How To Fix P0021 Ford F150?

P0021 Ford F150 means your Ford ECU detected over-advanced camshaft. Contaminated engine oil, faulty timing phaser, and damaged variable camshaft timing can also trigger P0021 code on Ford F150.

You can diagnose this serious trouble code by following some symptoms and performing some tests. However, you may need to repair or replace the expensive faulty parts to clear P0021 error code.

What Does P0021 Code Ford F150 Mean?

P0021 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates that the ECM detected a more advanced bank 2 intake camshaft than commanded. When variable valve timing (VVT) or variable camshaft timing (VCT) malfunctions, this error code is stored in the Ford F150 computer. VVT technology helps engine get more efficiency or greater power at different running points.

This technology consists of various components including camshaft timing. When the camshaft timing goes over set limit or over advanced, it illuminates engine light and sets trouble code. P0021 code is quite same as P0011 except it indicates a problem in bank 2 instead of bank 1.

What Causes P0021 Error Code On Ford F150?

Below are some potential reasons that can set P0021 code on Ford computer:

1. Contaminated Engine Oil

If you use dirty oil or run engine constantly with too little oil, it can trigger P0021 error code. Old or contaminated oil blocks the routes in camshaft phasing system. Variable camshaft system also uses oil pressure and it can malfunction due to insufficient oil pressure. Even if you use too thick oil, it can clog the passages and set P0021.

2. Damaged Oil Control Valve

VVT solenoid or oil control valve uses oil pressure to maintain proper valve timing by delivering oil through valves. It also activates camshaft phaser to adjust cam timing. But if the oil control valve gets damaged due to wear and tear and extreme temperature, it can cause the P0021 code.

3. Stuck Camshaft Phaser

Camshaft phaser advance or retards cam timing. This component depends on oil control valve to get required oil pressure to start phasing system. But a cam phaser can fail or stuck in an advanced position due to wear build-up or improper lubrication and cause a P0021 code.  

4. Incorrect Camshaft Timing

Camshaft timing and belts require a certain amount of torque. Camshaft timing can fail due to setting incorrect torque, particularly after timing belt service and set P0021.

Symptoms of P0021 Code on Ford F150

Below are some signs related to P0021 trouble code:

• Active check engine light
• Engine idle or stall on acceleration
• Reduced fuel mileage
• Increased engine emissions
• Hard starting
• Rough running
• Rattling noise

How To Fix P0021 Code On Ford F150?

Visually inspect your car for thee damaged connectors, wiring, or other p0021 related symptoms. Then check engine for mud and make sure it has full clean oil with right viscosity. You can also perform the following diagnosing test to verify p0021 trouble code:

1. OBD-II Reader

Connect an OBD-II scanner tool with engine computer to verify if it is P0021 or another trouble code. To do this, connect scanner port under passenger side dash and run the scanner tool. The scanner will show the error code on its display. You can also check freeze frame data to understand when this error code was set.

2. Wiring Harness Test

Solenoids can malfunction due to wiring harness failure. To test the wiring harness, check voltage that flows into solenoid. To do this, keep the ignition on without running the engine. Contact multimeter to the positive connector terminal. 

If you read the voltage between 9V and 13V, the wiring harness is in good condition if you find a lower voltage than recommended, repair or replace it with the aid of professional tech.

3. Solenoid Test

To test solenoid, remove it and perform a bench test using battery. Connect both positive terminals of the solenoid and car battery.  Join negative wire with ground and solenoid terminal. This should make a clicking noise to ensure that the solenoid is working. If you don’t hear any noise, repair or replace the solenoid.

Can You Drive A Ford F150 With A P0021 Code?

P0021 is quite serious code and you shouldn’t continue driving after discovering this error code. If you drive with P0021, engine can run unreliably and trigger lots of driving complaints. The engine can also stall and make driving unsafe.

Engine can burn more fuel and emit white and black fumes. Some components of the engine can produce carbon fouling. Excess carbon buildup can also block engine internals and cause further damage.

If a camshaft or cam phaser failure triggers this error code, driving with this code can cause irreparable damage to the engine. In long run, camshaft or timing belt may start shattering and you experience excessive vibration during driving. In the end, your car can stop suddenly and cause an accident or you need to tow the vehicle to a mechanic shop.

How Much Does it Cost To Fix The P0021 Ford F150?

On average, you’ll need to spend around $45 to $5000 to fix P0021 error code on Ford F50 depending on the exact reasons. For example, if you need to change filter and engine oil to clear P0021 code, it’ll cost around $45 to $150. If a faulty cam oil control valve triggers this error code, a mechanic will cost about $125 to $350 to replace this faulty part.

Repairing wiring harness or connector costs $50 to $550 while replacing damaged timing valve control solenoid costs $150 to $450. The cheapest fix of P0021 is replacing cam position sensor which costs $50 to $200 while the most expensive fix of this trouble code is repairing camshaft chain or belt which costs $1000 to $5000.

FAQs

Final Words

P0021 is quite compatible with P0011, P0017, P0018 and P0019. So when you are trying to fix P0021 Ford F150 problem, you should also keep these codes in mind. Even if your OBD II scanner only shows P0021 code, check for symptoms of those trouble codes to successfully clear the codes.

In this case, you should hire professional tech and deeply diagnose your car even if it costs $154.99 to troubleshoot check engine light.