P120E Vector M 12 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P120E Vector M 12 code definition:
P120E is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Vector M 12.

P120E Vector M 12 is defined as Knock Sensor Circuit Range Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor). This refers to camshaft timing, which in this case is over-retarded. Other symptoms that may indicate this problem are when the Check Engine Light illuminates and when there is a visible lack of engine power.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P120E Vector M 12 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Fuel pressure too low
Rich or lean exhaust
Diminished fuel efficiency
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated

Possible Causes :

Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)
A large air leak at or near the number one oxygen sensor would also cause a lean mixture.
Faulty IMRC actuator/sensor

Common Misdiagnoses

TP Sensor Learn Not Complete Problem
Low Coolant Circuit Problem
Cruise Control System - Vehicle Accel Too High Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem
Problem

Repair Processes :

If all testing has passed so far yet you still have the same code, check your scan tool and see if it can open and close the IMRC valve. With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. If the engine displays a miss and there wasn't a code, determine which cylinder is misfiring. If the exhaust manifold is visible, spay or pour a small amount of water on each cylinder exhaust port. Water will evaporate immediately on good cylinders and slowly on the missing cylinder. If this can't be accomplished pull the plugs and check the condition.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P120E Vector M 12 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P120E Vector M 12.

Fortunately, P120E Vector M 12 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.