2018 & Newer F150 5.0L A Cause of Codes P0011, P0012, P0021, P0022 Camshaft Over Advanced/Retarded

In this video I go over one of the most common causes of codes P0011, P0012, P0021 and P0022 on a 2018 and newer Ford F-150 5.0L and that is a faulty intake VCT solenoid. I'll describe some symptoms that may or may not be present when the intake VCT solenoid fails in this manner. I also explain, in simplified terms, how the VCT solenoid works. Finally I explain my theory as to why these solenoids fail in this manner.
Note: A VCT solenoid becoming "sticky" as described in the video, is only one way that this VCT solenoid can fail and cause the codes mentioned in the video. There are other ways in which this solenoid can fail and cause the codes mentioned as well. This video is only an informational video explaining one particular fault that may be seen with the solenoid. This video explains a "diagnostic path" that I use to figure this particular issue out. I do not make or imply any guarantees as to the accuracy of this diagnostic path. As mentioned in the video, please refer to a reputable repair manual for diagnostic information.
There is a "special service message" (SSM) concerning this issue. SSM 49583. You can view this message here:
static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/202...
Note: As mentioned in the above SSM, the SSM pertains to the 2019-2020 model year F-150 5.0. However, based on my experience and research it is possible for this situation to be present not only on the 2018 F-150 but also on the later model year F-150s as well. (I have not yet performed this repair on a later model year.) I can see that the same part number for the intake VCT solenoid is used on these model years as well. However, on the later model years if the F-150 is equipped with 2 generators the intake VCT unit design may vary. The part number for the solenoid shown in this video is BR3Z-6M280-E. If you go to rockauto.com you can see that this same part is used on the 2018 and model years later than 2020 equipped with the 5.0L. I am assuming that because the same part is used that these other model years can be affected as well. (to my knowledge this info is accurate as of 7/16/2023. Always do your own research.)
DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses, protective gloves and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbour's Auto Help, Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, synchronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual. Verify everything with your own research.

[@user-rc4tt6lb6s]

I have scanned my engine codes and have come back with similar codes. Took my truck in to get an actual diagnostic with ford. They mentioned I’m getting -15 to +15 degrees. About how much would you charge to repair a job such as this? They are trying to charge me a ton more than what I was expecting. I’m also very privy on doing my own repairs with proper research, but they will not give me a good explanation about which part of my system is bad.

[@DroDrizzy757]

I got the same p0012 code on my 2019. This is a month after getting a p0740 torque converter clutch solenoid code and one other code at the same time as well.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Interesting.

[@user-vf1jx7jh8l]

Are all the camshaft sensors all the same

[@DiegoScagliarini]

Happening the same on my 2017 3.5 ecoboost, but in addition I am sure the cam phasers are gone as per standard Ford quality 😌 I checked the 4 solenoids with the multimeter and none of them appears to be faulty, but it could be they are so dirty that don't really work properly, as the oil recirculation on these engines is a ticking bomb for these kind of issues. Anyways... thanks Ford, as usual. 🥲

[@samt374]

2019 F150 5.0 76k with P0012. I hooked up to Forscan and confirmed VCT_INT_DIF1 was all over the place so I replaced the passenger intake solenoid and did an oil change. Now I have P0011. Any thoughts?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

What code or codes did you have before replacing the solenoid?

[@Rezolution01]

This is happening on my 2019 Expedition, 3.5L. Upon startup, the car acts normally. In park, CAM POSITION DE is 0.0. Sometimes when you shift into drive and touch the gas or let off the gas the CPDE changes instantaneously. Sometimes it doesn't change until I pull out of my driveway. The car operates normally and has power and drives well for about 20 mintues or so. Then, when I come to a stoplight and sit at the light for 30 seconds or so... the CPDE drops to 0.0 and will always stay at 0.0. It will never increase no mater how much you press the gas. The car runs like absolute garbage and will stutter at idle. If you attempt to press the gas pedal too hard, it will eventually throw a code P0018 and P0021. The car will run like absolute garbage until you shut it off and restart it. Once restarted, the CPDE operates normally again and the car has plenty of power, until you stop at another traffic light. I have no idea what's wrong. I can only assume that I need 2 or 4 of my solenoids replace. It's an expensive gamble but I have no idea what else to do at this point. My car also has the neutral-out issue, where i need to have the TSB done that replaces the valve body. Ford knows that my make and year are affected but wont do it under warranty because I have 74k miles on it. They even say in the TSB replace valve body with new design to eliminate the neutral out issue. I can't even get the dealer to give me a quote unless I pay them 150 dollars to drop the trans cover and see that there is no metal in the pan first. Then they say they will give me a quote. This car was pretty good for 5 years, even with the cam phaser replacement under warranty, but it's quickly going to hell. I basically have two really expensive problems that I'm not 100% sure how to fix.

[@Rezolution01]

I decided to have them replace both vct solenoids on bank 2. It cost me around $500 but it was completely worth it. It solved the issue and no more engine codes. Also, they didnt want to do the valve body TSB because they said most of the time, the transmission will break after they do it. So I just had them do a trans flush and I'm not having the neutral out any more. That cost me $200 and was worth it as well.

[@Wesley-931]

I replaced both solenoïdes but now it showing p0012 and p0021 before i replaced the solenoïdes it did not haven these fault codes, any idea what it could be?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Why did you replace the solenoids? What problem where you having before?

[@Brian_195]

I had this happen in my 2019 F150 5.0 at 40K miles. No problems ever since, though.

[@rogerrabbit8756]

What did they do to fix?

[@Brian_195]

@@rogerrabbit8756 They replaced the VCT Intake Solenoids.

[@OnTheComeUp82]

Did the warranty cover it? This is happening now on mine at 41K.

[@rogerrabbit8756]

@OnTheComeUp82 I just took mine in 5.0.. need new can phazers, chains tensioner ect. 6k. Ford is garbage 140,000km

[@kegandombroski]

Do you have a video of taking the valve cover off of Bank 1?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

I do not. That would be a great video. There is a lot involved with that one.

[@Gypsytheelte]

Can the solenoid be changed without taking off the valve cover?? Or any major parts to be removed? Having this issue on my 2019. Oil lvls are good

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

No.

[@Polerdogg]

is the vct and the vt the same? I have '18f150 with the Ecoboost 3.4 and is there a tool to pop it in and out or do I pry out with a screwdriver and does it just pop back in?

[@DiegoScagliarini]

Unfortunately not. To remove the solenoids you'll have to pop the intake manifold and the valve covers, it's a hell of a job just to change a couple of sensors... 😅

[@Jtrivett79]

Will you always have a check engine light. Or just possibly here the chatter when taking off

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

When this problem happens the see light will come on.

[@CC-ip3ve]

I got one of those codes but I don't have a 5.0

[@MrSisterAssistor]

Every 4 months or so this code pops up for me and I change my oil every time then clear the code and goes back to normal. Is this the problem or is it just telling me to change the oil.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Maybe you are low on oil. Have you been checking the oil level?

[@MrSisterAssistor]

@@BarboursAutoHelpI just topped it off the other day

[@philipknudsen8653]

I think it’s at least 2016 and up. My 2016 5.0 has this problem too.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

I suppose it’s possible but I’ve not seen a failure in those similar to this.

[@leadthrower4712]

My 2016 is doing the same thing

[@user-yx9fd1fg7m]

add my 2016 to this list. I've had them replaced still didn't go away. about to toss a grenade in it and walk away

[@mugsy0724]

Which brand VCT do you recommend? autozone or advanced auto does not carry motorcraft.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

I’d recommend sticking with Motorcraft however you got to do it.

[@WeThePeopleNC]

code p0021 on my 2018 f150...reset code and have no issues for days then back on.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Have you had it diagnosed?

[@danbryan2529]

You must change oil 5k or sooner,with full synthetic oil and you will never have this problem. All vvt engines

[@tengenriku]

got p0112 on my 17

[@SicLuceatLux2030]

P0012 on 2018 F150 5.0 w 160K, just came on

[@jmanfatmack88]

am having the same p0012 on a 2018 3.5 f150