So your saying there is a app for my phone that will check the timing?

 

DashCommand can do it, that's what I used. I am told FORScan has the capability too. They both require an ELM327 or similar device to connect with the diagnostic port in the vehicle.

 

I dont think it would be worn cam phasers since it goes away when I unlug the VCT's. If the cam phasers were worn wouldnt it still have the issue even when the VCT's were unplugged?

 

With the VCT solenoids unplugged the spool valve is moved so that the oil is allowed to fully advance the timing. The cams are essentially locked in full advance via the phasers. So the camshaft could still be advancing/retarding but not enough to trigger a code. There may be a pending code that you can see with on of the previously mentioned apps.

So with my limited experience and research I would agree with Skauber, the phasers and most likely other cam timing components are worn.

 

I thought that since the VCT's are unplugged the PCM dosent know the valve is opening and thinks the engine is at idle therfore not advancing the phasers? Is this not the case? My reason for questioning this that the Ford shop explained it to me this way, I myself am new to.the whole VCT system.

 

The computer knows exactly where the camshafts are via the position sensors. It even knows when the solenoids are disconnected. When it senses an issue it run the VCT system in default mode which is fully advanced. By unplugging the solenoids you are forcing this manually as described previously.

 

So then why does the problem go away when I unplug them? That's the part that confuses me, when I unplug them it quits. I thought that the reason it was stalling and dieing out while at idle was because it was staying in the advanced position when it needed to be in the unadvanced position at idle.

 

Forgive me, I'm having a problem following what the problem is "that goes away" or Quits". Are you saying that the P0022 "goes away"? Or does the engine "quit", as in it stalls?


The PCM controls the VCT Solenoids by supplying a PWM signal to them. The longer the duty cycle the more the cam timing is retarded. When the engine is not up to temp, or is below 800 RPM, the PCM shuts down the signal to the VCT solenoid. The cam then returns to the fully advanced position.

When you remove the electrical connector to the VCT solenoids you are locking the cams in the fully advanced position.

What weight engine oil are you using?
What oil filter?

Try swapping the VCT Solenoids from side to side to see if the "issue" is affected.


Any other codes showing up?

 

I use this article for reference: Ford 5.4L Variable Cam Timing

Some key points:

On this system, when the PCM sends the PWM signal of 0%, or simply off, the spool valve is moved so that the oil is allowed to fully advance the timing. On this system, fully advanced is simply normal or rather no change to the timing.



Simply unplugging the VCT solenoid will default the spool valve in the fully advanced position. If there are any detected faults in the system, the PCM will keep the solenoid off so the phaser stays in the default position.

 

I use 5w 20 recommended. The stalling and dieseling when engine is warmed up at idle in gear, goes away when I unplug the VCT's. The VCT's are new

 

You are focusing on a symptom not root cause. Looks more like a low oil pressure issue. The tensioners are known to leak which bleeds off engine oil pressure.

There are a few threads here that list the hot idle oil pressure specification. I will see if I can find a few if you have trouble finding them.

BTW.....the apps I mentioned earlier will show what happens with cam timing under various conditions.

 

So, I purchased the OBDLINK bluetooth scantool, anyone know how to look at the timing with it?