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2012 FORD EXPLORER

2.0L I4 EcoBoostAWDAUTOMATICgasturbo
7 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs0Labor511Torque3918Fluid9DTC949Battery1Maintenance0Recalls7
P1381moderate severityPowertrain

Variable Cam Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)

on 2012 Ford Explorer 2.0L I4 EcoBoost · AWD

What this code means

The variable camshaft timing system on Bank 1 is over-advanced beyond the PCM commanded position. This can cause poor idle quality and performance issues.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Rough idle
  • Poor low-end power
  • Engine may stall
  • Abnormal engine noise

Common causes

  • Stuck VCT solenoid
  • Dirty engine oil restricting VCT operation
  • Worn VCT phaser
  • Low oil pressure
  • Stretched timing chain

Diagnostic steps

  1. Check engine oil level and condition
  2. Test VCT solenoid operation
  3. Monitor cam timing deviation on scan tool
  4. Check oil pressure
  5. Listen for timing chain rattle

Repair notes

Change engine oil. Replace VCT solenoid or phaser if faulty. Check timing chain.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

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