I have and 05' 5.4 3v F150 and my check engine light is on with a code P0012 reading with the scanner. I've been told it's related to the vct solenoid and/or phaser assembly. My question is this: Can I disconnect the vct solenoid harnesses and drive the truck without causing any damage and if not, will the cam setup work like it doesn't have VCT if this is done?

 

I too have this code on my 05 I hope to change the VCT solenoid,but still looking for more data I read that it's under the timing cover, or not please keep me posted on yours and I WILL DO THE SAME FOR YOU.

 

Ford P0012 is the "Camshaft Position Sensor." They are located on the front of the head. It is not the same as the VCT's.

VCT's is mounted on top of each valve cover. I have not tackled them, but I have read (on this forum,) that it is about a 15 minute job to replace them.

 

I will take as good news and thanks for the reply. Would think take the computer has to be programed in anyway when replacing this part?
Thanks again, just one of many 5.4 3v owners.

 

I would say no to the reflash. Just make sure that if you have any type of programmer, reset all to stock before starting the process.

 

thanks, I'll need to go back to school, please advise me where to go for I don't know how to do that.
thanks

 

Or can I just remove neg. cable on battery?

 

If you don't have an aftermarket programmer I.E., an Edge or SCT, don't worry about it (you might want to get one though, they are awesome.)

Always disconnect your Battery when working on your engine.

 

Arrrgh, okay will look into it thanks again for allowing me to join your class, with the new know. I hope that my 5.4 3v will live longer.
Thanks ever so much.

 

My 5.4 has 180,000 miles on the clock and I would not hesitate to jump in her right now and drive across the country.

Good luck and -- glad to help.

 

So I could still be in the run, mine has 164,000 my part will be able to pick up Friday so maybe by Saturday I will post news. Oh I'm going in for new cats like in two weeks. codes po420,po430

 

I should mention that I just put new plugs in second set Wow it was maybe like my wife would (giving Birth)

 

Hello Again, so I replaced my cps and still the same my code is p0012 should I be looking for a VCT oil control solenoid assembly? I done a little and no luck on part# any help will be greatfull.Thanks

 

Well I found out some news about this P0012 code and my truck. I took it to Ford and they ran diagnostics on it and came back to tell me that I was going to need both my cam phasers changed, even though my truck doesn't make the notorious diesel ticking that's commonly heard. They gave me three codes that pointed toward the phasers. Said it would cost 2 grand to change everything out (ouchhhhhhhh!). Needless to say, I wasn't happy. I took it to a local mechanic and he ran his tests and it seemed to be pointing toward the passengers side cam sensor. He changed it but my light kept coming on. He did some more tests and sent all the data streams to Ford and they came back saying the same thing, Cam Phasers. Damn!!!! I've treated this engine like gold concerning oil changes, etc.. And to answer the commonly asked question about oil and filters, I've used nothing but Motorcraft 820s and 5w-20. I really think they mucked up with this 5.4 3v engine with this. It seems these phasers are really maintenance items, to be changed every 50-80k miles. I'm still driving it now being it runs OK other than having the engine light on. I've got two choices I'm considering: 1) dump the truck for something else 2) Attempt to change them out myself. Well there is a third: Pay my mechanic 1300 bucks to change them, which is way cheaper than Ford quoted me. Any suggestions at this point? Oh, by the way, does anyone know if disconnecting the vct solenoid harness on top of the valve covers will disconnect the PCM signal to the solenoid thereby not causing the phaser to advance or retard? I know the phasers are oil pressure controlled but aren't the solenoid responsible for the change. I wish they hadn't put the vct crap on this enging to start. I liked the old 5.4 design better.

 

I have read that someone somewhere had the p0012 and changed both VCT solenoids and the truck ran great after that. At this point I think it's a 50/50 shot start small $ and go Large $ I have 164,000 on mine it's been good over all so I'm willing to put some back into her.