Hello,

I have a 2009 CX-7 that had a stretched chain/bent valves so I replaced the cylinder head and timing chain kit. The car runs amazing now (so I have to presume the timing is correct as I followed all of the cam/crank locking procedures), but I keep getting the P0012 - "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1) code. I tried replacing the VVT Control Solenoid and unfortunately the code keeps coming back. The VVT Timing Sprocket on the end of the cam seems to be in very good condition as well (i dont see any damage like some i've seen).

Typically after clearing the code, I can run the car about 20-40 miles max before the code reappears. I assume this is when the ECM / run cycle is hit and it detects something isn't correct.

Anybody have any other ideas for things I can check on/test?

Much appreciated!

 

I had a similar situation where timing was off. I ended up taking car to the dealer for diagnostic. According to them, you suppose to replace the VVT sprocket every time you replace the chain. In my case I did replace it and they still couldn't found the problem, needless to say it was a waste of money for the most part.

When swapping the heads did you remove the VVT sprocket from the camshaft? if so, did you mark the position of the sprocket and put it back in the same position. That's what happened to me. I took the sprocket off without any markings

I went back and follow this that mentioned the position of the sprocket. I also had to replace the chain again, since the aftermarket chain I got was slightly longer then the original mazda part. Seems my timing problem is gone, but I still got other problems.

Hope this info helps in any bit.

 

Did you clean the filter within the VVT cam cap?
Also, most likely there is too much free play in your camshaft (cam caps and the head). You need to sand down the caps.
Here is a video

 

Thanks for your reply! I did clean the filter (it was already clean but we sonicated it to make it like brand new). I heard about this loss in oil pressure from the cam cap, ill try to flush it off and see if it solves the issue. Fingers crossed!

 

Thanks for the insight! We purchased a used head which had the cams still on it, so the VVT sprocket was never removed from the cam. I purchased one of those timing tool kits as well to make sure the cams were locked in place, as well as the crank locked with the bolt tool.
Ive checked the timing a few diff times/ways and like i mentioned, the car is running perfectly, just the code being thrown is annoying. I think ill try to make a better seal on the cam cap before considering tearing anything back down (we have the spare so if anything gets messed up we have parts).

Thanks again!

 

CX-7s are notorious for the VVT sprocket/actuator wearing out. Very common for them to fail.

 

Interesting. Wouldnt there be symptoms however? The car runs absolutely flawlessly and the vvt is actually very clean (ive seen photos/videos of some having chipping/damage)

 

Apart from a rattle on a dead cold startup, the only symptom is fault codes.

 

I just want to say thanks to everytone, especially luklyz for recommending the youtube video. I was able to sand the vvt cam cap down ever so slightly and it made a much better seal/allowed for the oil pressure to built/activate the actuator rather than leaking out the side. The code no longer persists thankfully. I took a before and after video of the oil loss around the cap. I'll attempt to upload them to this forum somehow to hopefully help somebody else out.

Below I uploaded 2 short clips to youtube of the before and after sanding results. Thanks again!

Before sanding Part 1 of 2 :

After sanding Part 2 of 2 :

Hopefully these videos can help somebody else out in the future!