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1. If and when cam phasers go wrong, VCT solenoids get damaged, ignition timings go awry,
ultimately resulting in engine failure. Be cautious about signs of defective camshaft-phasers.
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What Happens When Cam Phasers Go Bad?
When cam phasers go wrong, your vehicle's VCT (Variable Control Timing) and ECU
(Engine Control Unit) get damaged. This adversely affects the engine's timing and causes
irritating cam phaser noise. A recent study by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
revealed that faulty phasers caused 15% of all auto-braking system accidents.
If you don't repair or replace worn-out and malfunctioning cam phasers, your car's engine
will eventually get damaged. Bad cam phasers, by and large, accounted for approximately
35% of engine breakdowns. This article guides you on how bad the condition is, what causes
phaser problems, how to diagnose those issues, and how to repair or replace defective
cams.
I. Cam Phasers: Essential Things You Need to Know
1. What Is A Cam Phaser?
The cam phaser, situated near the intake system and the exhaust camshaft, forms the core
of the VCT. A cam phaser is essentially a sprocket, operated and controlled by your vehicle's
PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Also known as camshaft actuators, cam phasers help
adjust the camshaft's phase vis-à-vis the crankshaft, thus modifying the valve timing.
Almost all modern-day vehicles feature a VVT (Variable Valve Timing) mechanism, and VCT is
one of them. VCT helps boost engine performance, which in turn results in improving fuel
efficiency and reductions in emissions. Camshaft phasers are crucial in improving engine
performance by altering the camshaft phase, ensuring accurate valve timing.
2. How Do Cam Phasers Work
Many decades back, while assembling the engine, automakers would preset the advance
and retard of the cam to an extent. They'd preprogram this technique by shifting the entire
cam sprocket gear forward or backward by one tooth on the timing belt. Alternatively, the

2. engine's valve timing was advancing or delayed using aftermarket adaptable sprockets
rotatable about the camshaft.
The cam phaser, basically speaking, is simply a flexible camshaft sprocket capable of being
rotated using a computer-operated servo. The onboard computer system in a latter-day
vehicle does not merely present a specific level of retard or advance. Instead, the computer
advances the cam phasers at low revolutions per minute (RPM) for boosting drivability or
acceleration.
On the other hand, your SUV's or pickup's PCM retards the cams at high RPM for improving
the engine's horsepower. Moreover, engines with dual-overhead cams, one for the exhaust
and another for the intake, can make them alter their positions. This functionality enables
the PCM to enhance or reduce the overlapping of the exhaust and intake valves.
The total time the intake and exhaust valves open up simultaneously is valve overlapping
here. Decreased valve overlap guarantees a more consistent engine performance typified by
lower-rpm torque, resulting in lesser emissions and better mileage. On the other hand,
increased valve overlap offers your vehicle's engine higher-rpm horsepower, thus offering
you superior vehicular control.
3. Which Years of Ford Trucks Had Cam Phasers Issues?
Are you looking to buy an older Ford car or pickup model? Several Mercury, Lincoln, and
Ford vehicle models from around 2002 till 2014, mostly found with the 5.4L engine, were
bogged with problems involving cam phasers. To do away with issues surrounding cams,
Ford Motor Company discontinued production of the 5.4L engine for good.
2004-2014 Lincoln Navigator (5.4)
The Lincoln Navigator, despite being an upgraded and improved version of the Ford
Expedition, still had nagging cam phaser problems. The Ford Navigator came equipped with
the same 5.4 cam phaser engine installed in the Expedition. At last, Ford stopped producing
the 5.4L engine altogether from 2014.
2005-2014 Ford Expedition (5.4)

3. The Ford Expedition was the bigger variant of the Ford Explorer that featured the 5.4L
engine outfitted in the F-150. So it followed that the 5.4L engine fitted in the Expedition
demonstrated the typical cam phaser issues occurring in trucks.
2006-2010 Mercury Mountaineer (4.6)
Mercury, a division of Ford in 2006, produced and promoted a remodeled Explorer under
the name 'Mountaineer.' And since the Mercury Mountaineer carried the same Ford
Explorer's 4.6L engine, needless to say, it was plagued with cam problems.
2005-2010 Ford Mustang GT (4.6)
Even the strapping and ultra-powerful Ford Mustang had a problematic engine (because of
faulty cam phasers). Mustang GTs from 2005 -2010 and all other Mustang models carrying
the 4.6L engine had cam issues.
2004-2010 Ford F-350 (5.4)
Many F-350 pickups came with the 5.4L engine installed in F-150 trucks and therefore
beleaguered with concerns surrounding cams. Consequently, many buyers chose more
significant engines or diesel variants to steer clear of the cam phaser issue.
2004-2010 Ford F-250 (5.4)
Several F-250 models from 2004-2010 had the identical 5.4L engine as that of the F-150 and
unfortunately had similar problems.
2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac (4.6)
Only one feature differentiated the Ford Explorer Sport Trac from the Ford Explorer –the
former came with a truck bed. Consequently, the Sport Trac featured nearly the same
powertrain, including the 4.6L cam phaser engine.
2006-2010 Ford Explorer (4.6)
Originally the Ford Explorer was launched as a body-on-frame vehicle equipped with a 4.6L
engine before the pickup's 2011 remodeling. Almost all Explorer vehicles produced from

4. 2006 to 2010 had cam phaser-enabled 4.6L engines and therefore were vulnerable to
problems.
2009-2010 Ford F-150 (4.6)
F-150 pickup trucks predating 2009 had 4.6L cam phaser engines that were trouble-free as
these featured dual-overhead valve cams. However, cam phasers F-150 pickups
manufactured in 2009 and 2010 didn't feature DOHC (dual-overhead cams) engines and
exhibited cam problems.
2004-2010 Ford F-150 (5.4)
Of all Ford vehicles notorious for cam phaser snags, the F-150 is perhaps the most infamous
amongst these. F-150s produced from 2004 till 2010 showed signs of cam issues, compelling
Ford to discontinue making the 5.4L engine.
II. What Happens When Cam Phasers Go Bad?
When cam phasers go wrong, the VCT system of your vehicle does not function properly
owing to damaged solenoids. A malfunctioning VCT, in turn, makes the intake and exhaust
valves go out of phase, eventually causing ignition timing problems. So you'll find it
challenging to start your vehicle or bring it to a stop in case you're driving.
You'll hear irritating noises or clatters if your pickup or car has developed a cam phaser
problem. You may listen to a shrill drumming noise or an annoying knocking from the
camshaft valves. The annoying phaser noise occurs chiefly because the ignition timing goes
out of sync.
The excessive cam noise could be due to a problem concerning lubrication. If you leave the
problem unattended, then you may have to put up with more severe issues, and finally,
engine damage. Nevertheless, your vehicle's electric control unit will try its best to keep the
engine in working order.
The ECU will make your car go into a limp or safe mode preventing the engine from going
beyond a particular rpm. And a low rpm means less engine power which eventually

5. minimizes chances of engine damage. Additionally, the ECU will develop a code and
enlighten the 'check engine light' feature.
We'll talk about the signs of this problem in the next section.
Will lousy cam phasers damage the engine?
The cam also goes into default mode preventing the phasers from contacting the connecting
rods and pistons. Therefore, when you rev up the engine for acceleration, you'll experience a
power loss. The result of a cam phaser failure is that your vehicle's engine goes out of order.
Camshaft phasers, by and large, are responsible for causing approximately 35% of all engine
failures.
III. How Do I Know If My Cam Phasers Are Bad?
There are some telltale signs and symptoms that'll let you know your cam phasers are not in
working order. Some common signs that indicate the phasers are not working correctly are
as follows:-
1. Illumination of Check Engine Light
The vehicle's ECU will go into limp or safe mode, indicating that the cams are not usually
working. In such an eventuality, you'll struggle to make your car's engine exceed a certain
rpm. This will cause the ECU to display an error code followed by a glowing of the 'check
engine light.'
2. Cam Noise or Clicking Engine Sound
You can safely assume that your vehicle's phasers are not functioning appropriately on
hearing knocking noise from the engine. It could be because the phasers have undergone
heavy wear and tear or low oil pressure.
Decreased oil pressure usually occurs because of the erosion of the cam gearwheels atop
the heads of cylinders.

6. 3. Decreased Engine Power
Another telltale sign that the phasers in your car's internal combustion engine are not
working correctly is decreased engine power. Numerically or mechanically speaking, you'll
not be able to accelerate your vehicle's engine over 40 RPM.
So, will lousy cam phasers damage the engine? Yes, as discussed above, if you don't fix the
problem or replace the flawed camshaft phaser, the engine will go kaput.
4. Reduced Performance of Engine
You'll find it challenging to start your engine and have to struggle with bringing the vehicle to
a stop. The engine will misfire more often than not, and you may also face a problem in
accelerating the car smoothly.
5. Less Fuel Economy
You'll notice that the mileage you're getting for every liter of fuel is gradually decreasing.
And a reduced mileage implies that your cumulative gas expenses keep going up accordingly.
You can set up an eco graph meter in your vehicle for keeping track of gas mileage or fuel
economy.
6. Other Defective Cam Phaser Signs
Worn-out phasers, by and large, give off a raucous and unbearable rasping noise.
Sometimes, your ears will pick up a coarse idle or rattling sound or knocking noise. However,
the grating sound of the cam phasers often results from low lubricant pressure.
The low pressure of lubricant usually occurs because of the cams putting up with wear and
tear of the cylindrical heads. If that is the case, you'll need to replace the tops of the
cylinders or at least machine or bevel them. Ford had to deal with a grave cam phaser issue
for the first time in 2006.
The incident involved the V-8 5.4L engine integrated with VVT phasers that became
defective and noisy. The automaker at last phased out the 5.4L engine once and for all.

7. 7. Symptoms of Bad Camshaft
A camshaft rarely goes terrible on its own but rather malfunctions due to a broken dowel pin
or worn-out timing gear. Following are six signs of a defective camshaft:-
● Vehicle gets overheated
● Car shudders and trembles when it's overloaded or when you try to accelerate
● Vehicle stalling or going out of gear even when idle
● Difficulty in starting the vehicle
● The car does not run smoothly
● You struggle to achieve a top speed
Neglecting a faulty camshaft ultimately causes considerable damage to the cylinder head
and the crankshaft.
IV. What Causes Cam Phaser Failure?
Camshaft phasers can fail due to an eroded timing chain, low oil pressure, and a host of
other engine-related issues.
1. Sludge and Grime
Sludge or grime inside the engine lubrication system will prevent the smooth flow of oil,
causing the phasers to malfunction.
2. Electrical Control Unit Issues
Your car's ECU or pickup is responsible for making the cams work optimally. So it's evident
that the cam phasers will start failing once the electrical control unit cannot control them.
3. Defective Gearwheels
There's a high likelihood of the camshaft-phasers breaking down if the sprocket or
gearwheels become abraded and depleted.
4. Infrequent Oil Change

8. Make sure you replace the oil periodically so that the phasers keep working smoothly.
Always use engine oil of good quality and see that you thoroughly clean the lubrication
system.
5. Not Using a High-Quality Lubricant
Since the car engine operates at extremely high temperatures, you must use top-quality oil
for diminishing cam phaser abrasion. High-quality oil ensures a suitable level of viscosity
which in turn guarantees ample oil pressure. If you use poor quality oil, the cam phasers will
work or respond slower than usual and become nonfunctional.
6. Inadequate Oil Pressure
Cam phasers need to be powered at an appropriate time for which sufficient oil pressure is
required. Inadequate or low lubricant pressure could gradually lead to cam phaser damage.
You also risk damaging your phasers if you use dirty oil or if the oil pump fails to work
correctly.
Camshaft-phasers, constructed from metals, are also liable to wear and tear from within
owing to insufficient oil pressure. Thus the engine oil not performing optimally is another
reason why cam phasers may fail eventually.
V. Can A Cam Phaser Be Fixed?
Camshaft phasers start malfunctioning slowly and gradually as your car becomes older. Cam
phasers could become faulty due to a host of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues, as
discussed above. Common mechanical problems include jammed, stretched out, and
slackened timing chains.
Hydraulic problems such as low oil levels and low oil viscosity can prevent phasers from
operating efficiently. On the other hand, broken solenoids, faulty cam timing sensors, and
other electrical issues can cause cam phaser damage.
Can you fix a cam phaser? Yes, you can, but to repair spoiled cam phasers, you'll first have to
identify the problem. Sometimes the cams could be damaged beyond repair, and replacing
them would be your only option in such an eventuality.

9. 1. How to Diagnose Cam Phaser Failure
The following is a stepwise procedure for diagnosing cam phaser failure:
● Step 1: At the very outset, you'll require a scanning tool for accurately detecting the
reason behind the collapse of the cam phaser. This scan tool offers applicable OBD2
codes that come in handy for getting to the issue's root. At the same time, these
codes provide you with other relevant information for spotting the actual problem.
● Step 2: Now, you'll have to use an oil pressure gauge to check and confirm the engine
oil's viscosity and pressure.
● Step 3: The 3rd step involves inspecting the filter screens inside the hydraulic
channels and VCT solenoids.
● Step 4: In the 4th and final step, you examine whether the wirings and electrical
elements are in working order.
2. How to Fix Cam Phaser Noise [Short Term Method]
Treating the cam phasers with eco-friendly oil is a very cost-effective DIY method for fixing
the noise issue:
● Step 1: Put on safety gloves and use a wooden blocker for blocking the rear tires.
Next, lift the pickup or car with the help of a carjacking.
● Step 2: You'll need a ratchet wrench (14mm) for loosening and taking out the drain
plug. Ensure to use an oil pan for collecting the leaking oil.
● Step 3: Allow 8-10 minutes to let the oil flow out completely.
● Step 4: Reach the bolt on the oil pipe and use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off the dirty
oil. Affix a new oil filter using a daub of oil.
● Step 5: Raise the hood covering the engine and keep the cover in that position. Next,
remove the wooden blocks and the carjack from the vehicle. Now carefully pour the
eco-friendly motor oil and make sure not to use any additives.

10. ● Step 7: Wait for about 5-10 minutes, and after that, inspect the oil level with the help
of a dipstick. Now clean the engine's surface thoroughly and close the engine's cap
and hood.
● Step 8: Next, start the engine and keep it idle to warm up the motor effectively. See if
your car is producing annoying noise, and if it still does, go on to the final step.
● Step 9: Repeat the oil treatment procedure and restart the engine keeping it running
for some time. Hopefully, you'll not hear the exasperating cam phaser noise with the
same intensity as before.
Keep vice grips, screwdriver, bar breaker, and safety gloves handy before going through the
above steps.
3. Quick Fix with Cam Phaser Lockout
If you're looking to eliminate the clicking noise of the engine and boost its performance,
then opt for a cam phaser lockout. There are several benefits of making the most of a cam
phaser lockout.
Cam lockout kits are your best bet when it comes to repairing a camshaft phaser quickly and
effectively. Let's explore why you should choose cam phasers lockout for a quick cam fix:
Highly affordable
Opting for a cam phaser lockout is more affordable than other tools and techniques for
dealing with camshaft issues. You'd have to pay as little as $30-$100 for a cam lockout. By
contrast, you may end up paying $3,500 - $5,000 for a low-mileage Ford engine
replacement. Most importantly, a cam phaser lockout, apart from being supremely
affordable, also stays functional for a long time.
Does away with knocking completely
Lockouts installed in engines go a long way in eliminating annoying engine noises. A cam
lockout works best in a vehicle whose engine was never damaged due to a defective
camshaft.
Decreased maintenance costs

11. Cam lockouts come in perfectly handy for reducing or minimizing the chances of cam phaser
failure. You'll be able to save aplenty when you go for a cam phaser lockout kit. A camshaft
phaser lockout ensures that you don't have to spend money on periodic repairs and parts
replacement.
Boosts vehicle efficiency
Cam lockouts prevent vehicle damage and failure of components like lash adjusters, chain
tensioners, and pistons.
Better mileage at low RPM
When you install a phaser lockout in your vehicle, the vehicle's MPG (miles per gallon)
improves even at low RPM.
VI. Cam Phaser Replacement Guide [Long Term Method]
If you're driving an old vehicle, there's a good chance that cam phasers are depleted and
damaged. Your car's engine could be functioning optimally even when the phasers get
jammed. In such a scenario, fixing cams will not help, thus necessitating you to replace them
to prevent exhaust and intake valve failure.
1. Step by Step How-To-Guide
To replace the out of order Ford camshaft-phasers, abide by the following integrated steps:
1. Open bonnet for disconnecting car battery and remove the air intake tube.
2. Look for three 10mm bolts on the reservoir for power steering. Unscrew them. Then
look for two 13mm fasteners and one 18mm fastener on the steering bracket.
Unfasten them.
3. Next, detach the PVC (positive crankcase ventilation) atop the valve cover. Detach
electrical components and the wiring on the valve cover of the driver's end.
4. Disconnect the PMC and remove the mounting bracket.
5. Tag plugs with markers and duct tapes for simple reconnection.

12. 6. Use a good air compressor to remove dirt from the valve cover. This'll stop dirt from
entering the valve train when detaching the cover.
7. Now loosen the valve cover's 8 mm bolts.
8. The dipstick tube located close to the engine block has an 8mm bolt. Unfasten and
remove this bolt without removing the dipstick tube.
9. Next, disengage bunches of the ignition coil and the VCT solenoid.
10. Raise the VCT solenoid cover very cautiously to not damage to it.
11. Place the wedge tool carefully between the two halves of the chain.
12. Use a cylindrical dowel pin for pinpointing the camshaft phaser's position vis-à-vis
the camshaft and timing chain.
13. Use a bar breaker and vice grips for slackening off the bolts of the cam phaser.
14. Detach cam phaser bolts and remove phaser from the camshaft with care. While
drawing, try to detach the timing chain from the cogwheel.
15. Carefully slot in the new cam aligning the phaser appropriately with a dowel pin.
Ensure that the new cam is installed precisely in the same way as the one it replaces.
16. Tighten new phaser bolts to a torque of around 30ft-lbs. Use a torque wrench for
tightening and vice grips to hold the cam against the engine's casing.
2. Cam Phaser Replacement Cost
The tentative cost of replacing a worn-out and defective cam phaser varies based on your
vehicle's make, year, and model. Expect to pay anything from $800-$2500 for a replacement
which includes labor and parts.
VII. How to Prevent Future Cam Phaser Failure?
You can prevent future cam phaser failure if:
● You periodically clean or replace the VCT solenoids

13. ● The filter is changed from time to time
● A high-end engine is used
● Engine oil is changed frequently
VIII. Final Thoughts
The above review explores 'what happens when cam phasers go bad' in threadbare detail.
You'll not be able to drive safely for long if you do not fix or replace the camshaft-phasers. At
the same time, you'll have to tolerate the rasping and knocking sounds of bad
camshaft-phasers.
Opting for a cam phaser lockout kit is a practical solution if you want to prevent or reduce
further damage. Of course, going for a complete replacement is your last option.
FAQs
What Does A Bad Cam Phaser Sound Like?
Damaged or broken cam phasers make sounds resembling a wail, screech, moan or squeal.
Sometimes a flawed cam phaser might compare the sound of a dynamo, telephone, or
motorcar. Strictly speaking, the noises made by cam phasers may vary from one brand to
another.
What Does It Mean Cam a Car?
When your cam your vehicle, you enhance the duration of the valves stays open. In the
automotive industry, 'camming' a vehicle means boosting the timing and lift. The chief
objective behind camming a car is to increase the vehicle's performance.
What Happens If You Don't Replace Cam Phasers?
If you don't replace cam phasers, you'll face the following problems:-
● Exhaust valve timing issues
● Stuck cams
● Stuck phasers damaging the exhaust and intake valves

14. ● Engine power loss
● Engine tuning problem due to flawed timing
How Long Can You Drive With Bad Cam Phasers?
The period you can continue driving your pickup with bad cam phasers differs from one
vehicle to another. For instance, if you have a late Ford 6.8L, 5.4L, or a 4.6L model, you'll
have to tolerate excessive noise at idle.
What Year Did Ford Stop Using Cam Phasers?
Ford phased out cam phasers fully from 2005 onwards, replacing them with turbocharged
turbos.
How Long Does It Take To Replace Cam Phasers?
It takes approximately 4 hours to replace the old cam phaser with a premium cam phaser.
Will Damaged Cam Phasers Throw A Code?
Yes, if and when a cam phaser becomes impaired or broken, the cam usually throws up error
codes. You'll have to interpret the code to understand the real issue and find a solution.