I have a 2004 F-150 FX4 and I am getting Code P0012 on an OBD II code reader. This is saying that the cam timing is over retarded. What is the best way to fix this?

 

there is a lose of oil pressure to that side of the engine.the oil pressure is what actuates the vct phaser.when you get a low pressure issue the system cant move the phaser whenbeing commanded.i pressureize the oil system when the front cover is off and usually find a failed seal between the timing chain tensioner and block.have also found worn out cam journals from lack of oil pressure

 

^^this^^ at our dealer we have seen where the oil sludges up and clogs the oil galleys in the head. sometimes you can use a motor oil flush and it helps the situation, other times you cant. that would be where i would start though. Dont let it ride though, you dont want to burn up the cam or the cam journals.

 

I-m Tech,

Thanks for the info. I had both cam phasers replaced 2 years ago. And there were no other problems found then. Is there something else that can cause this lose of oil pressure. Would they not have changed the seals when they replaced the phasers?

 

Camarokid91z,

I will start here and see if this helps. Thanks for the info.

 

I had the same code in mine recently. When hot it would knock, shake and barely idle. Tore into it today and found one of the tensioner seals blown and a broken timing chain guide. Good news if your a motorcraft user though. With 114k miles and oil changes at 3-5k with 5w20 MC and the fl820 filter since I bought it at 95k the engine was nice and clean. Some varnish but no sludge