2011 F-150 Ecoboost Camshaft Position Sensor (code P0016)

The bolt is an 8mm on the sensor.
Follow the steps below to see if your timing chain is the reason for the code and needs to be replaced.
1. Connect the Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) service tool or equivalent scan tool to the data link connector (DLC). Check for DTCs. Is DTC P0016 present in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory?
a. Yes - proceed to Step 2.
b. No - this article does not apply. Refer to the Powertrain Control/Emission Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual for normal diagnostics.
2. Check the vehicle build date. Was the vehicle built on or before 10-Oct-2014?
a. Yes - proceed to Step 3.
b. No - this procedure does not apply. Refer to the PC/ED manual for normal diagnosis.
3. Using IDS, with key on and engine running (KOER), select the VCT_INT_ACT1 parameter identification (PID) in the Datalogger.
a. If VCT_INT_ACT1 PID reads +6 degrees or greater, proceed to Step 4.
b. If VCT_INT_ACT1 PID reads less than +6 degrees - this procedure does not apply. Refer to PC/ED manual for normal diagnostics.
4. Replace the primary timing chain. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-01.

[@MrObrently]

Thanks a bunch buddy! The newer ones are on the top. That picture helped a ton! I think I got it done in about an hour. No room back there. I was able to push one of the hoses out of the way to get a little more room. I put a blanket over the engine and laid on top of it to work on this. 👍🏻

[@AndrewMoizer]

Brett, thanks so much for putting this together. There seemed to be quite a lack of information about 3.5l V6 Cam sensors until I found this, which clearly shows which sensors are which. I'm working on an Edge, I managed to get the Bank 1, Sensor B out using a long handle flex ratchet and medium extension. Unfortunately the CT parts guy had looked up a crank, not CAM position sensor so I'll have to wait for the right part before I can see if I can get it all back together. I only had to take off the air box leading to the throttle body to get access to the sensors on bank 1 (closest tot he firewall on a FWD vehicle). Many thanks again.

[@AndrewMoizer]

Got the new sensor installed and all seems to be working fine. Took a combination of flexible retrieval magnet, extra long pliers, various extension combinations, hand contortions, and more to get the new sensor in place and tightened down! But didn't take too long overall. Thanks again for taking the time Brett.

[@jackarchdekin8548]

@@AndrewMoizerdo you know what size of socket I’ll need for the bolt ?

[@AndrewMoizer]

@@jackarchdekin8548 sorry, I don't recall off the top of my head. Maybe 10mm. It was relatively small, used a ¼" socket drive.

[@SirGunsnstuff]

Your video saved me so much time! Literally took me 20ish minutes

[@brett.32]

Yes I had to mess with it a second time and was able to do it in under 30 minutes

[@boostercontrol100]

Thanks man!! There is literally nothing else out there for our 2011 that shows like this. Great job 👍

[@jasonirwin6025]

Thanks! That photo of the back of the engine made all the difference.

[@wyatts_dad]

Thank you ! Perfect description of how to do the job. VERY tight space. Used a mirror to ID the bolt then it was all based off of feel and the description of your video.

[@highndri1384]

for me, I removed the air cleaner bracket and the coolant hose and I could get easily access. It's also an 8 mm socket for those who may be doing it. Thanks for the video.

[@brett.32]

Thank you I just added the 8mm to the description I thought that’s what it was but it had been so long since I had done it I didn’t want to put the wrong size

[@DunnMotors]

Great! Video and explanation with those pictures. THANK YOU! AND IT WAS LESS THAN 5 MIN

[@flossie713]

Honestly, by far the best video on this issue

[@user-bx2co3qq8s]

Thank you for how detail and the explanation WOW, it was awesome!!!

[@bearing_aficionado]

People just because you get that code, it does not always mean your sensor is bad. I had that code and it was my timing chain that was stretched causing the code to trigger. Yes I got it fixed. Had to replace my timing chain, guides, two of my cam phasers, and had the internal part of the water pump replaced (because they were already in there it was preventive maintenance). Cost me around $3500.

[@brett.32]

I only replaced my timing chain for $1700 at the dealership everything has been great zero issues

[@bearing_aficionado]

@brett.peacock damn that's cheap! I took it to an independent shop because they could get it in right away. The dealership had it for a week and still did not look at it. Regardless, it was still the around the same price.

[@brett.32]

@@bearing_aficionadotypical dealership wait times

[@bearing_aficionado]

@brett.peacock one guy was working on an engine and another a transmission. I do know the dealership was going to remove my cab to do it because its easier that way. The other shop had a young guy who was like 6ft. 4in work on mine. He took the whole front of my truck apart to do it.

[@PeteUehlin]

So did the code come back after you installed the new sensor and then you replaced the timing chain?

[@1957PastorPaul]

It was a bear, but I got it done... thank this was the most helpful of the videos

[@RonnieYoung-zx8wu]

Take the inner wheel well out it's a lot easier than you can get right in there

[@brett.32]

I’m sure that helped out a lot I didn’t want to mess with it tho😂

[@RichardX-bs1pf]

Thanks in 2024

[@richarddeanandresen]

I’m ready to do this now. Two questions; what size socket and is there a difference between the parts for bank one or two? Auto one didn’t give me a choice. Thanks for the vid!!!

[@youngphilly8977]

You’re an amazing person

[@conor3]

Thank you bro.

[@PeteUehlin]

I’m tempted to trade it in and get a new truck but I’m sure I won’t get anything for it and the new tundras are over 50 K plus you can only get them with V6 turbo so they might not be as reliable as the old V8 as well

[@creightonwee7047]

Was your engine idling funky when this code appeared and did this sensor resolve the issue

[@brett.32]

My engine idled a little rough but it ended up being my timing chain that needed to be replaced the guy at ford told me that it’s rare for those sensors to fail so you might want to check your timing chain

[@sebbomar]

I changed it. It was very difficult.

[@PeteUehlin]

Yup I did!

[@leftnutt6095]

But did you do the other sensor too i think you did bank A what about bank B

[@nelsonhenriquez6627]

Thank you so much

[@erikrathgaber1236]

Thank you for this. I just got the same code on my 2011 f150 Eco boost. Has your code come back at all?

[@brett.32]

No it’s been good

[@taylorcarson9213]

You think a bad phaser will throw code

[@brett.32]

Not sure but I know a bad timing chain will

[@user-js8fj8py7z]

Did yours have slow acceleration?

[@Patrick-fr9ny]

Was yours idling rough before you changed it

[@brett.32]

Yes it fixed it

[@didieraubry9921]

Incroyable même pas en français

[@PeedPeeBody]

😅