Ford F-150 Code P0022: What It Is And How To Fix It

Ford F-150 Code P0022: What It Is And How To Fix It

Many Ford F-150 owners have reported the P0022 error code being triggered by the truck’s computer, which relates to an issue with the vehicle’s intake camshaft timing. This issue is known to affect numerous F-150s, whether they’re equipped with the 5.0-liter V8, the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6, or even the older 5.4-liter Triton V8. If your F-150 is setting the P0022 error code, don’t worry, we have your back as we take a closer look at the ins and outs of this error code.

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The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the camshafts’ position through the use of position sensors. The camshafts are synchronized or timed to the engine’s crankshaft via a timing chain. The PCM alternates the camshaft position to change the valve timing through a Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) actuator, Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor, and a VCT solenoid. There are four types of Ford VCT systems:

The system your truck utilizes will depend on which engine it has. Ultimately, the P0022 code is set by the PCM when the intake camshaft’s position is not at the desired angle.

The following are potential causes of the P0022 error code:

The following are the reported symptoms of the P0022 error code:

Due to the possibility of your engine having a stretched timing chain, we advise that you do not continue driving the vehicle until you know the cause of the error code. When a timing chain becomes stretched, the synchronization of the camshafts and crankshaft can be lost, resulting in severe engine damage.

There are plenty of cases where the cause of the P0022 error code is not a stretched chain. If your truck is not suffering from performance issues such as misfires, it’s likely the chain hasn’t stretched and you may continue driving the truck.

There are several causes of the P0022 fault code that could be plaguing your F-150. For this reason, we first recommend having your truck’s PCM scanned to confirm the fault code is still active. This can be done by most local parts stores, automotive repair shops, emissions testing facilities, and even a competent DIYer.

Once the P0022 error code is confirmed, we recommend you turn your attention to your truck’s oil level and condition first. Frequent oil changes are key to an engine’s longevity and, like other variable valve timing designs, their operation is based on oil and oil pressure.

Begin by checking your truck’s oil life monitor on the information display. If your truck’s oil life (%) is below 20%, we recommend having your oil changed since low or contaminated oil can set the P0022 error code.

A faulty VCT solenoid can commonly cause the P0022 error code. The solenoid is controlled by the PCM and redirects the oil flow through the camshaft actuator. If the solenoid fails or becomes clogged with contaminated oil, the VCT system will not operate correctly. Some of the steps required to replace a VCT solenoid are:

A worn or defective actuator can set the P0022 error code. We recommend letting the pros handle this repair as it’s fairly invasive to the engine and requires the camshafts to be ‘timed’. If the camshafts are not correctly timed to the crankshaft, the valves may contact the pistons and bend. This is a costly mistake you do not want to make.

It’s not too uncommon to find your F-150’s timing chain has become stretched or worn. When a timing chain becomes stretched, the camshafts will not hold the desired position, setting the P0022 error code. Much like the VCT actuator replacement, we recommend having a shop handle this repair.

The cost to fix the P0022 error code will vary based on whether your F150 needs an oil change, VCT solenoid, actuator, or timing chain.

RepairPal estimates the cost of an oil change for an F-150 at around $130 to $160. VCT solenoid replacement will cost you around $300. Parts will cost around $100, and this is typically a job a competent DIYer could perform themselves.

The more involved repairs such as a VCT actuator or timing chain replacement could cost as little as $750 for the actuator and as high as $1,700 for the chain, including labor.