2006 Gen2: P0012 Code and heavy oil Consumption

Welcome to PriusChat!!

Here is the workup for DTC P0012 (and P0010 P0011 P0016) : https://attachments.priuschat.com/attachment-files/2018/04/144690_VVT.pdf

Best to go step by step though the above workup, but given the mileage you might try step 4 and see if the 'oil control valve filter" is clogged.

Which device are you currently using to retrieve the OBD2 codes with?

What brand/weight of oil have you been using, and what is the change interval?

Check for dealer maintenance by running the VIN at : Welcome to Toyota Owners

 

Once you start using "high mileage" oil, you are supposed continue using it. My 2006 Gen2 oil was burning 1/2 quart of oil every 1500 to 1800 miles when I first purchased it.

My Gen2 no longer has any material oil consumption after doing the following: i.) changing oil intervals to 3500 to 4000 miles; ii.) installing oil catch can; iii.) "short-sticking" oil level at each oil change by using only 3.5 quarts (rather than the 3.9 quarts for max capacity) which reduces windage; and iv.) using straight 40W Shell Rotella* for the past 12,000 miles.

*- Shell Rotella has a lot of detergent, anti-sludging and anti-gumming additives which I attribute to un-gumming my oil rings.

Also see this thread: 2006 Gen2: Oil Consumption Almost Completely Reduced | PriusChat

 

I bet your PVC valve has never been changed on that car. It's not the easiest change on these Prius but not impoßsibe if you are determined. A clocked PVC valve can make you burn A LOT of oil. YouTube it, 10$ part.. worth a try.

 

Keeping it under 75mph on the flats and or the RPMs on lower side when climbing or taking off, may help mitigate oil consumption. Using a higher weight oil when temperature appropriate may help as well.

You might try addressing some of the oil consumption by using an engine flush with something like : Kreen (mail order), Berrymans B12 chemtool (most chain stores), BG products EPR (local repair/parts shops may sell to you over the counter). I've used the last two products before with minor success, and would be most interested in trying the Kreen product going forward. There are other options on the market, most sell for under $10 per use, and the B12 is like $20 per gallon, which would be for multiple uses (have used it as a flush, and in the gas tank, have yet to use it as a piston soak). Let us know which product(s) you try and if you notice any reduction in oil consumption.

Not sure if that Harbor Freight OBD2 reader is fully hybrid compatible or not, many like to use a 'mini-vci' cable and techstream (dealer tech software). Though not as good as a techstream, others get by with using the OBD2 bluetooth adapter with an app like Dr Prius (or Torque). Make sure the OBD2 adapter you have was quality built (and fast enough to work with Dr Prius) by visiting and reading this webpage : Hybrid battery diagnostic and repair tool for Toyota and Lexus

Have you had a chance to go step by step through the workup, or check/clean the VVT filter?

Did you retrieve that P0012 with both the HF reader and the Torque app?