What causes P1012 on a Toyota?

OCV stuck preventing lift disengagement Sludged valve mechanism Worn OCV spool Low oil pressure Controller fault

How do I fix P1012 on a Toyota?

Verify oil pressure and quality Command the OCV and watch lift response Clean sludge from the valve Test OCV electrical operation Replace the OCV per response tests

P1012 Oil Control Valve/Variable Valve Lift LH Bank Close Malfunction

Q: What does P1012 mean on a Toyota?

P1012. Oil Control Valve/Variable Valve Lift LH Bank Close Malfunction. Applies to Camry, RAV4, Highlander with VVTL-i.

Category: Powertrain - Ignition
Severity: Check Engine Light
Applies to: Camry, RAV4, Highlander with VVTL-i

This fault is part of the Toyota VVT-i codes guide. It covers the system and the order to check it.

What does P1012 mean on a Toyota?

P1012. Oil Control Valve/Variable Valve Lift LH Bank Close Malfunction. This Toyota-enhanced code applies to Camry, RAV4, Highlander with VVTL-i.

Common causes of P1012

OCV stuck preventing lift disengagement
Sludged valve mechanism
Worn OCV spool
Low oil pressure
Controller fault

How to fix P1012

Verify oil pressure and quality
Command the OCV and watch lift response
Clean sludge from the valve
Test OCV electrical operation
Replace the OCV per response tests

Sources and review

Last updated 2026-09-06.