P0019 on 2015-2020 Lincoln MKZ: Causes and Fixes for Camshaft Correlation

What's Unique About the 2015-2020 Lincoln MKZ

For this generation of Lincoln MKZ, Ford issued multiple, nearly identical Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that directly address the family of codes including P0019. The TSBs state that small debris in the engine oil can cause the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoids to stick. This indicates a known sensitivity in the VCT system to oil quality and condition, making it the most probable cause for this specific code on these vehicles. The TSBs even recommend a specific diagnostic step: using a scan tool to cycle the affected solenoid 10 times 🎬 See this real-world diagnosis and repair for code P0019. to try and clear the debris before replacement.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Rough or erratic idle
• Hesitation or sluggish acceleration
• Reduced fuel economy
• Engine may be hard to start or fails to start
• Engine rattling or tapping noises

Most Likely Causes

1. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The VCT system is hydraulic and relies on clean oil at the correct pressure. Ford TSBs (SSM 47170, SSM 50067, etc.) specifically mention debris in oil causing VCT solenoids to stick, making this the most common trigger.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level on the dipstick and inspect its color and consistency. If the oil is low, black, or sludgy, it needs to be changed. This should always be the first step.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change using the manufacturer-recommended oil type and grade (e.g., Motorcraft Synthetic Blend). Clear the codes and drive to see if P0019 returns.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
2. Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft As cited in multiple TSBs for this vehicle range, these solenoids are prone to sticking due to oil contamination. This is the most common part failure for this code after ruling out oil issues.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool (like FORScan for Ford/Lincoln) to command the solenoid on and off, or swap the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid with another one (e.g., the Bank 2 intake solenoid). If the code changes to P0018 (Bank 2 Intake), the solenoid is confirmed faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid. On V6 models, this is more difficult as the solenoids are under the valve covers, requiring removal of the upper intake manifold. On the 2.0L EcoBoost, they are on the front of the cylinder head and more accessible.
   Est. part cost: $50-$90
3. Failed Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 2, Sensor B) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor
   How to confirm: Test the sensor's output with a multimeter or oscilloscope to ensure it's sending a correct signal. A faulty sensor 🎬 Watch: How to locate and replace the camshaft position sensors. may send incorrect data, making the PCM believe there is a correlation error. However, this is less common than a VCT solenoid failure.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft position sensor.
   Est. part cost: $30-$60
4. Stretched Timing Chain or Worn Timing Components ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Timing Chain While not exceptionally common on these engines with regular maintenance, high mileage or severe use can lead to timing chain stretch, which will cause correlation codes.
   How to confirm: This is an involved diagnosis. It requires removing the valve cover(s) to inspect the chain for slack and check timing marks. This is usually suspected after all other causes (oil, solenoids, sensors) are ruled out.
   Typical fix: Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides. This is a labor-intensive and expensive job.
   Est. part cost: $400-$800

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged Camshaft Phaser/Actuator: → Shop Engine Camshaft The phaser is the gear on the end of the camshaft that actually adjusts the timing. It can become clogged with sludge or fail mechanically, but this is less common than a solenoid failure. Failure often presents with other codes like P0018 as well.
• Wiring or Connector Issue: An open or short in the wiring to the VCT solenoid or camshaft position sensor can mimic a component failure. Always inspect the harness for damage, corrosion, or oil contamination near the sensors and solenoids.
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is extremely rare. The PCM should only be considered as the cause after all other possibilities have been exhaustively tested and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. If it is low or dirty, change the oil and filter, clear the code, and see if it returns. This is the most critical first step.
2. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any other stored codes and view live data.
3. Inspect the wiring and connectors for the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft position sensor and the Bank 2 VCT solenoid for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
4. Using a capable scan tool (like FORScan), follow the procedure in TSB SSM 47170/50067: command the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid to cycle 10 times to attempt to clear debris. Clear codes and re-test.
5. If the code returns, test the VCT solenoid. The easiest way is to swap the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid with the Bank 2 intake solenoid. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code changes to P0018 (Bank 2 Intake), the solenoid is faulty and needs replacement.
6. If the code does not change, test the camshaft position sensor by checking its voltage and signal with a multimeter or oscilloscope.
7. If sensors and solenoids test good, the next step is a mechanical inspection of the timing chain, guides, and phasers for wear or damage. This is an advanced step and may require professional help.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid (OEM #2.0L EcoBoost: CJ5Z-6M280-A. 3.7L/3.0L V6: AT4Z-6M280-A (Intake) or AT4Z-6M280-C (Exhaust). Always verify with VIN.) — This is the most common point of failure for P0019 on this vehicle, as confirmed by multiple Ford/Lincoln TSBs. It gets stuck due to oil debris.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Dorman, Standard Motor Products (SMP)
  OEM price range: $70-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70
• Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #Varies by engine, verify with VIN. Example for 2.0L is DY-1154.) — If the sensor is sending incorrect data to the PCM, it can trigger a false correlation code.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Bosch, NGK
  OEM price range: $45-$65
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50
• Engine Oil and Filter (OEM #Oil: XO-5W30-QSP (5W-30 Synthetic Blend). Filter: FL-910-S (2.0L) or FL-500-S (V6).) — Low or dirty oil is a primary cause of VCT system faults. An oil change is a critical first step in diagnosis and repair.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft (Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic), Mobil 1, Castrol
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0018 — P0018 is the same correlation error but for the intake camshaft (Sensor A) on the same bank (Bank 2). Seeing them together could point to a more significant timing issue on that bank, like a phaser problem, a wiring issue affecting both solenoids, or jumped timing.
• P0017 — P0017 is a correlation error for the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1. If you see both P0017 and P0019, it could suggest a systemic issue like very low/dirty oil, low oil pressure, or a stretched timing chain affecting both banks.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 47170: Notes that P0019 and related codes may be caused by small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Recommends using a scan tool to cycle the solenoid 10 times to clear debris before replacement.
• SSM 50067: A later TSB that supersedes earlier versions, covering 2015-2021 vehicles. It provides the same diagnosis for VCT codes, pointing to debris in the oil and recommending cycling the solenoid before replacement.
• SSM 48423: An earlier version of the same VCT solenoid TSB, applicable to 2015-2020 models.
• SSM 54366: A placeholder in the NHTSA database that references the same diagnostic procedures in the workshop manual for this family of codes.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued by Ford/Lincoln for the 2015-2020 model years that include P0019. For example, TSB #SSM 47170 states: 'Some vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick.' TSB SSM 50067 is a later version with the same guidance.
• On V6 models (3.7L and 3.0L), the VCT solenoids are located under the valve covers, making replacement significantly more labor-intensive than on the 2.0L EcoBoost where they are more accessible on the side of the head. This requires removing the upper intake manifold to access the rear (Bank 2) valve cover.
• Bank 2 on the transverse-mounted V6 and I4 engines in the MKZ is the bank closer to the firewall, making access to its components more difficult.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VCT Solenoid Internal Resistance — expected: 6.9 to 12 Ohms. A common range is 8-12 Ohms.. Failure: A reading of infinite resistance (OL) indicates an open coil, while a reading near zero indicates a short. Readings outside the specified range suggest a faulty solenoid.
• Camshaft Position Sensor (3-wire) Signal Voltage — expected: Approximately 5V on the signal wire with Key On, Engine Off (KOEO).. Failure: When a metallic object (like a wrench) is passed in front of the sensor, the voltage should drop to near 0V. If the voltage does not change or stays at 0V, the sensor is likely faulty.
• VCT Solenoid Harness Voltage — expected: Battery voltage (~12V) on one pin of the connector with Key On, Engine Off (KOEO).. Failure: If there is no voltage, there is an issue in the wiring harness, a blown fuse, or a problem with the PCM driver circuit.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• FORScan or Ford IDS: VCT Solenoid Actuator Test / Output State Control — This bidirectional command allows the technician to manually activate the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid. If the engine hesitates or stalls when the solenoid is commanded on at idle, it indicates the solenoid is mechanically functioning and oil passages are likely clear. If there is no change in engine operation, the solenoid is either stuck, clogged, or has failed electrically.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G104 / G105 / G107 / G111 / G112 — Various points in the engine compartment, typically on the right or left side, bolted to the frame or engine block. For example, G104 is on the right side of the engine compartment.. The PCM and its related sensors (CMP, CKP) rely on clean, secure ground connections to function. A corroded or loose ground at one of these primary engine bay locations can introduce electrical noise or voltage drops, potentially causing the PCM to misinterpret sensor signals and set a false correlation code.
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Fuse — In the under-hood fuse box (Power Distribution Box). For 2017+ models, relevant fuses include #8 (PCM vehicle power 2), #12 (PCM vehicle power 3), and relay #9 (PCM relay).. The VCT solenoids and camshaft sensors are powered and controlled by the PCM. A blown fuse or faulty relay for the PCM can cut power to these components, leading to timing codes.

OEM Part Supersession History

• AT4Z-6M280-A / AT4Z-6M280-B → AT4Z-6M280-C — Part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: While AT4Z-6M280-C is listed for the exhaust side on the 3.7L V6, it is crucial to verify the specific part number by VIN. Some parts distributors note this part has a blue connector and is used for intake or exhaust depending on the specific application (F150, Transit, etc.). Always confirm the correct part for the MKZ's specific engine and bank.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2017-2020: The 2017 model year introduced a significant facelift, including the new 3.0L GTDI V6 engine which replaced the 3.7L V6. While the P0019 code applies to both V6 engines, part numbers and specific diagnostic procedures for the timing system may differ. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine was available across the entire 2015-2020 range but may have had minor revisions.