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2005–2014 Ford Expedition: Ticking or knocking at idle (5.4L 3V cam phasers)

Likely causes, ranked

  1. Worn cam phasersShop
  2. Sticking VCT solenoidsDIY
  3. Low or old oilDIY

Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.

DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section

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Symptom: A diesel-like tick or knock at warm idle that fades with RPM, a cold-start rattle, rough idle, sometimes cam timing codes.

Likely causes

  1. Cam phasers. Ford Truck Enthusiasts has a long how-to on replacing 5.4L 3V phasers to cure the knock.
  2. VCT solenoids and oil. Ford's bulletin replaces both VCT solenoids for erratic cam timing. Owners stress the correct oil and level.

DIY or shop?

Solenoids are DIY. Phasers and timing parts are a shop job or an advanced DIY.

Useful steps

  1. Check oil level and grade.
  2. Read any cam timing codes.
  3. Try VCT solenoids before a full phaser job if the bulletin fits.

Vehicle focus: 2005–2014 Ford Expedition.

Safety / mechanic note

None

Related trouble codes

  • P0011 'A' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
  • P0012 'A' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
  • P0021 'A' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
  • P0022 Manufacturer-specific or not yet in our code library
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Recalls & service bulletins

No recalls or service bulletins are listed for this page yet.

NHTSA complaints: 247 keyword-matched complaints for Ford EXPEDITION 2005–2014 (of 1,413 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).

Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sources

What actually fixed it?

Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.

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