The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2019 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost: Cold Start Rattle and Check Engine Light (P0016, P0018)

0

Mark S. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:23 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, and I'm experiencing a really frustrating issue. For the past few weeks, on cold starts, there's a loud rattling noise coming from the engine bay. It usually lasts for about 3-5 seconds and then goes away. It's quite noticeable and sounds like something is loose or grinding.

Recently, the check engine light came on. I scanned it with my OBD-II reader, and it pulled codes P0016 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)) and P0018 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)). I've heard these engines can have cam phaser issues. Has anyone else dealt with this on their F-150? What was the fix?

My truck has about 75,000 miles on it. I've kept up with all the oil changes using the recommended synthetic oil. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated before I take it to the dealer.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:23 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

The symptoms you're describing, especially the cold start rattle and the specific OBD-II codes P0016 and P0018, are highly indicative of a common issue with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine: failing cam phasers. These components are crucial for variable valve timing, and when they start to fail, they can cause timing chain slack and noise.

Common Causes:

  1. Worn Cam Phasers: Over time, the internal components of the cam phasers can wear out, leading to improper oil pressure control and allowing the phaser to rattle during startup before oil pressure fully builds.
  2. Timing Chain Stretch: While less common than phaser failure, a stretched timing chain can also contribute to timing correlation issues and noise.
  3. Low Oil Pressure/Contamination: Although you've maintained oil changes, consistently low oil pressure or contaminated oil can accelerate wear on these components.

Diagnostic Steps & What to Expect:

  1. Professional Diagnosis: A Ford dealership or a reputable independent shop will perform a more in-depth diagnosis. This typically involves listening to the engine, checking oil pressure, and potentially using specialized diagnostic tools to monitor cam phaser operation.
  2. Timing Chain Inspection: They may need to remove the valve covers to visually inspect the timing chain and tensioners for wear or slack.
  3. Cam Phaser Replacement: The most common fix for these codes and symptoms is the replacement of the cam phasers, and often the timing chain, tensioners, and guides as a complete kit. This is a significant repair due to the labor involved.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately: Since you have a check engine light and audible rattling, it's crucial to get this inspected soon. Continued driving with incorrect valve timing can lead to reduced engine performance, decreased fuel economy, and potentially more severe engine damage if the timing chain were to jump a tooth.
  • Don't Delay: While the rattle might seem minor, the P0016 and P0018 codes indicate that the engine's timing is off, which can stress other components. Addressing it promptly can prevent more costly repairs down the line.
Menu

Help & account