Ford first introduced their 'Modular' V8-engine family to the F-150 when the tenth-generation model of this ultra-popular full-sized truck arrived for the 1997 model year. Those were early (two-valve) iterations of the new engine family, however, and never featured some of the performance-enhancing features which would later appear on the Modular V8.
It was only when the third-generation model arrived in 2004 that the three-valve variant of this engine became available for the 5.4-liter F-150, while the three-valve 4.6-liter had to wait until the 2007 model year. These three-valve V8s all feature variable camshaft timing for improved efficiency, but they have a known weakness in their camshaft position sensing hardware.
An illuminated Check Engine Light (CEL) will alert you to an error in a three-valve F-150's control system, and if the Engine Control Unit is queried via an OBD-II scanning tool, you may notice the P0012 or P0022 error codes in the diagnostic system memory. This indicates a problem with the variable camshaft timing (VCT) system and could point towards a faulty camshaft position sensor, an issue with the wiring harness, or defective camshaft adjustment solenoids. P0012 refers to the driver's side intake camshaft, and P0022 refers to the passenger-side intake cam.
This appears to be most prevalent in 5.4-liter F-150s built in 2004 and 2005, but can appear on any F-150 with the Modular V8 built until the end of the twelfth generation's run in 2014. Some 2015 and 2016 Ford F-150s with the Coyote 5.0-liter engine (as the four-valve Modular engine was renamed following a series of extensive revisions) also show this fault, but it appears to be rare in these uprated V8s. This error is also very prevalent on F-150s with the 3.7 Ti-VCT engine, as well as all generations of V6 EcoBoost engine.
There are a number of causes for a P0012 error code on a Ford F-150:
In the event of your Ford F-150 showing a P0012 error code, you may notice some other symptoms as well:
Find the cause of the error as quickly as possible. While the P0012 error code on its own won't bring your F-150 to a grinding halt, it could indicate bigger problems, and ignoring it could cause internal damage to the engine. If you are absolutely certain that the error was registered due to a faulty camshaft actuator solenoid or a problem with its wiring harness, the chance of further damage is slim, but if it was caused by a timing chain issue or poor oil condition, the vehicle must be stopped as soon as possible.
You can, but you probably shouldn't. Unless you are absolutely sure that the problem lies with a faulty camshaft adjustment actuator or its wiring connections, you'd be best advised to pull over and wait for a tow truck. If this is not possible, continue home or to a workshop using minimal throttle openings and avoiding high engine speeds.
There are a number of ways to fix the P0012 error code on a Ford F-150, depending on the cause of the error code. Follow these guidelines to deal with the Ford F-150 P0012 error::
If this error on your Ford F-150 is caused by dirty oil or a low engine oil level, an oil change kit (good-quality full-synthetic oil and a reputable-brand filter) will set you back between $120 and $150, excluding labor charges. However, if your Ford F-150's P0012 error code is related to engine timing being out of order, a replacement timing chain kit, including tensioners and guides will cost around $400, with about $500 in labor. An OEM VCT solenoid for a V8 three-valve will cost about $60 per bank, with about an hour's labor to have it fitted at a workshop.