not good enough, so maybe change that anyway for starters..

Thanks!

Jeppert · Post by **Jeppert** » 11 Mar 2017, 16:03

Allright no responses but still an update, I hope it might help someone!

- Changed oil & filter. No result
- Changed CPS. No result

Now I noticed before the headlights were flickering, but I didn't make the link with the P0012 code. Just had the electrics tested and battery is OK. Voltage regulator tested bad. I'm changing the regulator, but I'm not sure if the too low voltage output of the alternator in idle can be the cause for the P0012 code? Found some reports on this with other car brands, but not Volvo specifically...

Post by **abscate** » 11 Mar 2017, 18:21

Sorry you slipped through the cracks.

I believe P0012 is intake cam timing error, and you do have intake VVT on the NA cars?

Your timing belt is probably a tooth or two off from correct position if the solenoid is Known to be good.

KurtL · Post by **KurtL** » 12 Mar 2017, 10:04

I would recommend you get a dealer or Volvo mechanic to run a diagnostic. For a few bucks it's worth it.

Jeppert · Post by **Jeppert** » 16 Mar 2017, 17:32

Thanks for the replies guys.

Abscate: you're right, P0012 has to do with incorrect intake camshaft timing. I replaced the VVT intake solenoid for a new one, and that did fix a rondom misfiring problem (P0300). Also did a timing belt change a few weeks ago and I checked the markings 5x so that should be good.. Or I checked just straight out wrong which I deem unlikely, I did follow repair manual to the letter.

Kurt I did inquire for that, Volvo mechanic heard my problem and said I needed to go to dealership. They want $350 for it so I said I'll think about it.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Mar 2017, 04:49

You have to get the preload right on an 2002when you set the timing, and that's the common code when you get that close, but not quite right.

Jeppert · Post by **Jeppert** » 19 Mar 2017, 23:16

I never heard about preloading before, but I did follow the instruction of overturning crankshaft 1/4 and then come back to align the marks. Maybe that was not executed well? Is it possible that you don't preload correctly but your timing marks on the top still match up? And now that I have misaligned; how can I fix it, as I have lost the reference to the setting of the previous timing belt..? Just rotate the crankshaft clockwise and then 1/4 rotation back? Thanks a lot!!

Post by **precopster** » 20 Mar 2017, 18:01

The 2002 intake CVVT is no harder to do than exhaust CVVT and is the same as my (now dumped) V70 2000. I don't recall having difficulty with mine and it was far easier than the CVVT on the turbos because the intake cam is not sitting on the "fall" of a cam lobe when lined up to timing marks.

The FCP Euro video with Jay shows a non turbo S60 with the same setup so if you follow that to the letter and recheck what you did perhaps you'll find some issue with your setup.

This is the link:

Jeppert · Post by **Jeppert** » 20 Mar 2017, 23:15

Well that's exactly the video I used to do it, together with some extra info from the repair manual on tensioner pulley setting.. I'll check the marks on the weekend again..

Jeppert · Post by **Jeppert** » 28 Mar 2017, 21:28

Replaced voltage regulator. Timing marks are good. I still don't know if preloading means turning 1/4 over and then coming back to the timing mark position, but thats what I did.

P0012 code came back, only after a 2 days of driving on a day when I was driving a lot and the engine got really warm and it was idling a bit irregular too, like a rhytmic humm. The CEL only came on after I shut off the engine and started it again.

I think I am going to leave it at here with trying to fix this, the car runs fine otherwise.. Unless anybody has some last idea what it might be?

Thanks for all the help!