2004 Ford F150 VCT solenoid { Variable Cam Timing| Replacement...With Pics.!

[pete59edsel]

This is a Ford dealer part only...Engine code P0012 : Variable cam timing over-retarded. Bank 1--Drivers side. Old and new shown here. The VCT solenoid is tucked behind here on the drivers side, behind the power steering filler, 3 bolts and set aside.... Here the VCT is in all its glory... You must remove this before you see the above photo, just use a screw driver to pop off, do not damage cause it all that keeps oil and outside junk from entering your valve cover... To remove the VCT, you need a T-30 hex and it needs to be long or you will not be able to get to it. Look, the VCT is removed, do not worry about the hex bolt falling out, it can"t, but as you are removing the solenoid, pull up on it as you unscrew it. The power steering filler removed...just put aside. After I finished installing the VCT solenoid in the truck, took it for a test drive, WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!, plenty of power throughout and very responsive. Just for kicks and giggles, here is the location of the passengers side VCT solenoid. Easy replacement, reason I replaced it was cause of the code, after all was said and done, I want to replace the passenger side, but no code so I may wait, cost of the VCT solenoid is 150.00 and some change...check out my pic in my folder it has a few more pic and explanations. Any questions feel free to ask, that's why we have this forum!!

[Bates88]

Good thread PETE!

[pete59edsel]

Thanks Bates....here is what a VCT solenoid does\\is.. VCT or Variable Cam Timing solenoid is a device used in modern engines to change camshaft position timing in relevance to engine speed and engine timing allowing the engine to produce more horsepower without adding excessive overlap to the camshaft design. The way the VCT Solenoid works is as follows: The VCT solenoid works with oil pressure, it receives a signal from the ECM when the camshaft needs to be rotated either in the advanced mode or retarded mode depending on engine load and speed.The VCT solenoid is able to accomplish that by altering the oil flow in the passages that lead to the cam phaser(s), there are passages to advance the valve timing ( open the valves earlier), and passages that direct the oil to retard the valve timing ( open them later) The purpose of the VCT or Variable Cam Timing system is to allow the engine to move larger volumes of air in and out of the cylinders to generate maximum horsepower. Vehicles with DOHC ( Dual Overhead Cam ) engines usually have two VCT solenoids mounted in each cylinder head, one for each camshaft, allowing the Engine Control Computer to activate each VCT timing mechanism in each Camshaft separately. NOTE: The Cam phaser is mounted on the front of the camshaft(s) it is driven by the engine's timing chain or timing belt depending on the engine's design.

[2004FX4F150]

Pete what code were you kicking? And is this a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it part?"

[pete59edsel]

Engine code P0012....and yes, if it aint broke..no touchy touchy..but you dont know until you get a code.

[2004FX4F150]

Ahhhh, gotcha. Any rhyme or reason why this part goes?

[pete59edsel]

No, just like anything else...sometime ya just gotta let go..

[nine5flareside]

Very good post, I will be copying this to its own HTML page and placing a link to it in the FTC Resources Directory. Thank you Pete!

[pete59edsel]

No problem.... Here is the part number...makes it easier....3L3Z-6M280-EA Solenoid

[JSoko]

Yes VERY good info Pete I more and more see why FORD ask us to use that water thin 5w20 dont get me wrong about the water comment some things I own get 20w50or straight 30w, I have read where the wrong oil contributed to cam phaser and VCT problems Kevin Thompson once told me the reason for the thin oil was smaller oil gallerys, tighter tolerances and the one that I cant forget "cause FORD says so" Pete with all this post with pics you would'nt be no techno geek huh