Most camshaft phasers, including those found in the Ford F-150, are meant to lock into place at idle. When a cam phaser begins to fail, it won’t be able to lock into place. Thus, it will produce a knocking or rattling sound from the engine’s upper end.
Hydraulic cam phasers are a particular kind of valve that regulates how much oil is pushed into an engine. They use a camshaft lobe to open and close and are attached to the valve cover.
The camshaft lobe controls the oil that flows through the phaser. This lobe opens and shuts an oil inlet port on the phaser’s top.
The larger variable valve timing system includes a cam phaser. This combination improves the vehicle’s overall fuel economy while lowering fuel emissions and boosting engine power. However, car owners must pay the price for these benefits.
Most cam phaser designs are prone to failure, notably on Ford F-150 automobile models.
How to Check if Your F-150 Cam Phaser Has Issues
There are several methods for checking for poor cam phasers, one of which is to use a timing light on the engine.
I tried this method on my F150. I started my car with it off and turned it on with my timing light plugged into a 12-volt outlet. A vehicle battery terminal can also be used. Then, I clicked the trigger button on the timing light during the operation.
I have enumerated some of the signs below that your cam phaser is problematic.
F-150 Cam Phaser Symptoms Issue
Here are a few signs I found to be symptoms of a malfunctioning F-150 cam phaser.
Engine Noise
The first thing I noticed about my F-150 is its engine noise. Ford Motor Company has published a statement on engine noise in its F-150.
It is most likely caused by cam phasers that do not lock at base idle, which can create thumping and rattling sounds from the engine’s top. I noticed that the rattling noise is louder when idle.
Check Engine Light is On
The engine’s camshaft is an essential component that governs the opening and shutting of the engine’s valves. It has a series of lobes set at various angles on the shaft.
Cam phaser failure causes the check engine light to turn on. If the camshaft is malfunctioning, the check engine light may appear. This problem happened to my F-150.
The position of the cam phaser synchronizes with the vehicle’s intake and exhaust valves. This process causes the valves to open and close on every cylinder’s cycle at the right time.
Typically, the camshaft position sensor delivers a signal to the computer indicating the position of the camshaft. Since there is an issue with the data, an error code will display.
Reduced Engine Power
One of the most evident Ford F-150 cam phaser symptoms is decreased engine power. Even if you do not step firmly on the gas, you will sense a considerable reduction in engine power.
If the cam phaser encounters problems, the valve timing will no longer advance. As a result, the engine will experience rough operation, leading to decreased acceleration capacity.
This scenario is risky since you don’t know if you’re already overestimating your engine’s power. You will also note that the engine runs rough, particularly when idling. As the cam phaser deteriorates, the severity of this ailment will rise.
Causes of Cam Phaser Failure
Here are some of the causes why cam phaser malfunctions:
- Sludge and debris inside the engine
- Sprocket damage
- Low oil pressure
- Skipping the oil change schedule
- Poor oil viscosity
- ECU complications
Can You Still Drive Your F-150 With Failed Cam Phaser
Even if your Ford F-150’s camshaft phaser is broken, you can still drive it. However, you risk seriously harming the solenoids, your car’s electronic control system, and, ultimately, the engine.
If something goes wrong with them, you’ll be saddled with exorbitant repair expenses. The cam phaser should be checked or replaced before any other more expensive and crucial engine components.
A code will be generated if the cam phaser in your Ford F150 starts to malfunction. It might not be a problem with the cam phaser specifically, but with the camshaft. A skilled auto mechanic can use an OBD II scanner to pinpoint the specific issue.
This is just one of the F-150 cam phaser problems that can occur in late-model Ford F150s and other VVT-equipped vehicles. If all factors are ideal, this technique can increase the engine’s performance, increase its fuel efficiency, and lower its emissions.
If there are many cam phasers, the Ford F150 engine moves the cam phasers to one another. In doing so, the computer is used to alter the amount of time both valves are open concurrently and how much valves overlap.
The engine’s efficiency rises with less valve overlapping. This results in more horsepower at greater rpm.
How to Address F-150’s Cam Phaser Problems
It is essential to have your car assessed by a mechanic so they can check your engine and inspect the cam phaser. If it has already failed, it must be replaced.
If you are having issues with your F-150’s cam phaser, you can also take it to a Ford service center so they can check it and replace it as needed.
Cam Phaser Replacement Cost
Replacing a faulty cam phaser typically costs between $800 and $2,500 when completed by a trusted mechanic. It may cost more if you ask a Ford dealer to do it.
The severity of the problem, the make, and model year of your Ford F150, and the mechanic’s or Ford dealer’s charging rate will determine the actual cost.
Conclusion
The Ford F-150’s camshaft phaser is intended to lock into place at base idle. However, if this phaser breaks down, it won’t be able to lock into position.
If it takes place, the engine’s top end will start to rattle or knock. You’ll hear this noise more clearly when the engine is hot and idle.
If the camshaft phaser on your Ford F-150 fails, you can still operate the vehicle if necessary. But it could cause more severe harm to the solenoids, your car’s ECU, and, ultimately, the engine.
Instead of repairing or replacing your engine’s more expensive and crucial components, it is preferable to fix the camshaft phaser.
