P0369 on 2018-2020 Lincoln Navigator: Cam Sensor, Oil Consumption, and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2020 Lincoln NAVIGATOR

On the 3.5L EcoBoost engine in this specific Navigator, P0369 is a known indicator of a larger problem. Instead of being a simple sensor fault, the code is frequently associated with excessive oil consumption. Ford and Lincoln have issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that the root cause often lies with the PCV system within the valve covers or requires a software update for the engine's computer, making this a much more complex issue than on other vehicles.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Excessive oil consumption with no visible leaks.
• Check Engine Light is on.
• Engine may stall, run rough, or hesitate.
• Engine may be hard to start.
• Reduced engine power or vehicle entering 'limp mode'.
• Audible ticking or rattling noises from the engine, especially on startup.

Most Likely Causes

1. PCV System Issue / Faulty Valve Covers 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Valve Cover Multiple TSBs (SSM 47623, TSB 19-2232, TSB 20-2423) identify issues with the valve covers and integrated PCV system causing excessive oil consumption, which in turn triggers this code.
   How to confirm: A technician would perform an oil consumption test as detailed in TSB 20-2423 and follow the diagnostic procedures. This involves precise oil level measurement over thousands of miles and is not a simple visual inspection.
   Typical fix: Replacement of both engine valve covers with updated parts. TSB 20-2423 specifies part numbers HL3Z-6582-E (Left) and HL3Z-6582-C (Right). Note: Confirming the correct part for your VIN is critical.
   Est. part cost: $300-$600
2. Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update Required 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) TSB 20-2423 and SSM 49219 explicitly state that a PCM software update is the first step in the corrective action for the oil consumption issue that triggers P0369 on vehicles built on or before Sept 11, 2020.
   How to confirm: A Ford/Lincoln dealership can check the vehicle's current software calibration against the latest available version using their diagnostic tools like the Ford IDS.
   Typical fix: Reprogramming the PCM with the updated software. This is often the first step before valve cover replacement is authorized.
   Est. part cost: $0 (if under warranty) or $100-$250 (dealer fee)
3. Low Engine Oil Level 🟡 Medium Probability As a direct result of the oil consumption issues, the oil level can drop low enough to affect the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) system, which can trigger camshaft sensor codes.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level on a level surface after allowing at least 15 minutes for the oil to drain back into the pan, as specified by Ford in TSBs. Failure to wait can result in a false reading.
   Typical fix: Top off engine oil to the correct level and begin monitoring for excessive consumption to identify the root cause per TSB procedures.
   Est. part cost: $15-$30
4. Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor While the sensor itself can fail, it is not the most common cause for this code on this specific vehicle due to the known TSBs. Owners on forums frequently report replacing the sensor does not fix the issue.
   How to confirm: After ruling out all TSB-related issues, a technician can test the sensor's signal with an oscilloscope or multimeter. Swapping the sensor with an adjacent one (e.g., the intake sensor on the same bank) is a common diagnostic trick. Also inspect for metallic debris on the magnetic tip of the sensor.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor. The Motorcraft part is often referenced as DU-90 or has an engineering number like RL3A-12K073-AB.
   Est. part cost: $40-$120

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged Wiring or Connector: The wiring harness to the sensor can become damaged from heat and vibration, causing an intermittent signal. Always inspect the connector for a secure fit and the nearby wiring for breaks, corrosion, or oil contamination before replacing parts.
• Worn Timing Components or VCT Units: Although less common than the oil consumption issue for this specific code, a stretched timing chain or failing VCT phaser can cause erratic camshaft readings, triggering this code. This is a more common issue on older EcoBoost generations but can still occur, and is an expensive repair.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the vehicle's VIN for any open recalls or applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to P0369 or oil consumption. This is the most critical first step. You can do this via the NHTSA website or by calling a dealership.
2. Carefully check the engine oil level and condition. Follow the manufacturer's procedure, which requires waiting a full 15 minutes after the engine is shut off for proper drain-back.
3. If oil is low, top it off, clear the code, and begin a formal oil consumption test as outlined in TSB 20-2423 if you suspect the known issue.
4. Inspect the wiring harness and electrical connector for the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor. Check for oil saturation inside the connector, which can indicate a leaking valve cover.
5. If TSBs apply, follow the recommended service procedure, which starts with a PCM reprogram. If that doesn't resolve consumption, it proceeds to valve cover replacement. This should be performed by a qualified technician.
6. Only after all TSB-related causes have been ruled out should you consider testing the sensor itself. Remove it and inspect the magnetic tip for metallic shavings.
7. If the sensor is confirmed to be faulty after all other steps, replace it with a high-quality OEM part.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Valve Covers (Left and Right) (OEM #HL3Z-6582-E (Left), HL3Z-6582-C (Right) per TSB 20-2423) 🎬 See this walkthrough of a leaking driver side valve cover. — Per multiple TSBs, a faulty PCV system integrated into the valve covers is a primary cause of the oil consumption that triggers P0369.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $300-$600
  Aftermarket price range: $200-$450
• Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 1, Exhaust) (OEM #Motorcraft DU-90 (Service P/N), RL3A-12K073-AB (Engineering P/N)) — This is the part directly named by the code. While often not the root cause on this vehicle, it can fail and is a common misdiagnosis.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Bosch, Delphi
  OEM price range: $80-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0365 — P0365 is the general fault code for the same sensor circuit ('Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit Bank 1'). P0369 specifies the fault is intermittent. They are frequently logged together, 🎬 Watch: How to address P0365 and P0369 codes on your EcoBoost. and both are mentioned in the same TSBs.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 20-2423: Links excessive oil consumption and DTC P0369 to the need for a PCM reprogram and potential valve cover replacement on vehicles built on or before 11-Sept-2020. This TSB supersedes TSB 20-2294.
🎬 Watch: A breakdown of TSB 20-2423 and the oil consumption fix.
• SSM 49219: Notes that engineering is working on a PCM calibration update for excessive oil consumption with or without P0369.
• SSM 47623: For vehicles built on or before 13-Jul-2018, advises replacing both engine valve covers for this code if excessive oil consumption is present.
• TSB 19-2232: Connects excessive oil consumption and P0369 to a concern with the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. This was later superseded by TSB 20-2132.
• SSM 47983: For vehicles built on or before 1-Apr-2019, recommends replacing both valve covers for this issue.
• SSM 47961: Links P0369 to low engine oil level, low oil pressure, or worn/damaged VCT units.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• On 2018-2020 Navigators with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, code P0369 is strongly linked to an excessive oil consumption problem.
• Manufacturer service bulletins (TSB 20-2423, SSM 47623, etc.) point to root causes in the PCV system design within the valve covers and necessary PCM software updates, rather than a simple sensor failure.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Power Supply Voltage — expected: Approximately 5 volts with key on, engine off.. Failure: Voltage significantly lower than 5V or 0V indicates a wiring or PCM issue.
• Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Signal Wire Voltage — expected: Approximately 5 volts with key on, engine off. Should drop to 0V momentarily when a ferrous metal object passes in front of the sensor tip.. Failure: Voltage does not drop to 0V when tested, or is stuck at 0V, indicating a faulty sensor or wiring short.
• Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Ground Circuit to Battery Positive — expected: Approximately 12.6 volts (battery voltage).. Failure: A reading of 0V or significantly less than battery voltage indicates a bad ground connection for the sensor.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode 6, Test ID $A2-$AF (varies by specific ECU calibration): Misfire count data for individual cylinders. While not a shadow code for P0369 itself, an intermittent camshaft signal can cause misfires. Checking Mode 6 can reveal which cylinders are affected, even without a specific misfire DTC, helping to correlate the cam timing fault with its effect on combustion. (see via A professional scan tool with Mode 6 capabilities. The specific Test ID (e.g., $A2 for cylinder 1, $A3 for cylinder 2) must be cross-referenced for the vehicle.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): Datalogger with VCT PIDs (VCT_ADV_ERR, VCT_DC) — To diagnose deeper VCT system issues. By monitoring the VCT advance error (VCT_ADV_ERR) and solenoid duty cycle (VCT_DC) PIDs during a drive, a technician can see if the PCM is commanding a change and if the camshaft is responding correctly. A large error value or a duty cycle that is maxed out on one bank can point towards a mechanical VCT phaser or oil flow problem, ruling out the sensor itself.
• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): Power Balance Test — To identify which cylinder(s) are misfiring as a result of the intermittent cam signal. This test graphically displays the power contribution of each cylinder, making it easy to spot inconsistencies that might be caused by incorrect timing on Bank 1.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G108 — Right side of the engine compartment.. This is a primary ground point for various components in the engine bay. A loose or corroded G108 can introduce electrical noise or intermittent open circuits for sensors, including the camshaft position sensor, leading to codes like P0369.
• CMP Sensor Connector — On the top of the valve cover for Bank 1 (passenger side), for the exhaust camshaft (sensor 'B' is typically the rearmost sensor).. This is the direct connection point for the sensor. It is critical to inspect this 3-wire connector and the surrounding harness for oil saturation (from a leaking valve cover), corrosion, or physical damage, which are common causes of intermittent circuit faults.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Ford Raptor Forum user 'RaptorG16' (2018 Ford F-150 Raptor (3.5L High-Output EcoBoost)) — Excessive oil consumption and associated DTCs (P0365/P0369 mentioned in the TSB being discussed).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Not specified, but the user was waiting on parts for the TSB fix.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The dealership replaced both valve covers as per the manufacturer's service bulletin (SSM 47983 at the time). Another user in the same thread with a 2019 model also had the valve covers replaced to fix the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• HL3Z-6582-E → HL3Z-6582-G — This is the Left (Driver Side) valve cover. The part has been superseded multiple times (passing through -B and -D revisions) likely to improve the integrated PCV system and resolve the oil consumption issue outlined in the TSBs.
  Heads up: Using an older, un-revised part will not fix the underlying oil consumption problem. It is critical to use the latest available part number.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2018-2020 (built on or before 11-Sept-2020): TSB 20-2423 specifies that the first step for these vehicles is a PCM reprogram. If the vehicle was built before 1-Apr-2019, it may also require the valve cover replacement as a primary step per older TSBs like TSB 19-2232. The build date is critical for determining the correct diagnostic path.