engine

Camshaft Position Sensor

for 2012 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.2 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the replacement of the camshaft position sensor on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, requiring partial disassembly of the valve cover area to access the sensor.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components

⚠The 3.5L EcoBoost has two camshaft position sensors (one per bank). This procedure addresses the right bank (passenger side) sensor, which is more commonly replaced. Left bank access is similar but requires removal of additional charge air cooler piping

ℹ️Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and require drive cycle for readiness monitors

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

8mm socketEssential

Torque wrench (5-30 Nm range)Essential

Flathead screwdriver

Electrical contact cleaner

Pick tool or small screwdriver

Shop towelsEssential

Parts

Camshaft Position Sensor × 1 — Use OEM Motorcraft DY-1264 or equivalent
Valve cover gasket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips and lifting off
Locate the camshaft position sensor on the front of the right cylinder head, below the valve cover

Procedure

1
Remove ignition coils
Disconnect the three ignition coil electrical connectors on the right bank by pressing the release tabs and pulling straight up. Remove the 8mm bolts securing each coil. Pull coils straight out of the valve cover with a gentle twisting motion.
2
Remove PCV hose and valve cover fasteners
Disconnect the PCV hose from the valve cover by squeezing the release tabs. Remove the valve cover bolts in reverse of the tightening sequence (starting from outside bolts working toward center). There are 11 bolts total on the right valve cover.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
3
Carefully lift valve cover
Gently pry the valve cover loose using a flathead screwdriver at the designated pry points (NOT between sealing surfaces). Lift the valve cover straight up and move it aside. You do not need to completely remove it - it can rest on top of the engine with wiring still connected.
⚠Do not pry between the valve cover and cylinder head sealing surfaces as this will damage the gasket and sealing surface
4
Access camshaft position sensor
With valve cover moved aside, locate the camshaft position sensor at the front of the cylinder head, positioned between the camshafts. The sensor has a single electrical connector and is secured by one bolt.
5
Disconnect sensor electrical connector
Press down on the connector release tab while pulling the connector straight off the camshaft position sensor. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
6
Remove camshaft position sensor
Remove the single 8mm bolt securing the camshaft position sensor. Carefully pull the sensor straight out of the cylinder head. Note the orientation of the sensor and location of the O-ring seal.
⚠Do not twist or bend the sensor during removal as this may leave debris in the cylinder head bore
Torque spec
Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7
Inspect and clean mounting bore
Inspect the sensor bore in the cylinder head for debris, oil buildup, or damage. Clean with shop towels and electrical contact cleaner if needed. Check that the old O-ring seal came out with the sensor and did not remain in the bore.
8
Install new camshaft position sensor
Verify the new sensor has an O-ring seal installed. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean engine oil. Insert the sensor into the cylinder head bore in the correct orientation, ensuring it seats fully. Install and hand-tighten the mounting bolt.
Torque spec
Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9
Reconnect sensor electrical connector
Connect the electrical connector to the camshaft position sensor, ensuring it clicks into place. Verify the connector lock tab is fully engaged and route the wiring harness as originally positioned.
10
Reinstall valve cover
Inspect the valve cover gasket for damage and replace if necessary. Clean any oil residue from the valve cover and cylinder head sealing surfaces. Position the valve cover onto the cylinder head, ensuring the gasket is properly seated. Install all 11 valve cover bolts and tighten in the proper sequence (center outward) to specification.
⚠Follow the proper tightening sequence to prevent gasket damage and oil leaks. Sequence starts at center bolts and works outward in a spiral pattern
Torque spec
Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
11
Reinstall ignition coils and complete assembly
Reinstall the three ignition coils into their respective cylinders, ensuring they seat fully into the spark plug wells. Install the 8mm mounting bolts and tighten securely. Reconnect all three ignition coil electrical connectors. Reconnect the PCV hose to the valve cover.
12
Final assembly and battery reconnection
Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the rear tabs and pressing down on the front clips until they lock. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely.

Reassembly

Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
Verify valve cover bolts were torqued in proper sequence to prevent oil leaks
Double-check that all tools and shop towels have been removed from engine bay

Verification

Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without misfires or rough idle
Check for oil leaks around the valve cover gasket after engine reaches operating temperature
Use an OBD-II scanner to verify no camshaft position sensor codes are present (P0340, P0341, P0344, P0345, P0346)
Perform a test drive to confirm normal engine operation and verify that the check engine light does not illuminate
Monitor for proper cam timing correlation and smooth engine performance during varied RPM ranges