P0024 on 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport: Exhaust Cam Timing Over-Advanced Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2021 Ford ECOSPORT

The 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport was available with two engines: a 1.0L 3-cylinder (which only has one bank) and a 2.0L I4 Ti-VCT GDI engine. This code, P0024, specifically applies to the 2.0L engine as it is the only one with a "Bank 2". Ford has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), including #SSM 48423 and #SSM 50067, for a wide range of vehicles, including the EcoSport, which state that codes like P0024 can be caused by small debris making the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid stick. This indicates a known sensitivity in Ford's VCT system to oil quality and contamination. The solenoids themselves are located under the valve cover, making replacement more involved than on some other engines.

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 uneven idle
• Engine may hesitate or stall, especially at stops
• Reduced power and poor acceleration
• Decreased fuel economy
• Engine may be hard to start
• Rattling noise from the engine

Most Likely Causes

1. Sticking or Failed VCT Solenoid 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Ford TSBs #SSM 48423 and #SSM 50067 directly state that debris can cause the VCT solenoid to stick, triggering this code. These solenoids have fine mesh screens that are easily clogged by oil sludge or contaminants.
   How to confirm: The VCT solenoids are located under the valve cover. The exhaust solenoid is on the side of the engine with the exhaust manifold. Use a scan tool to monitor camshaft position data. A more definitive test is to swap the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid with the Bank 1 exhaust solenoid (they are interchangeable). If the code changes to P0014 (Bank 1 exhaust over-advanced), the solenoid is faulty. TSB #SSM 48423 also suggests using a high-end scan tool to cycle the solenoid 10 times to try and clear debris before replacement.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid. An oil and filter change is highly recommended at the same time to flush out any debris that caused the original part to fail. Since the valve cover must be removed, replacing the valve cover gasket is also required.
   Est. part cost: $40-$70
2. Low, Dirty, or Incorrect Viscosity Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The Ti-VCT system is entirely hydraulic and relies on clean oil at the correct pressure to function. Contaminated, old, or low oil can lead to sludge that clogs the small passages in the VCT solenoids or starves the system of pressure. Forum users have reported this exact code appearing when the oil level was low, and disappearing after topping it off.
   How to confirm: Check the oil dipstick for level and condition. If the oil is low, dark, or appears sludgy, this is a likely contributor. This should always be the first check.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change using the manufacturer-specified oil viscosity (e.g., 5W-20) and a quality filter.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
3. Wiring or Connector Issue at the VCT Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Wiring can become brittle over time due to engine heat cycles. Rodents can also chew on harnesses.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector going to the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid. Check for frayed wires, corrosion on the pins, or a loose connection. This inspection is done after removing the valve cover to access the solenoid.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged wiring or clean/replace the connector.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed Camshaft Phaser: → Shop Engine Camshaft The phaser is the mechanical gear that the solenoid controls. It can fail by getting stuck in the advanced position, but this is much less common than a solenoid failure. This is a more expensive and labor-intensive repair.
• Stretched Timing Chain or Failed Tensioner: → Shop Engine Timing Chain Over time, the timing chain can stretch, or its tensioner can weaken, causing timing to be off. This is usually accompanied by a rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup, and is a more serious mechanical issue.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the engine oil level and condition. This is the most important first step. Top off or change the oil if it is low, old, or dirty. Use the correct viscosity oil specified by Ford.
2. Scan for any other trouble codes. If camshaft position sensor codes (e.g., P0365, P0369) are present, diagnose them first.
3. Using a high-level diagnostic scan tool, access the active commands for the VCT system. Per TSB SSM 48423, command the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid on and off 10 times to attempt to dislodge any small debris. Clear the code and see if it returns.
4. If the code returns, the next step is to access the solenoids. This requires removing the engine valve cover.
5. Once the valve cover is off, inspect the electrical connector and wiring for the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
6. The most effective diagnostic step is to swap the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid with the Bank 1 exhaust VCT solenoid. They are identical and interchangeable.
7. Reassemble, clear the codes, and drive the vehicle. If the code returns as P0014 (Bank 1), the solenoid you moved is faulty and needs to be replaced.
8. If the P0024 code returns, the problem is not the solenoid. Further investigation of the camshaft phaser, timing chain, and oil passages is required, which may necessitate professional help.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid (OEM #CM5Z-6M280-C (supersedes CM5Z-6M280-A)) — This is the most common cause of P0024, as identified by Ford's own TSBs. It gets stuck due to oil debris or internal failure.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Dorman
  OEM price range: $50-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Valve Cover Gasket — Required for reinstallation of the valve cover after accessing the VCT solenoids to prevent oil leaks. Often sold as a kit with spark plug tube seals. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to replacing the valve cover gasket
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Fel-Pro
  OEM price range: $30-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$40

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0014 — This is the equivalent code for the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1. If you swap solenoids for diagnosis and the code changes to P0014, it confirms the solenoid is bad.
• P0025 — This code is for 'Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)'. Seeing it with P0024 could indicate an erratic VCT solenoid or a more serious timing issue.
• P0021, P0022 — These are the codes for the intake camshaft on Bank 2. Seeing them together with P0024 could point to a systemic oil pressure or delivery problem affecting all VCT components on Bank 2.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 48423: Notes that various VCT DTCs, including P0024, may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Crucially, it advises using pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear debris before replacement.
• SSM 50067: Repeats the guidance of SSM 48423 for a broader range of vehicles and years, confirming the known issue with sticking VCT solenoids.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• As per Ford TSBs #SSM 48423 and #SSM 50067, 2018-2021 EcoSport models are susceptible to VCT codes, including P0024, due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. The bulletins advise diagnosing this by cycling the solenoid with a scan tool before replacing components.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VCT Solenoid Internal Resistance — expected: 7 to 14 ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range (open circuit or short) indicates a failed solenoid coil.
• VCT Solenoid Power Supply Voltage — expected: Battery voltage (approx. 12V) with ignition on. Failure: No voltage indicates a problem with the power supply circuit, fuse, or PCM power relay.
• Ford IDS Scan Tool VCT Advanced Error PID — expected: Should hover around 0°, with no more than a +/- 5° difference for an excessive time.. Failure: A large, persistent difference (e.g., >20°) between the desired and actual camshaft position will trigger the DTC.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS (or equivalent high-level scanner like FORScan): VCT Solenoid Actuator Test / Pinpoint Test HK11 — As per TSB #SSM 48423, this command cycles the solenoid on and off (typically 10 times) to attempt to dislodge small debris that may be causing it to stick. This should be used after checking oil but before physically replacing the solenoid.
• Ford IDS (or equivalent): Monitor VCT_EXH_ACT2 and VCT_EXH_DIF2 PIDs — This is for live diagnosis. VCT_EXH_ACT2 shows the actual angle of the Bank 2 exhaust cam, while VCT_EXH_DIF2 shows the difference between the commanded and actual positions. A large, persistent value in VCT_EXH_DIF2 confirms the fault condition.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• GN1Z-14324-B (Strap Assembly Earth) — This ground strap connects the transmission to the frame rail on the 2018-2019 2.0L EcoSport.. A poor engine or transmission ground can cause a host of electrical issues, including erratic sensor readings and incorrect actuator behavior. While not a primary cause for P0024, ensuring this main ground is clean and secure is a fundamental step in any electrical diagnosis.
• VCT Solenoid Connector — On the VCT solenoid itself, under the valve cover.. This 2-pin connector is where voltage and resistance tests are performed. One pin receives 12V power with the ignition on, and the other is the ground-side control wire from the PCM.

OEM Part Supersession History

• CM5Z-6M280-A → CM5Z-6M280-C — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The new part number CM5Z-6M280-C is the correct replacement and is fully compatible. The two parts are interchangeable for this application.