P0025 on 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental: Exhaust Cam Timing Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2017-2020 Lincoln CONTINENTAL

For this generation of Lincoln Continental, Ford/Lincoln has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that P0025 can be caused by small debris in the oil causing the VCT solenoid to stick. [SSM 50067] The official diagnostic procedure was updated to include cycling the solenoid with a scan tool to attempt to clear this debris before replacing the part. 🎬 Watch: Ford tech explains how debris restricts VCT solenoids. [SSM 54366, 24] This highlights the system's sensitivity to oil quality and the importance of proper maintenance, including using high-quality filters like the Motorcraft FL-500S, to prevent this code.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Illuminated Check Engine Light
• Rough or unstable engine idle
• Engine stalling, especially when coming to a stop
• Reduced engine power and sluggish acceleration
• Decreased fuel economy
• Engine ticking or knocking noises in some cases
• Engine may be hard to start.

Most Likely Causes

1. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The VCT system is hydraulic and highly sensitive to oil pressure and cleanliness. Contaminated or low oil is the most common trigger for VCT-related faults across all Ford/Lincoln platforms with these engines. Using an incorrect or low-quality oil filter can also contribute to debris issues.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level on the dipstick and inspect its color and consistency. If the level is low or the oil is dark, gritty, or past its service interval, this is the likely cause.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change using the correct OEM-specified viscosity full synthetic oil (e.g., Motorcraft 5W-30) and a quality filter (e.g., Motorcraft FL-500S).
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
2. Sticking or Failed Bank 2 Exhaust VCT Solenoid 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Manufacturer TSBs confirm that debris can cause these solenoids to stick, preventing proper camshaft adjustment. [SSM 50067] They are a known failure point on the 2.7L, 3.0L, and 3.7L engines.
   How to confirm: After confirming oil is clean and full, a technician can use a scan tool to command the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid on and off while monitoring the camshaft position. TSB SSM 50067 specifically advises cycling the solenoid 10 times to try and clear debris before replacement. A DIY method is to swap the suspect solenoid with an identical one (e.g., the intake solenoid on the same bank) and see if the trouble code follows the part, changing to P0021.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid and the valve cover gasket. The solenoid is located under the valve cover, so the gasket must be replaced at the same time. Many owners on forums recommend using only OEM Motorcraft solenoids to avoid premature failure of aftermarket parts.
   Est. part cost: $80-$250
3. Wiring or Connector Issue at VCT Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid It is possible for oil to leak from the solenoid's seal and contaminate the electrical connector, causing a poor connection. Also, after other repairs, it's possible to accidentally swap the intake and exhaust solenoid connectors, which will immediately trigger VCT codes.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector leading to the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. A multimeter can be used to check for continuity and proper voltage.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged wiring or clean/replace the connector. If connectors were swapped, install them on the correct solenoids.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed Camshaft Phaser: → Shop Engine Camshaft While less common than a solenoid failure, a mechanically failed or clogged cam phaser (the gear on the end of the camshaft) can cause this code. This is a more widely documented problem on the 3.0L EcoBoost, which can have premature phaser failure causing a rattle on startup. This is a more complex and expensive repair.
• Stretched Timing Chain or Failed Tensioner: → Shop Engine Timing Chain If the timing chain has stretched or a guide/tensioner has failed, the base timing will be incorrect, leading to this code. This is a major repair and is often accompanied by rattling noises, especially on startup.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check Engine Oil: Verify the engine oil is at the correct level and is clean. If low or dirty, perform an oil and filter change with the manufacturer-specified oil and a high-quality filter. Clear the code and test drive.
2. Scan Tool Analysis: Connect a diagnostic scan tool to monitor the desired vs. actual camshaft position for the Bank 2 exhaust cam. This confirms the timing is indeed retarded.
3. Identify Bank 2: On the transverse V6 engines in the Continental, locate Bank 2, which is the cylinder bank closer to the firewall.
4. Actuate the Solenoid: Use the scan tool's bidirectional controls to command the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid on and off. Per TSB SSM 50067, cycle the solenoid 10 times to attempt to dislodge any debris.
5. Inspect Wiring: If the solenoid doesn't respond, inspect its electrical connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or oil contamination.
6. Test the Solenoid: If wiring is good, consider swapping the exhaust solenoid with the intake solenoid on the same bank. If the code changes to P0021, the solenoid is confirmed faulty. Alternatively, remove the solenoid for a bench test. Check its internal screens for sludge or debris. Apply 12V to see if the internal plunger moves freely. Resistance should be 6.9-7.9 ohms at 68°F.
7. Replace Solenoid and Gasket: If the solenoid fails testing or the issue persists, replace the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid and the valve cover gasket. Using an OEM Motorcraft part is highly recommended.
8. Mechanical Inspection: If all of the above steps fail to resolve the code, a deeper mechanical inspection of the cam phaser and timing chain components is necessary. This is especially true if a startup rattle is present.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid (Bank 2 Exhaust) (OEM #AT4Z-6M280-B (3.7L), FT4Z-6M280-B (2.7L/3.0L)) — This solenoid is the most common part to fail or stick due to oil debris, as acknowledged in manufacturer TSBs. [SSM 50067, 4] The AT4Z-6M280-B is specified for the 3.7L, while the FT4Z-6M280-B is for the 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost engines.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Dorman, Standard Motor Products (SMP), Gates
  OEM price range: $70-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$80
• Valve Cover Gasket (Bank 2) — On all V6 engines in the Continental, the VCT solenoids are located under the valve cover. The gasket is a one-time-use part and must be replaced to prevent oil leaks after accessing the solenoid.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Fel-Pro, Mahle
  OEM price range: $40-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$40
• Engine Oil Filter (OEM #Motorcraft FL-500S) — A high-quality oil filter is critical for preventing the debris that causes VCT solenoids to stick. The Motorcraft FL-500S is the OEM-recommended filter for these engines.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, WIX, Purolator
  OEM price range: $10-$15
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$12

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0019 — This code is for Crankshaft-Camshaft Correlation error on Bank 2. It is very common to see P0019 and P0025 together, as the over-retarded timing directly causes a correlation fault with the crankshaft. TSB 16-0038 even suggests replacing the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid if both codes are present.
• P0015 — This is the equivalent code for Bank 1 ('B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded). Seeing both may indicate a systemic issue like very low/dirty oil or low oil pressure affecting the entire engine.
• P0024 — This code is for 'B' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2). Seeing it with P0025 can indicate an erratic VCT solenoid or oil pressure problem causing the camshaft timing to be unstable and stick intermittently in both directions.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 50067: VCT solenoid may be sticking due to small debris; advises diagnostic steps before replacement.
• SSM 54366: Diagnostic pinpoint test HK has been updated for VCT-related codes including P0025.
• TSB 16-0038: Links P0019 and P0025 codes and points to the VCT solenoid as the likely cause.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB SSM 50067: Explicitly states that P0025 (and other VCT codes) may be caused by small debris making the VCT solenoid stick, and advises against immediate replacement before performing further diagnosis. [SSM 50067]
• TSB SSM 54366: Notes that the official diagnostic procedure (Pinpoint Test HK) for this group of codes has been updated in the workshop manual, reinforcing that a specific diagnostic path should be followed. [SSM 54366]
• TSB 16-0038: For some Ford/Lincoln vehicles, this TSB advises replacing the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid if P0019 and P0025 are present together.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VCT Solenoid Resistance — expected: 6.9 to 7.9 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). Some general Ford sources state a wider acceptable range of 5-15 Ohms.. Failure: A reading of 0 Ohms (short), OL/infinity (open), or a value significantly outside the specified range indicates a faulty solenoid.
• VCT Solenoid Connector Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: One pin should show battery voltage (approx. 12V) relative to a good ground.. Failure: No voltage indicates a problem in the power supply circuit from the PCM relay or a blown fuse.
• Engine Oil Pressure at Hot Idle — expected: Minimum of 15 PSI.. Failure: Pressure below 15 PSI at hot idle can cause the VCT system to malfunction and set timing codes, as the phasers rely on adequate oil pressure to operate correctly.
• Scan Tool VCT Advance Error PID (VCT_ERR) — expected: Should hover around 0 degrees (+/- 5 degrees) when the system is in closed-loop operation.. Failure: A large, persistent negative value for the Bank 2 exhaust cam indicates it is over-retarded and confirms the fault condition.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System) or equivalent professional scanner: Pinpoint Test HK / VCT Solenoid On/Off Command — This is a key diagnostic step mentioned in TSBs. It allows a technician to cycle the solenoid multiple times (typically 10) to attempt to dislodge internal debris that may be causing it to stick. It's used after verifying oil level and before deciding to replace the solenoid.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Bank 2 Exhaust VCT Solenoid Connector — On the top of the Bank 2 (firewall side) valve cover. It is a 2-pin connector, typically for the rearmost solenoid on that cover.. This connector provides power and control to the solenoid. Pin 1 is the 12V power supply from the PCM power relay, and Pin 2 is the ground-side control wire that the PCM pulses to actuate the solenoid. Oil contamination, corrosion, or damaged wires at this specific connector will directly cause a P0025 code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• FT4Z-6M280-A → FT4Z-6M280-B — Standard part revision by the manufacturer, likely for improved durability or material changes.
• None found for this specific part number. → AT4Z-6M280-B — This appears to be the long-standing part number for the 3.7L V6 application.