P0015 on Ford
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
P0015 on Ford vehicles indicates exhaust camshaft position timing - over-retarded (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Ford model — most commonly on Escape. This code means the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1 is timed more retarded (later) than the computer commanded. Engines with variable valve timing use a cam phaser, controlled by oil pressure and a solenoid, to advance or retard camshaft position for better power, economy, and emissions. When the computer commands a position but the actual exhaust cam stays too far retarded, it sets P0015. This usually points to an oil-flow or phaser problem and can cause rough idle, reduced power, and poor fuel economy.
Common Causes of P0015
- •Low or dirty engine oil restricting phaser operation
- •Stuck or clogged variable valve timing (oil control) solenoid
- •Failed exhaust camshaft phaser/actuator
- •Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages
- •Stretched or worn timing chain
- •Wiring or connector fault at the VVT solenoid
- •Incorrect cam timing from prior service
- •Faulty PCM/ECM (rare)
P0015 on Ford by Model
Ford Escape(1 issue)
- Debris Can Temporarily Stick a VCT Solenoid and Set Cam-Timing DTCs2015-2021
Ford service message 21-2151 applies to listed 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including Escape. Small debris can cause a variable-camshaft-timing solenoid to stick and illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp with one or more listed cam-timing DTCs.
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View P0015 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0015 mean on Ford?▼
P0015 stands for "Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)." This code means the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1 is timed more retarded (later) than the computer commanded. Engines with variable valve timing use a cam phaser, controlled by oil pressure and a solenoid, to advance or retard camshaft position for better power, economy, and emissions. When the computer commands a position but the actual exhaust cam stays too far retarded, it sets P0015. This usually points to an oil-flow or phaser problem and can cause rough idle, reduced power, and poor fuel economy. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0015 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Low or dirty engine oil restricting phaser operation, Stuck or clogged variable valve timing (oil control) solenoid, Failed exhaust camshaft phaser/actuator, Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages, Stretched or worn timing chain. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0015 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific Ford model.
Which Ford models have P0015 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0015 on 1 Ford model: Escape.