16396 - Bank 1: Camshaft A (Intake): Advance Setpoint not Reached (Over-Retarded)

[jb1978]

My 2000 1.8T throws the below fault code intermittently and idles rough after cold starts. Once the engine is warm it seems fine. I've cleared the code and it has come back after a week or so. Has anyone had the same problem and fixed it? I've seen similar posts on this and various forums but never found a successful resolution!

Thanks


16396 - Bank 1: Camshaft A (Intake): Advance Setpoint not Reached (Over-Retarded)
P0012 - 35-00 - -

 

[Shmoo]

I think this fault is to do with the vvt chain tensioner on the end of the camshafts. the tensioner could be failing itself or some people have had partially blocked oil pick up pipe which stops oil getting to the top end. does your engine rattle on initial cold start up?

 

[jb1978]

Its intermittent but yes it can rattle terribly at cold starts..

 

[8bit]

Check oil pressure. The cam adjusters are driven by oil pressure. If you're due an oil change then don't bother checking pressure - drain it, drop the sump, clean it out and replace the pickup pipe.

1.8T's are prone to sludge gathering in the sump. This can block the pickup pipe and cause oil starvation. I was getting the above code for a while, turned out that this was the cause.

 

[jb1978]

The car had a full service about a month ago. I cleared the code last night and the car was fine this morning. I suspect it will come back though so will try dropping the sump and replacing the pickup at some point. how difficult/expensive is it to do?

Thanks

 

[8bit]

I got a garage to do it. How long have you been getting this code? If it's just been since the service then it's possible that they didn't change the oil properly and this has disturbed some gunk which has blocked the pickup. I'd be asking them to drain the oil, drop and clean the sump and change the pickup while they're at it.

You could get them to do an engine flush too, if it's done properly it should clear all the lines and channels. If this has just been happening since after the service then I'd be expecting the garage to meet some of the costs to put it right too.