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2021 FORD F-150

3.5L V6 EcoBoost4WDAUTOMATICgasturbo
27 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs441Labor597Torque5877Fluid9DTC968Battery1Maintenance0Recalls27
engine

Camshaft Position Sensor

for 2021 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.2 h
Tools
8
Steps
12

This procedure covers the replacement of the camshaft position sensor on the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including removal and installation with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components
ℹ️The 3.5L EcoBoost has camshaft position sensors on both cylinder banks; verify which sensor has failed using diagnostic codes
Do not force electrical connectors; release tabs fully before pulling to avoid damage

Tools required

Socket set (8mm, 10mm)Essential
Torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)Essential
Ratchet and extensionsEssential
Trim removal tools
Shop towelsEssential
Parts cleaning spray
Nitrile gloves
Flashlight or work lightEssential

Parts

  • Camshaft Position Sensor × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
  • Engine cover grommet (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
  4. Retrieve diagnostic trouble codes to confirm which camshaft position sensor requires replacement (Bank 1 or Bank 2)
  5. Gather all tools and replacement parts

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove engine cover
    Grasp the engine cover firmly and pull upward to disengage the grommets from the valve cover mounting posts. Set the cover aside in a clean area. Inspect grommets for damage and replace if torn or deteriorated.
  2. 2
    Locate camshaft position sensor
    Identify the camshaft position sensor location based on diagnostic codes. Bank 1 sensor is on the passenger side cylinder head near the front timing cover. Bank 2 sensor is on the driver side cylinder head near the front timing cover. The sensor is a cylindrical component with a single electrical connector on top.
  3. 3
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Press down on the connector release tab while pulling the connector straight away from the sensor. Do not twist or rock the connector excessively. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
    Damaged connector terminals can cause false sensor readings; inspect carefully and replace connector if corroded
  4. 4
    Remove sensor mounting bolt
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the camshaft position sensor to the cylinder head. Keep the bolt in a safe location for reinstallation if reusing.
    Torque spec
    Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Extract camshaft position sensor
    Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the cylinder head. The sensor has an O-ring seal that may cause slight resistance. If sensor is stuck, gently twist while pulling. Do not pry against the cylinder head or timing cover to avoid damage to sealing surfaces.
  6. 6
    Clean sensor bore and inspect
    Use a clean shop towel to wipe the sensor bore in the cylinder head. Remove any debris, oil residue, or old O-ring material. Inspect the bore for damage or scoring. Check that the sensor pickup area on the camshaft is clean and free of metal debris.
    ℹ️Metal debris in the sensor area may indicate internal engine wear; investigate further if excessive debris is present
  7. 7
    Prepare new sensor
    Remove the new camshaft position sensor from packaging. Verify the O-ring is properly seated in the sensor groove. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean engine oil to ease installation and prevent damage during insertion.
  8. 8
    Install new sensor
    Carefully insert the new camshaft position sensor straight into the cylinder head bore. Push firmly until the sensor mounting flange is flush against the cylinder head surface. Ensure the sensor is fully seated before installing the bolt.
  9. 9
    Install and torque mounting bolt
    Thread the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to specification in a single smooth motion. Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor housing or cylinder head threads.
    Torque spec
    Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the sensor terminal and push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked in place.
  11. 11
    Reinstall engine cover
    Position the engine cover over the mounting posts on the valve covers. Press down firmly on each grommet location until all grommets are fully seated and the cover is secure.
  12. 12
    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely. The powertrain control module will need to relearn camshaft position sensor data during initial startup.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully locked and not hanging loose
  2. Verify engine cover is properly seated on all grommets
  3. Double-check that no tools or parts have been left in the engine compartment

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without rough idle or hesitation
  • Check that the check engine light does not illuminate after 30 seconds of running
  • Use a diagnostic scanner to verify no camshaft position sensor codes are present
  • Perform a test drive and confirm normal engine performance and smooth acceleration
  • Re-scan for codes after test drive to ensure repair is successful

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