P0012 mazda cx7 2007 problem still not fixed

Code P0012: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over Retarded (Bank 1). This video shows oil leaking out of the cam cap closest to the actuator. The actuator is unable to function properly due to the loss of oil pressure.
oil pressure 43PSI to79PSI spec
*Disclaimer
We are not responsible for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Information given in this video does not guarantee the desired outcome. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of the tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not carfix

[@br34ker100]

I had the same problem. I replaced the solenoid and camshaft too and the code p0012 came back. In my case it was not relate it to timing it was the fuel pressure sensor that was causing the code! Resistant was high.I replace it and no more problems.

[@arifiskandar6417]

After replace fuel pressure, no more error P00012? I did replace vvti but not yet camshaft

[@br34ker100]

After I replaced the fuel pressure sensor the car was running great and the code never came back.

[@br34ker100]

Check the fuel pressure sensor that is located in the fuel pressure rail. That was the problem for me. The problem never comes back.

[@claudev.k2]

According to the look of oil and dirt deposits, I would say the "problem" was caused by bad/wrong oil or too long change intervals. There was a series issue with the VVTs that broke on the inside, yes, but this wear on the camshaft is not normal. Had a Mazdaspeed 3 from 2007 sold it with 220tkm on it 3 years ago, and I know it is still running. And my Mazda CX-7 from 2007 with this engine is also still running fine.

[@michaelbarrett8803]

I am having the same issue. This engine came in a Turbo and non-Turbo version. The Turbo version has upgraded timing chain and larger cam journals. If you try to grab a used cam cap with the VVT solenoid make sure it is from your same model. I put higher viscosity oil in, 10w40 and it has not put the code out after driving around 30 miles around town. As soon as I changed the oil it started to have the VVT cog making a chattering noise as I leave the driveway and the engine speed starts to increase. It makes the noise for a couple of seconds and then is quiet after that. It only is doing it on cold starts. I think the VVT cog is unlocking and there is not enough oil pressure in the gear yet so it shuttles back and forth making the chattering sound until the oil pressure is high enough to control it. That's where I am on mine. Maybe I'll try some 0w40 like the European cars use. Good luck with yours, I'm getting pretty good at taking the valve cover on and off this thing!

[@michiganmudmechanic]

I would have tried to sand the other journals base to lessen the tolerance. if that didn't work you were gonna have to replace the Cam anyway and you already have a new journal. Just saying it's worth a shot.

[@modeljetjuggernaut4864]

To add insult to injury the bolt on the cam cap was smoked on there so tight, I rounded off bolt trying to take it out...so much for at least trying clean the filter. Auugh

[@jahaziellopezcarrion9522]

Finalmente pudiste resolver la falla?

[@jordonpollock1550]

Hey mate did you ever get to the bottom of this? Also where did you purchase the cam caps separately? I am dealing with this hell on my Mazda MPS.. haven't taken the valve cover off yet but I want to do everything I can before I upgrade my cams!

[@carfix1993]

It's used cam cap find wrecking yard.

[@jordonpollock1550]

@@carfix1993 So you never solved it?

[@karledwards7167]

@@jordonpollock1550 The caps are not available as a seperate item. Welcome to Mazda World.

[@Mister.Bone_Saw]

@@karledwards7167 Ford messing up with Mazda

[@abautista373]

Will I need to send the head to the machine shop to get calibrated again or can I just change the cam shaft ?

[@carfix1993]

First check oil pressure Remove cam shaft and look how damaged head.if Head is ok change cam shaft

[@modeljetjuggernaut4864]

such breakthroughs in mechanical science yet these components have a definite shelf life, and are destined for catastrophic failure. Bravo Mazda... btw, my phaser is missing the cap and spring. What to do? replace the whole phaser?

[@karledwards7167]

Yes.

[@ericacevedo7850]

Hello…. Very useful video. I have bought everything but still can’t find the CAMSHAFT CAP to replace it for the old one. We’re could I find this bracket. Please help

[@Mister.Bone_Saw]

Try aftermarket parts or go to junkyard

[@duaneafields]

just a thought ...the reason your engine may be retarded one tooth is because when the timing chain was replaced, there is a set screw that stops the crank to time the engine to tdc. there is a straight bar that goes into your new cams (slotted there) and it helps with timing. Also the crank pully has a hole, where I believe an 8mm bolt can be threaded into the timing cover to check all this before the pulley is installed. Point...when the bolt is removed before setting the pulley the force of removing the bolt most of the time, moves the timing tooth mark a few degrees. It is hard tr remove the bolt without someone else holding the flywheel through the starter hole. A lot of the times it does not affect much. But what I would do is take your crankshaft positioning sensor screws and loosen them, slide the sensor down, reset the code and then test timing. Plus you mentioned the vvt filter, that's what people miss, but you did get it. You're doing everything you need to be doing. Tell us what fixed or what did not work in an update video or response here. thanks for your video. 2008 cx7 here, what a big mistake my cars been too.

[@KrvheD]

.

[@karledwards7167]

Did you spot all the oil leaking at the beginning of the video? Timing aaaaaaahhhhh NO!!!

[@Mister.Bone_Saw]

@@karledwards7167 hes suggesting doing this in general for all who may have this problem before getting into this video replacement . I believe hes right its better if you do what he suggested first before going replacing parts .

[@Mister.Bone_Saw]

What if i used an air gun to remove the bolt ..any possibility i might miss a tooth regardless?

[@frankpaul3204]

You should have replaced the car with the cap . The cam journal is also worn

[@ELGUERO_LAMINIBIKES]

Hi their i have the same code p0012 y changed timing chain kit and nothing then the vvt solenoid and no fix . do think if i do this it could fix the problem ?

[@carfix1993]

Drain oil and put 20w50 oil then after check

[@ELGUERO_LAMINIBIKES]

@@carfix1993 I will do that thank you for replying back .

[@user-lj1gj7hm6e]

My friend how much did you pay for the cam cap ?

[@carfix1993]

$100

[@valerarosca6748]

Hello i have similar problem with my cx7 ,how do you fix this problem? change new camshaft? ,pls help ,i already all engine with turbo.

[@carfix1993]

First, use thicker oil like 20w30 Could be your engine no oil pressure Try that first then let me know

[@valerarosca6748]

@@carfix1993 engine all is new in inside,pressure in oil filter is 3.5 bar at 3000rpm,camshaft worn out.. Thanks for the answer.

[@juanpaz6707]

Throw that car away. CX7 is one of the worst cars designed by Mazda and Ford.

[@tonykarata9398]

I’ll be honest yea the car is kinda crappy or say what you want bu the 2.3 and 2.5 are great engines . But if you don’t know how to work them or treat them right ... then that’s where people run into issues and they could never get them to run right !!!! It’s the same with the hf v6 great engines bad owners !!!!!! And that’s where the engine goes to shit !!!

[@karledwards7167]

@@tonykarata9398 GARBAGE!!!! These are garbage engines buddy. They are famous all over the world - YES WORLD. You have NO idea.

[@Mister.Bone_Saw]

@@karledwards7167 no garbage...just this vvt actuator issue ...the rest of the engine works great , powerful yet economical.

[@Mister.Bone_Saw]

Btw P0012 is famous failure code in Toyotas too

[@haphyzz]

That is a great engine and timely maintenance is all it requires. In all the years I owned my car I suffered very little issues and I do not understand why people demonize the car.

[@emsavo2590]

I’ve got a 2010 Mazda CX-7 I’ve had timing chain and camshaft replaced and my car still has code p0012 and it has no power when I accelerate it takes abit then it starts to go. Any ideas please I need helppppp? Thank you!

[@carfix1993]

I think you have to check your car engine oil pressure first and use thick engine oil 15w40 Could be your engine is worn If not there right oil pressure can be appear p0012 code

[@emsavo2590]

The mechanic has replaced the engine oil twice now. and done a test on the engine and he said it’s fine. My car was driving fine before they did the timing chain! It’s been 2 months I’m going crazy! He’s now trying a solenoid replacement or something. I appreciate your help so much!

[@carfix1993]

P0012 code related 1 oil pressure low 2 wrong timing 3 cam shaft vvti shocket in side pin damage 4 engine worn (like bearing crank shaft) 5 VVTI solenoid

[@haphyzz]

@@emsavo2590 my 2007 CX7 had a similar issue, I had the Solenoid valve thoroughly cleaned and the car accelerates way better but the code is still present. The mechanic suggested we change the Solenoid valve which I intend to do.

[@emsavo2590]

@@haphyzz ohhh I’m still having so many issues! It’s been 3 months since I could drive my car! My car was driving perfect I just needed the timing chain replaced and now I’ve had that replaced the camshaft the vvt phaser the solenoid the ecu and instrument cluster! And now my car doesn’t even start! I’m so upset! The mechanic has now said sorry I don’t know what I’ve done take it to Mazda! I don’t know what I’m supposed to do!

[@davidchaves128]

Ese auto no esta reconociendo la falla a profundidad, por lo general es por presión de combustible,no hay una buena combustión y la computadora lo interpreta como un problema de tiempo retrasado, pero es por presión de combustible.

[@jahaziellopezcarrion9522]

Ya lograste resolver el problema amigo?

[@soy_mariachi2425]

Que se le puede hacer para mejorar la precion de combustible, yo tengo el mismo problema y nada me a funcionado. Te agradeceria tu ayuda

[@Mister.Bone_Saw]

Quiere decir octano de combustible o presión de combustible psi?

[@soy_mariachi2425]

@@Mister.Bone_Saw pero que se le puede hacer para mejorar la presion?

[@soy_mariachi2425]

Nada todavia???

[@user-lj1gj7hm6e]

My friend how much did you pay for the cam cap ?

[@carfix1993]

$100

[@user-lj1gj7hm6e]

Thank you for replying back my friend 👍🏻