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P0012 Code- VANOS solenoid?

9.3K views 3 replies 2 participants last post by  Sailor24  
#1 ·
Hi all-

I'm getting a recurring P0012 code, and from searching it sounds like VANOS solenoid maintenance/cleaning is what is called for.

Anything else I should look for while I am doing this? I plan to pull the solenoids out, maybe this weekend, and then see if I can fix anything obvious (like a bad solder joint). If not I may just send it off to Dr Vanos for repair.

One question- from the Dr Vanos web page it sounds like they only sell the o-ring kit for the 99-01 cars. Given that I have an 02, even though I'm pulling the solenoids out, should I be replacing the o-rings? Will that same kit work?

Thanks.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Yes he has the orings they are all the same and he will replace them. You really should send him both boards and have him solve any possible issues before they start on the second board. He is a nice guy send him an email.
If you want to do it yourself you will likely succeed. We are nice (well most of us) too and help you DIY it. It is really not that hard. Just read half of the 5 million posts on the topic and you should be good to go.
 
#3 · (Edited)
I found a reconditioned board for sale, so I picked it up and literally just finished installing it. I haven't driven the car yet, as it's raining and the car is clean, but all the threads on here were a big help. Thanks to everyone.

The old board had a missing resistor, well maybe not missing as it was loose inside the housing. :)

I'll fix the old board up and keep it as a spare in case the other side decides to fail.