First off if this is the wrong place I apologize, mods please move accordingly.

CEL came on while driving home from work this afternoon. Checked the code and it is a P0012 - camshaft position timing over-retard bank 1.

Vehicle Information:
2016 F150
5.0
21,700 miles
Oil changes as recommended
Only time it gets driven hard is freeway on ramps and rare occasions

Any ideas what this could be be caused from?

Concerns are that it has the 2.5 level in the front and 3 rear block. What will the dealership say about this? I know (think) that it has no affect on the problem but we all know how dealerships are with warranty work.

Thanks in advance for any comments
Chris

 

No TSBs or SSM

P0012:

Description
This DTC sets when the variable camshaft timing (VCT) position is over-retarded. This DTC sets when the camshaft timing exceeds a maximum calibrated value or remains in a retarded position.

Possible Causes
VCT unit to camshaft alignment
Camshaft timing incorrectly set
Continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber
Erratic camshaft position due to low oil pressure
Oil flow restriction in the oil passages or the VCT valve body
variable camshaft timing bank 1 solenoid 1 (VCT11) valve stuck open
VCT11 circuit open
VCT11 circuit short to voltage
VCT11 circuit short to ground
VPWR circuit open
Camshaft advance mechanism binding (VCT unit)
Damaged VCT11 phaser
Damaged camshaft position bank 1 sensor 1 (CMP11)
CMP11 sensor circuits open
CMP11 sensor circuits short to voltage
CMP11 sensor circuits short to ground
Radio frequency interference

Diagnostic Aids
This DTC may be accompanied by other DTCs. Diagnose all camshaft position (CMP) sensor DTCs first. If no CMP sensor related DTCs are present, continue to follow diagnosis for this DTC.
This DTC is a functional check of the VCT unit. Diagnose any base engine concerns related to the engine oil pressure or engine timing. Refer to the Workshop Manual Section 303-00, Engine System, Oil Pressure Test, to check the engine oil pressure. Refer to the Workshop Manual Section 303-01, Engine, to check the engine timing and VCT phasers.

 

90% of the time its low oil. We see it a lot. Not on the F150's but usually VTEC cars and that stuff.

 

Dropped it off at the dealer this morning. They just called and let me know the cam phaser and guides need to be replaced. He said that they wore out. He could not answer how they wore out so quickly, 21k miles, and only said that they are man-made and do go bad.

Questions for those that know, I had the same problem in a 2004 F150 with the 5.4 in it. I sold that truck shortly after getting it repaired under warranty so I do not know how it was after the repair. I have searched the forums and cannot find anything with this code / problem with the new 5.0's. I planned to keep this truck another 4 years as drive about 30k miles per year. Is this the same issue, should I be worried about the future of this truck?

 

I feel your pain. I had to get my cam phasers replaced at 5,000 miles, but I never got a CEL.