Replace the variable valve timing (VVT) actuators on the 3.5L EcoBoost engine to restore proper cam timing control and resolve performance or check engine light issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• VVT actuator/cam phaser (intake) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• VVT actuator/cam phaser (exhaust) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket (left bank) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket (right bank) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• VVT solenoid O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 6 qt
• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
4. Drain engine oil completely and replace oil filter
5. Drain coolant from radiator petcock into appropriate container
6. Remove air intake system from air box to throttle body
7. Remove accessory drive belt by rotating tensioner counterclockwise
8. Label and disconnect ignition coils and spark plug wires if working on left bank

Procedure

1. 1

   Support engine and remove motor mount
   Install engine support bar across fender wells or attach engine hoist to lifting eyes. Remove upper motor mount bolts and raise engine approximately 2 inches to gain access to timing cover. Support engine securely before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Use breaker bar to remove crankshaft pulley center bolt (may require impact wrench). Remove harmonic balancer using puller tool - do not pry or hammer. This bolt is often torque-to-yield; have replacement ready if specified by current service manual.
   ⚠Do not use impact wrench on reassembly if bolt is torque-to-yield specification. Hand-tighten with torque wrench only.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove timing cover
   Disconnect coolant hoses from timing cover. Remove all timing cover bolts noting different lengths and locations. Carefully separate timing cover from engine block. Note there are multiple bolt sizes - 8mm bolts require specific torque specification.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Verify and mark timing alignment
   Rotate crankshaft to TDC on cylinder #1 (compression stroke). Verify all timing marks on camshaft phasers align with marks on cylinder heads. Take photos from multiple angles. Mark timing chain to each sprocket with paint pen for reference. This is critical for proper reassembly.
   ⚠️Do not proceed unless all timing marks are perfectly aligned. Misalignment will cause valve-to-piston contact and engine destruction.
5. 5

   Remove valve cover and VVT solenoids
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Carefully remove valve cover and gasket. Disconnect electrical connectors from VVT solenoids. Remove VVT solenoid mounting bolts and extract solenoids. Inspect solenoid screens for debris.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Lock timing chain tensioners
   Compress timing chain tensioners for the bank you're working on and insert retaining pins or clips to hold them in compressed position. This prevents chain from jumping when cam phasers are removed. Use appropriate drill bit or wire as locking pin.
   ⚠Tensioner spring is under significant pressure. Control compression carefully and ensure locking pin is fully seated.
7. 7

   Remove camshaft position sensors
   Disconnect electrical connectors from camshaft position sensors on the cylinder head. Remove sensor mounting bolts and carefully extract sensors. Inspect sensor O-rings and replace if damaged.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove VVT actuators/cam phasers
   Hold camshaft stationary using wrench on camshaft hex (located behind cam phaser). Remove cam phaser bolt from each camshaft. Carefully remove intake and exhaust cam phasers, keeping timing chain engaged if possible. If chain must be removed, secure with wire to prevent falling into engine. Point phasers away from face during removal as they contain pressurized oil.
   ⚠Old phasers may release oil spray when removed. Have rags ready and protect eyes.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Inspect timing chain and guides
   With phasers removed, inspect timing chain for excessive wear, stretched links, or damage. Check chain guides and tensioner shoes for wear grooves or cracking. Replace if wear exceeds 1mm depth or if any cracks are visible. This is an opportune time to address these components.
   ℹ️If chain or guides show significant wear, consider replacing entire timing set to prevent future failure.
10. 10

    Install new VVT actuators
    Position timing chain onto new VVT actuators, aligning timing marks exactly as documented in step 4. Install actuators onto camshafts, ensuring locating pins engage properly. Hold camshaft with wrench on hex, apply medium-strength thread locker to cam phaser bolts, and torque to specification. Verify timing marks still align perfectly after tightening.
    ⚠️Verify timing alignment after each phaser is installed. Any deviation requires immediate correction before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Release timing chain tensioners
    Carefully remove locking pins from timing chain tensioners, allowing them to apply proper tension to chain. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise (viewed from front). Recheck all timing marks - they must return to exact alignment.
    ⚠If timing marks do not realign after two rotations, stop immediately and diagnose issue before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall camshaft sensors and VVT solenoids
    Install camshaft position sensors with new O-rings if needed and torque sensor bolts to specification. Install VVT solenoids with new O-rings, torque solenoid bolts to specification, and reconnect electrical connectors. Ensure connectors click securely.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install valve cover
    Clean valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces thoroughly. Install new valve cover gasket ensuring proper seating in cover groove. Position valve cover and install bolts finger-tight. Torque valve cover bolts in proper sequence from center outward to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall timing cover
    Install new timing cover gasket and front crankshaft seal. Apply small bead of RTV sealant at engine block-to-oil pan junction points. Position timing cover and install all bolts finger-tight. Torque 8mm bolts and other cover bolts to their respective specifications in proper sequence. Reconnect coolant hoses.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install crankshaft pulley and final assembly
    Install crankshaft harmonic balancer, ensuring it seats fully on crankshaft. Install crankshaft pulley bolt and torque to specification (or follow torque-to-yield procedure if applicable). Reinstall accessory drive belt. Lower engine and reinstall motor mount. Reconnect all electrical connections and install air intake system.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Refill engine with 6 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 full synthetic oil and new filter
2. Refill coolant system with Motorcraft Orange Coolant to proper level
3. Reinstall engine cover
4. Reconnect negative battery cable
5. Clear any stored diagnostic codes using scan tool

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual noises from timing cover area
• Check for oil or coolant leaks around timing cover and valve covers
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify smooth idle
• Use scan tool to verify VVT actuator operation - both banks should show active control
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal acceleration and no check engine light
• Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Monitor for codes P0011, P0021, P0012, P0022 which indicate VVT system issues

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