I consolidated my experience changing a CPS on a 2004 xB 1.5l 1NZ-FE:

 

Excellent DIY! Wonderful Illustrations!

Becomes a Sticky

 

 

 

Here is the part in question. I cleaned it off a bit and got a better picture. Is that the crankshaft position sensor. The harness also doesn't look that good.

 

You are correct that that is the crankshaft Position Sensor. You do not have to drain the oil to replace this.
I did not have a code but I bought the vehicle used with 130K and did not know how hard that little motor was made to work. I did preventative maintenance and among other parts I changed this and the VVT solenoid which could be your code source. The VVT solenoid will cost about $60 at this time, no need to change the oil, and is super easy to change.

-- Reactor - Senior Member says "P0012 means: Camshaft Position "A" - Timing Over-Retarded. This code is not an indication of a bad camshaft position sensor. For that we have P0340"
-- Here's your P0012 code explained and it mentions the VVT (or VCT) solenoid (code P0010) as a probable cause:
https://www.yourmechanic.com/article...by-jay-safford

If you decide to change the VVT solenoid,
-- This guy does an excellent job of showing you how to change the VVT solenoid with lots of pictures:
http://www.clubxb.com/forums/scion-x...ml#post1127425

After you remove the plastic top engine cover, here's my note sheet:

 

 

I'm sorry but the part costs twice what I mentioned previously. I'll edit the post.

Here's the part I installed a year ago and since then no issues with the part:
STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS VVT162 {#1533021010, 1533021011, 1533021020} (Standard Replacement

Here's where I got it from:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/st...actuator,12910

here's a general description of that product:
http://eaccess.smpcorp.com/eCatalogs...16_JTF_VVT.pdf

 

 

Beck Arnley 180-0307 Crank Angle Sensor

I installed this a year ago and have had no issues with this part.

Let us know how it goes with your repair.

 

I was looking over the posts and if you replaced the OCV (oil control valve) you've replaced the VVT solenoid - same part different names.
In the second video at 4:20 take note of the mention of an 8mm hex bolt filter beneath the Oil Control ValveToyota 15678-21010 Oil Control Valve Filter

https://parts.toyota.com/a/Scion__XB...04.html#15678A
or


and

 

Yes, I already changed that and cleaned the filter too. No go. I noticed the gunky crankshaft position sensor so I'll do that and see if that makes a difference.
Otherwise, I have a case open with Toyota about the P0012 but that would require me to go to the dealership for an inspection.

Thanks for sharing the part number. I ordered it already and will hopefully have it replaced later this week.

Do you know anything about the Crankshaft Position Sensor wiring? Should I replace that wire or just clean it off with some Simple Green?

____

 

Once again, excellent illustration and thanks for taking the time to do this.

 

I'm not sure if it's the angle but the OEM crank angle sensor on my picture looks like its connected to a large nut. Did yours look like that?

 

Okay. The part posted a picture of was not the Crankshaft Position Sensor, and I still don't know what it is. However, I did replace my crankshaft position sensor since I was there. Good thing I did, here's what it looked like:



I cleaned up the other sensor from the outside. I couldn't even get the locking mechanism to budge because the wiring is so snug. I'm still trying to figure out what this is and if it's easily replaceable:

 

 

Crankshaft position sensor is located exactly where it shows in the diagram at the top of this post. If your replacement part doesn't look like what is shown it may be the wrong part...do you happen to have a picture of your part or where you got it and a part number?

Looking at RockAuto all of the replacement sensors look like the ones shown above:

Crankshaft Position Sensor

 

@MileHightC Hi, I got the Camshaft Position Sensor. I was removing the Air filter and the Battery (on Tuesday). I was looking on the engine driver side. Please let me know why there I can not find this part?

Thank you.



Looks like the best part for the job!!



I can not find where to install this in Scion xB 2004!!! Or to use on the key chain?

___

 

Exactly why are you replacing your CPS? Better yet, why are you replacing it with another junk Chinese made part? And I don't care if it says "OEM Quality" on the package because unless it's an OEM Toyota part, it doesn't meet their standards.

 

Hi! Would there be a tutorial for crank sensor replacement for a 2015 xB? I'm stuck at removing the sensor cable behind the serpentine belt and alternator.