P0022 on 2019-2021 Lincoln Nautilus 2.7L: Intake Cam Over-Retarded Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2019-2021 Lincoln NAUTILUS

The 2.7L Twin-Turbo V6 (part of the Ford EcoBoost family) in the Lincoln Nautilus is known for being sensitive to oil condition for its VCT system to work correctly. Ford/Lincoln has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that specifically mention debris causing VCT solenoids to stick, which directly leads to codes like P0022. Another TSB points to internal issues with the VCT phaser units themselves on these engines, causing cold start rattles for 2-5 seconds and potential timing faults.

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 unstable idle, sometimes dropping low and surging back up at stops
• Engine hesitates or stumbles on acceleration
• Reduced fuel economy
• Engine may stall at low speeds or when stopping
• Rattling or ticking noise from the engine, especially on startup for 2-5 seconds

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Bank 2 Intake VCT Solenoid 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid TSB #SSM 50067 explicitly states that small debris can cause the VCT solenoid to stick on these engines. The solenoids are a known failure point on the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost platform. A YouTube repair video on an F-150 with a pending P0022 showed how replacing the solenoids resolved an unstable idle.
   How to confirm: Swap the Bank 2 intake solenoid with another one (e.g., the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid). If the code changes to P0024 (exhaust camshaft), the solenoid is bad. A scan tool can also be used to command the solenoid and monitor its response. TSB SSM 50067 suggests cycling the solenoid 10 times with a scan tool to try and clear debris before replacement.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 intake VCT solenoid. All four VCT solenoids are identical on the 2.7L engine and are often replaced as a set for preventative maintenance. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing VVT solenoids on this engine.
   Est. part cost: $35-$100
2. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The VCT system is hydraulically operated by engine oil pressure. Contaminated, low, or incorrect viscosity oil can impede the function of the VCT solenoids and cam phasers. This is the first thing to check as it's the cheapest and easiest potential fix.
   How to confirm: Check the oil level on the dipstick and inspect its condition. If it's low, dark, or sludgy, it needs to be changed.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using the manufacturer-specified grade (5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic). 🎬 See how a simple oil change can fix engine rattles.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
3. Failing VCT Phaser (Camshaft Actuator) 🟡 Medium Probability TSB #23-2049 was issued for 2019-2023 Nautilus models with the 2.7L engine for a 2-5 second ticking/rattling noise on cold start caused by sticking internal VCT unit components. A stuck phaser can cause a persistent timing error. A Reddit user with an F-150 reported a $5,500 quote for a cam phaser repair to fix a P0022 code.
   How to confirm: This is a more advanced diagnosis. If new solenoids and clean oil do not fix the issue, and a rattling noise is present on cold starts, the phaser is the likely culprit. This usually requires a mechanic's inspection.
   Typical fix: Replace the VCT phaser unit on the Bank 2 intake camshaft. Per TSB #23-2049, Ford recommends replacing all four VCT units if this issue is confirmed. This is a labor-intensive job. 🎬 Watch: What a cold start phaser rattle sounds like.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150 per phaser

Rare But Worth Checking

• Worn Timing Chain or Guides: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While less common than solenoid or phaser failure, a stretched timing chain can cause camshaft timing to be retarded. This is usually accompanied by rattling noises that don't go away after the engine warms up. One F-150 owner had a timing chain and tensioner replaced for P0022, but the issue persisted, pointing back to the solenoids.
• Wiring Harness Damage: Check the wiring and connector for the Bank 2 intake VCT solenoid for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connection. A user on a Lincoln forum found a split wire casing on the VCT solenoid connector which caused intermittent P0022 and P0021 codes.
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is extremely rare and should only be considered after all other possibilities have been exhaustively ruled out. Sometimes a software update is required, rather than a full replacement.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the engine oil level and condition. Top off or perform an oil and filter change if needed, using the correct 5W-30 oil.
2. Scan for any other DTCs that may provide more context.
3. Inspect the electrical connector and wiring going to the Bank 2 (driver's side) intake VCT solenoid for any damage, corrosion, or split casings.
4. Using a capable scan tool, monitor the desired vs. actual camshaft angle for the Bank 2 intake cam. Per TSB SSM 50067, command the solenoid on and off 10 times to see if it frees any debris and if the angle changes as expected.
5. If the solenoid appears unresponsive, swap the Bank 2 intake solenoid with the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code returns as P0024 (for the exhaust cam), the solenoid is confirmed faulty.
6. If the code P0022 returns after the swap, the issue is likely not the solenoid. The next step is to suspect a clogged oil passage or a failing camshaft phaser.
7. If a cold-start rattle lasting 2-5 seconds is present, refer to TSB 23-2049 and suspect the VCT phaser unit itself. This step will likely require professional diagnosis.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid (OEM #FT4Z-6M280-B) — This solenoid controls oil flow to the cam phaser and is the most common failure point for VCT-related codes, often due to sticking from oil debris as noted in TSB SSM 50067. This part number supersedes FT4Z-6M280-A.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Standard Motor Products, NGK
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$60
• Intake Camshaft Phaser (OEM #FT4Z-6256-A) — If the solenoid is working correctly, the phaser itself may be stuck or failing internally, a known issue addressed by TSB 23-2049 for cold-start rattles.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$90

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0012 — Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1). Seeing both P0012 and P0022 at the same time strongly points to a systemic issue affecting both banks, such as low/dirty oil or incorrect oil viscosity.
• P0021 — 'A' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2). This is the opposite fault for the same camshaft and can indicate an intermittently sticking VCT solenoid or phaser that moves between being stuck in the retarded and advanced positions.
• P052D — Cold Start 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 2. This is a more specific version of P0022 that confirms the fault is happening during cold starts, strongly pointing to issues with oil pressure/viscosity when cold or a sticking VCT phaser as described in TSB 23-2049.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 54366: General diagnostic procedure for multiple VCT codes.
• SSM 50067: Highlights sticking VCT solenoids due to debris as a potential cause.
• 23-2049: Pertains to failing VCT phaser units causing cold-start noises and potential timing issues.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB SSM 50067: Notes that various VCT codes, including P0022, may be caused by small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. It advises using a scan tool to cycle the affected solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear debris before component replacement.
• TSB 23-2049: Addresses a cold-start ticking or rattle noise lasting 2-5 seconds in 2019-2023 2.7L engines, caused by sticking VCT units (phasers), which can lead to timing faults. The prescribed fix is to replace all four VCT units. This TSB has been superseded multiple times, with 23-2356 being a later version updating the parts list.
• TSB SSM 54366: Lists P0022 among a large group of VCT-related codes and refers technicians to specific diagnostic procedures in the workshop manual.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VCT Solenoid Resistance — expected: 6.9 to 7.9 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). Failure: A reading outside this range, or an open/infinite reading, indicates a faulty solenoid coil.
• Scan Tool VCT PIDs (Bank 2 Intake) — expected: Monitor VCT_INT_ACT2 (Actual Angle) and VCT_INT_DIF2 (Difference Angle). The VCT_INT_DIF2 PID should be close to 0 degrees at idle and during steady operation.. Failure: A VCT_INT_DIF2 value that is consistently high, or does not return to zero, indicates a discrepancy between the commanded and actual cam position.
• Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Voltage — expected: Signal wire should toggle between approximately 0V and 5V as the engine is manually cranked.. Failure: A signal that is stuck high, stuck low, or shows no change indicates a potential sensor or wiring issue.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode 6, VVT Monitor: Mode 6 is a diagnostic function that shows test results for non-continuously monitored systems. For the VVT system, it can display the measured camshaft position deviation. This value can be checked to see if it is approaching the maximum allowable limit, even before it's bad enough to set a DTC like P0022. (see via A professional-level scan tool with Mode 6 capabilities is required.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS (or equivalent professional scanner): VCT Solenoid Cycle Test (Pinpoint Test HK11) — This command rapidly cycles the specified VCT solenoid on and off (typically 10 times). It is recommended by Ford TSBs as a first step to dislodge small debris that may be causing the solenoid to stick, potentially fixing the issue without replacing parts.
• Ford IDS (or equivalent professional scanner): VCT PID Monitoring — Used to live-monitor the desired vs. actual camshaft angle (e.g., VCT_INT_CMD2 vs VCT_INT_ACT2) and the error/difference (VCT_INT_DIF2). This is essential for confirming if the phaser is physically responding to the solenoid's commands during a test drive.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• VCT Solenoid Connector to PCM — The VCT solenoid for Bank 2 Intake is located on the driver's side valve cover. The PCM is typically located in the engine bay.. To definitively rule out a wiring issue, a technician must perform a continuity test on the two wires running between the VCT solenoid connector and the corresponding pins at the PCM connector. An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a short to ground would prevent the solenoid from operating correctly.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Ford Boss Me - YouTube (2015 Ford F-150 (engine not specified, but uses same VCT solenoid design)) — Engine idle would drop from ~700 RPM to 400 RPM and surge back up when coming to a stop. Sometimes the engine would stall. A pending P0022 code was found.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner noted the issue persisted for a couple of weeks before the repair.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner replaced all four VCT solenoids. After replacement, the idle was stable at ~650 RPM in drive and no longer dropped or surged.
• CarKiller Forum (2017 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost with 125k miles) — Intermittent misfire under load, with codes P0305 (Cylinder 5 Misfire), P0022, and P052D.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the ignition coil on cylinder 5. The fix worked for one day and then the problem returned.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner discovered and replaced a cracked spark plug in cylinder #5. This resolved all codes and symptoms.

OEM Part Supersession History

• FT4Z-6M280-A → FT4Z-6M280-B — Part revision to improve reliability and performance. This is a common update for electronic components like solenoids.
• TSB 22-2376 → TSB 23-2049 — The technical service bulletin for the VCT phaser cold-start rattle was updated to include a wider range of model years (now 2019-2023) and update the required parts list for the repair.
  Heads up: When performing the VCT phaser replacement per the TSB, the newer bulletin with its specific parts list must be used to ensure all required gaskets and one-time-use bolts are replaced correctly.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2019-2023: The known issue of VCT phasers sticking and causing a cold-start rattle, which can lead to timing codes, was officially expanded by Ford to cover models up to 2023 via TSB 23-2049. This indicates the problem was not resolved in the initial 2019-2021 production run.