2018 Ford F-150 - P0012 Over-Retarded Cam Timing and Rattling

Question

Lately, my 3.5 EcoBoost has a nasty metallic rattle for about 2 seconds when I first start it up in the morning. Once it's warm, it idles a bit rough and I just pulled a P0012 (Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded Bank 1). Performance seems okay at highway speeds, but the idle is definitely getting shakier.

I'm religious about oil changes every 5k miles using full synthetic. I really hope this isn't the cam phaser issue everyone talks about, but the symptoms seem to be pointing that way. Anyone have luck just changing the VCT solenoids?

FleetMech_Ed · Accepted Answer

✅ Confirmed fix: The issue was the cam phasers (VCT units) failing to hold oil pressure. Performed the TSB repair which involves replacing all four cam phasers with the updated 'CD' revision parts (part numbers HL3Z-6256-CD and HL3Z-6C525-CD). Also replaced the primary timing chain and tensioner while inside. The start-up rattle is gone, and the P0012 has not returned after 2,000 miles of driving.

BMW_Bjorn · Answer

The P0012 on these engines is almost always the VCT phasers failing to lock back into the base position. Since you already tried the solenoid and the cold start rattle persists, it means the internal locking pin in the phaser is sheared or the pocket is wallowed out. You're looking at a full timing job.

2018 Ford F-150 - P0012 Over-Retarded Cam Timing and Rattling

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