[jlsteve12]

Hi All, I'm new to the forum and I have a fairly technical question, so please let me know if I'm not posting this request for help/info in the correct place. I have a 2013 Sport Ecoboost 3.5L. I have a recurring issue where my CEL comes on and I get a P0016 fault code, which indicates a camshaft position correlation error for the bank A sensor. When this happens, I can read my camshaft Pos Bank 1 and Camshaft Pos Bank 2 (using DashCommand) and they will be somewhere in the 8 to 11 deg range. When the fault is not present, they will be in the 0 to 1 deg range (at idle). I immediately suspect that the timing chain is jumping a tooth, as 8 deg or so is about equal to the tooth spacing. What puzzles me though is that when I clear the fault code, the cam pos will immediately change from 8 back to 1. How can clearing the fault code make the chain jump back to where it's supposed to be? Well, I certainly don't think that can happen, but my theory is that the timing has already jumped back before I clear the fault, but that the PCM somehow still retains the old readings until I clear the fault. This really doesn't make much sense either because, the readings appear to be live (as I rev the engine I get -37 to -38 deg.) Any ideas? I'm trying to figure out what to look at next (cam position sensors, replace timing chain, phasers, etc.). Oh, and the car does not seem to run any differently whether the CEL is on or not. No hesitation, no vibration no noise. I've had a Honda off a tooth before and it would barely run. Any advice would be appreciated (don't say trade it in ). Thanks! and sorry for such a long post.

 

[ExplorerPIU2013]

IMO it would be the VVT solenoid/actuator.

If it were the Bank A Sensor being bad, (P0016) it wouldn't detect
a fault in the timing at all.

At the point it is causing the CEL code it hasn't advanced/retarded
the timing properly and as you suggested has an
intermittent non-function that clears up by the time you
reset the code.

Jumping a tooth on the timing chain would cause a
very incorrect valve timing and engine miss type of idle.

A replacement is next, could it be the intake or exhaust ?

One has a gray connector the other a black connector.
Both cost around $26 - $35 each.

I'm sure there is an electrical troubleshooting guide for
diagnosing this part on the internet.

Then again it could be as simple as a loose or
intermittent connection at the VVT solenoid/actuator itself.

Good luck on your repairs.



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[jlsteve12]

Thanks for the response. I had not even thought of the VVT solenoid/actuator, but it makes total sense. I'm going to pursue it. Will let you know what I find.

 

[rjlipscomb]

What was the final outcome or resolution?

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[jlsteve12]

Ford told me the chains had stretched enough to throw the timing off by about a degree (this from two different Ford dealerships). This was causing the computer to lose its mind, basically, which could explain why I got different timing readings whenever I would clear the fault. I ended up letting Ford replace the entire timing set, even though I wasn't completely convinced it needed to be done. I was in a crunch and had to get my car to pass emissions inspection. If it weren't for that I would've kept on driving it as is, since like I said, it ran just fine. Thanks for

 

[rjlipscomb]

My 2014 is back at the local Ford dealership for their guess at what is wrong. I said "back" because the other Ford Quack wanted me to leave the vehicle and my check book while they dropped the engine and investigated the problem.

I don't understand. My 2006 Lincoln can self diagnose all problems. My 2014 Ford has NO clue. I have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of posts related to the dreaded P0016 and the dealerships act like mine is only one on planet earth with this code.

I asked the service manager this afternoon why he can't just give me a price to replace the water pump and while in there use all new parts for the timing set. Ford's repair guide must include the cost of replacing the water pump, right? He acted like I was trying to rip him off...

I love my explorer sport, but this is going to be fixed in my garage. I'll but a chevrolet to drive while my car is in the garage.