P0022 on Ford: How to Diagnose & Fix
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
5 Ford models · 5 documented issues · 2 critical · $900-$4,500 repair
P0022 on Ford by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Two distinct tick patterns affect 5.0L Coyote V8 in 2015-2023 Mustang depending on engine generation. Gen 2 Coyote (2015-2017): light tick at idle and on cold start, commonly attributed to valve lash / lifter operation; generally cosmetic and not associated with engine damage. Gen 3 Coyote (2018-2023): louder, more pronounced tick — same family but Ford changed to plasma transferred wire arc (PTWA) cylinder liners. The tick is increasingly linked to piston slap from clearance issues against the plasma liner, with some confirmed cases of cylinder wall scoring requiring engine replacement under warranty. Direct injection (added on Gen 3 alongside port injection) contributes a separate fainter HPFP tick that is normal. Distinguishing: Gen 2 tick stays constant warm; Gen 3 piston slap diminishes as engine warms but returns under load. Owner forums (Mustang6G, MPR Racing Engines) document the Gen 3 pattern extensively.
Common Symptoms
- Tick or tap noise at idle
- Typewriter-like clicking sound
- Metallic rattle on cold start
- Noise that diminishes when warm
- Ticking more pronounced after oil change
How to Fix
Ford TSB 14-0156 addresses this as a normal characteristic, stating no repair should be attempted. Using Ford's recommended oil (Motorcraft 5W-20 or 5W-30) and changing oil at 5,000-mile intervals may help. For persistent issues, VCT solenoid replacement ($200-400) or cam phaser service ($1,500-3,000) may help.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 5.0L Coyote V8 can develop a ticking or rattling noise at startup, often from the cam phasers. This is similar to issues in the Mustang GT. The noise typically diminishes after the engine warms up but can indicate phaser wear.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking noise at cold startup
- Rattle from top of engine
- Noise diminishes when warm
- Louder in cold weather
- Check engine light in severe cases
How to Fix
Use quality synthetic oil and change regularly. Ford updated cam phaser design for later production. If noise is excessive, cam phaser replacement may be needed. Check for TSBs specific to your build date.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 2nd-generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in 2018-2022 Ford Expedition (Gen 4) addressed the timing chain stretch issue of early-generation 3.5L EcoBoost engines (2011-2016) but introduced a new problem: VCT (Variable Camshaft Timing) unit wear that causes a distinctive ticking/tapping rattle on cold starts after a 6+ hour soak. The rattle typically lasts 2-5 seconds and comes from the top front of the engine. Ford issued TSB addressing the condition for 2018-2019 Expedition/Navigator, recommending VCT unit replacement. The cam phasers become sticky when oil drains back overnight, then rattle until fresh oil pressure reaches them.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking/tapping rattle from top-front of engine on cold start
- Rattle lasts 2-5 seconds then disappears as oil pressure builds
- Only occurs after vehicle has sat for 6+ hours
- Check engine light with P0011, P0012, P0021, P0022 (cam timing codes)
- Rough running until engine warms
- Reduced power on cold start
How to Fix
Ford TSB for 3.5L EcoBoost cold-start rattle: replace VCT units (both banks). Use only Ford-spec 5W-30 full synthetic oil (Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic). Ensure oil changes are performed on schedule - contaminated or degraded oil worsens VCT phaser wear. Some owners report improvement with more frequent oil changes. VCT replacement is approximately 6-8 hours labor on Expedition.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 3.5L/3.7L Duratec V6 in first-generation Ford Edge commonly develops timing chain stretch and variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser rattles between 80,000-120,000 miles. The engine uses two timing chains (one per cylinder bank) that can stretch over time, causing the VCT phasers to rattle loudly on cold starts as oil pressure builds. The rattle typically lasts 2-5 seconds on startup before oil pressure stabilizes. Left unaddressed, chain slack can cause timing to jump, resulting in rough running, poor fuel economy, and potential catastrophic engine damage if a chain breaks or a guide fails.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling noise from engine on cold start (first 2-5 seconds)
- Rattle disappears once oil pressure builds
- Check engine light with P0011, P0016, P0017, P0021, P0022 codes (VCT/timing correlation)
- Rough idle or engine shaking
- Poor fuel economy
- Loss of power on acceleration
- Engine hesitation
How to Fix
Replace timing chains, guides, tensioners, and VCT phaser units as a complete kit. Motorcraft timing chain kit (part number TKIT-003-MG) includes all wear components. Use full-synthetic 5W-20 oil and change every 5,000-7,500 miles to extend chain life. Labor is 8-12 hours on an Edge due to front engine access. Cost is substantially lower if done proactively vs. after a guide failure.
Sources for this issue (1)
Multiple Bronco owners report a brief but pronounced rattling or knocking noise on cold start caused by worn or defective cam phasers, often accompanied by timing chain slack. Ford issued service guidance for EcoBoost engines using updated phaser parts. While some vehicles only exhibit noise, others progress to rough running, check-engine lights, or repeat repairs if only partial components are replaced.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle or knocking noise for 1-5 seconds on cold start
- Check engine light
- Rough idle after startup
- Repeat noise after prior repair
How to Fix
Diagnosis typically involves confirming cold-start rattle after an overnight soak and checking for timing-related fault codes. Repair usually requires replacement of the affected cam phasers and, depending on wear and service guidance, timing chain-related components. Updated OEM parts are preferred because early revisions have shown repeat failures in some cases.
Sources for this issue (1)
P0022 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0022 mean on a Ford?
P0022 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 2)." This code means the engine computer found that the intake camshaft on bank 2 is timed too far retarded — more delayed than it commanded through the variable valve timing (VVT) system. The computer adjusts cam timing using an oil-controlled actuator (a phaser) and an electric solenoid, then verifies the cam actually moved to the target position. When the intake cam on bank 2 lags behind its commanded position, this code sets, often causing rough idle, reduced power, or lower fuel economy. (Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder 1.) It usually traces back to oil flow, the VVT solenoid, or the phaser. On Ford it is documented across 5 models: Mustang, F-150, Expedition, Edge, Bronco.
What are the most common causes of P0022?
The most common causes of P0022 are: Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation, Stuck or clogged camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid, Clogged VVT oil passages or screen, Worn camshaft phaser/actuator on bank 2, Stretched or worn timing chain affecting cam timing, Electrical fault in the VVT solenoid wiring or connector, Incorrect oil viscosity or overdue oil change. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0022 on a Ford?
Published repair estimates on Ford range from $900 to $4,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0022 on a different make?
View P0022 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.