2002 V70 CEL codes P0012 P0442

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 07 Jul 2018, 09:06

OK, as "abscate" said recently some Volvo folks come here with trouble and others in Volvo bliss stay away. I like to learn from this website but unfortunately for me I am writing this topic with some trouble, hopefully minor.

Just bought a used 2002 V70 less than 24 hrs. ago and drove it over 100 miles home with no issues. Then of course this morning when I wanted to go 2 miles from home, I get the "CE" light illuminated. The car actually shut itself off when I pulled into the parking light and I had to re-start just to park it. I went to my local Pep Boys for the free code pulling adventure and the tech pulled a "P0012" and a "P0442". The tech said it may be as something as simple as a cam sensor for the "P0012" code and a bad gas cap for the "P0442". Any advice will be most appreciated as I am ready to get my money back if this is something major. I am pretty sue that the previous owner cleared all codes before I cam over.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 07 Jul 2018, 11:00

Could it be one of these?

(See attachment)

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 07 Jul 2018, 12:47

The P0442 code could be "J" hose aside the charcoal canister. It's made from an odd, plastic I'd compare to the strap on a kid's "jelly" sandal. It was a $20 part which can be replaced with good old 1/2" fuel hose.
The one in my 2002 went at 107,000 miles. Yours is at 145K.

I don't know about the P0012 but I can tell you there's a small screen filter within the gasket underneath the cam adjuster. If it's clogged I do not know if the system would be rendered advanced, retarded or stationary.

Has it been shifting OK so far?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 07 Jul 2018, 13:09

ECM-640F (P0012) Camshaft reset valve. Faulty signal

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) information

Condition
If the engine is hot when the ignition is switched on, an adaptation of the reset valve (Continuous variable valve timing) takes place. The control engine control module (ECM) then checks that the continuous variable valve timing (CVVT) limit position is reached. If this limit position is not reached, the engine control module (ECM) registers this as a fault and stores diagnostic trouble code (DTC) ECM-640F.

Substitute value
none.

Possible source

Incorrect signal:
incorrect base setting of the timing belt.

Fault symptoms

Malfunction indicator light (MIL), on
uneven idle
poor performance.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 07 Jul 2018, 14:22

Georgeandkira; Thanx for your response. Yes, the shifting itself has be alright so far. No anomalies.
That "small screen filter" you spoke of underneath the cam adjuster. Is that easily accessible
to a DIYourselfer or is that a dealer cleanup fix?
I will check out that "J" hose you have spoken of to see of it's condition.

Post by **erikv11** » 08 Jul 2018, 06:49

For a P0012 the intake cam timing is probably off a tooth, that is tricky to check and fix but doable. Check out viewtopic.php?f=9&t=77183 an go surfing YouTube for videos.

As per Gergeandkira's post, I woud also remove and clean the VVT cam solenoid, that is a pretty easy DIY job. You'll need a paper gasket. A second possibility is the VVT solenoid itself is bad, these typically crap out about 120k or so. There are a handful of codes they throw, although more commonly P0016. They get dunked up with oil deposits including varnish (sometimes that can be cleaned out successfully) and/or the wires get stresses and frayed (you can see this by inspection). A useful link (there are many!) on this topic: viewtopic.php?t=71557.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 08 Jul 2018, 08:59

Thank you "erikv11" for your two responses.
On your "P0012" comment, if the cam timing is off a tooth as you stated, is that going to be a dealer fix? I try to avoid the dealer unless absolutely necessary. I did see a video for replacing what the guy called a "cam timing sensor" which in the video was an easy replacement. It was a plug 'n play type part right on top of the engine.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 08 Jul 2018, 11:49

erikv11 & Georgeandkira;
Is it alright to drive the car with that P0012 code engaged? In other words, can I drive it to work tomorrow say 10 miles
or will ir damage the engine severely? Just want to be sure.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 08 Jul 2018, 14:37

If the condition of the actuation hardware (sensor or indexer) is all that's wrong, there'll be no problem.

If, as suggested, the cam belt is out of time enough for valves to hit pistons, you already know. In your case you've driven the car without ill effect.
I'd drive it the 10 miles were I in your shoes.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 08 Jul 2018, 15:08

Yeah, I drove it home the other day over 100 highway miles @ 65 mph. It only conked/stalled out when I was in a parking
lot doing 5 mph and turning the steering wheel hard.