F-150

Make
Ford
Segment
Sports Car

Ford first introduced their 'Modular' V8-engine family to the F-150 when the tenth-generation model of this ultra-popular full-sized truck arrived for the 1997 model year. Those were early (two-valve) iterations of the new engine family, however, and never featured some of the performance-enhancing features which would later appear on the Modular V8.

It was only when the third-generation model arrived in 2004 that the three-valve variant of this engine became available for the 5.4-liter F-150, while the three-valve 4.6-liter had to wait until the 2007 model year. These three-valve V8s all feature variable camshaft timing for improved efficiency, but they have a known weakness in their camshaft position sensing hardware.

What Does The P0012 Error Code Mean On A Ford F-150?

An illuminated Check Engine Light (CEL) will alert you to an error in a three-valve F-150's control system, and if the Engine Control Unit is queried via an OBD-II scanning tool, you may notice the P0012 or P0022 error codes in the diagnostic system memory. This indicates a problem with the variable camshaft timing (VCT) system and could point towards a faulty camshaft position sensor, an issue with the wiring harness, or defective camshaft adjustment solenoids. P0012 refers to the driver's side intake camshaft, and P0022 refers to the passenger-side intake cam.

This appears to be most prevalent in 5.4-liter F-150s built in 2004 and 2005, but can appear on any F-150 with the Modular V8 built until the end of the twelfth generation's run in 2014. Some 2015 and 2016 Ford F-150s with the Coyote 5.0-liter engine (as the four-valve Modular engine was renamed following a series of extensive revisions) also show this fault, but it appears to be rare in these uprated V8s. This error is also very prevalent on F-150s with the 3.7 Ti-VCT engine, as well as all generations of V6 EcoBoost engine.

What Causes The P0012 Error Code On the F-150?

There are a number of causes for a P0012 error code on a Ford F-150:

  • The engine oil may be low, dirty, or of the wrong viscosity
  • There may be a problem with the VCT solenoid wiring harness
  • The engine's timing may be off, which will lead to a camshaft position sensor output signal being out of synchronization with the crankshaft position
  • A defective camshaft position actuator will cause the Ford F-150 P0012 error as well, because the camshaft timing doesn't change according to specifications

Symptoms Which May Accompany The P0012 Error Code On A Ford F-150

In the event of your Ford F-150 showing a P0012 error code, you may notice some other symptoms as well:

  • Rough or uneven idle quality or fluctuating idle speed
  • Difficult starting
  • Reduced engine performance, especially during large throttle applications in the mid-range
  • Excessive fuel consumption
  • A flashing CEL

What Should I Do When Error Code P0012 Appears On A Ford F150?

Find the cause of the error as quickly as possible. While the P0012 error code on its own won't bring your F-150 to a grinding halt, it could indicate bigger problems, and ignoring it could cause internal damage to the engine. If you are absolutely certain that the error was registered due to a faulty camshaft actuator solenoid or a problem with its wiring harness, the chance of further damage is slim, but if it was caused by a timing chain issue or poor oil condition, the vehicle must be stopped as soon as possible.

Can I Drive With This Issue?

You can, but you probably shouldn't. Unless you are absolutely sure that the problem lies with a faulty camshaft adjustment actuator or its wiring connections, you'd be best advised to pull over and wait for a tow truck. If this is not possible, continue home or to a workshop using minimal throttle openings and avoiding high engine speeds.

How To Fix A P0012 Error Code On A Ford F-150

There are a number of ways to fix the P0012 error code on a Ford F-150, depending on the cause of the error code. Follow these guidelines to deal with the Ford F-150 P0012 error::

  • Check if the engine's oil level is low, the oil is dirty, or the engine oil is of an inappropriate viscosity rating. The first solution would be to perform an oil change using OEM-specified engine oil and a new oil filter if this is the case. In many cases, this will resolve the problem, but if the old engine oil is heavily contaminated, you may want to flush the engine's lubrication system before filling it with new oil.
  • If this doesn't resolve the issue, check the wiring harness leading to the relevant VCT solenoid for damage, and check the wiring harness going to the camshaft position sensor as well. The insulation on these wires become brittle with age and due to constant exposure to heat and vibration, which could lead to open- or short circuits on either the solenoid side or near the camshaft position sensors.
  • Engine timing problems are also quite likely, given that the Modular three-valve, Coyote V8, V6 Ti-VCT, and EcoBoost engines all have documented histories of premature cam-chain tensioner failure. If the P0012 or P0022 error is accompanied by a rattling noise from the engine upon cold start, it's practically guaranteed that the timing chain tensioners or guides have failed, and the vehicle should not be driven at all until this problem has been addressed.
  • The camshaft actuator solenoids are also prone to failure, which will also trigger the P0022 or P0012 error codes on your F-150. In this case, the vehicle is still safe to drive, but it won't perform as it should. This repair involves a simple remove-and-replace operation of the actuator solenoid unit (located near the front of the cylinder head), but it does require somewhat specialized tools, and there is a very real risk of dropping one of those tools into the engine while installing a replacement solenoid. For these reasons, we recommend having a professional replace a defective camshaft actuator solenoid.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix?

If this error on your Ford F-150 is caused by dirty oil or a low engine oil level, an oil change kit (good-quality full-synthetic oil and a reputable-brand filter) will set you back between $120 and $150, excluding labor charges. However, if your Ford F-150's P0012 error code is related to engine timing being out of order, a replacement timing chain kit, including tensioners and guides will cost around $400, with about $500 in labor. An OEM VCT solenoid for a V8 three-valve will cost about $60 per bank, with about an hour's labor to have it fitted at a workshop.