P0019 on 2017-2020 Ford Fusion Sport: Crank-Cam Correlation Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2020 Ford FUSION

This code is highly specific. It only applies to Ford Fusions with a V-style engine, which for this year range is exclusively the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 found in the Fusion Sport model (2017-2020). The more common 1.5L, 2.0L, and 2.5L four-cylinder engines do not have a 'Bank 2' and cannot set this code. Ford has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) indicating that debris in the oil can cause the VCT solenoids to stick, making it a very common issue on this engine family. TSB SSM 47170 specifically advises technicians to try cycling the affected solenoid with a scan tool to clear debris before replacing any parts.

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 fluctuating between 600-900 RPM
• Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Reduced engine power
• Noticeably worse fuel mileage
• Engine may be difficult to start or stall at low speeds
• Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup, can indicate a timing chain issue

Most Likely Causes

1. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The VCT system is hydraulically operated by engine oil. Ford TSBs for this engine family specifically cite 'small debris' as a cause for VCT issues. Using oil that doesn't meet the manufacturer's requirements can also lead to sludge and blockages.
   How to confirm: Check the oil level on the dipstick and inspect its color and consistency. If it's low, black, or gritty, it needs to be changed. Ensure the correct oil viscosity (e.g., 5W-30 full synthetic for the 2.7L EcoBoost) is used.
   Typical fix: Perform an oil and filter change using the correct grade of oil specified in your owner's manual. This simple step can sometimes resolve the issue on its own.
   Est. part cost: $50-$90
2. Faulty VCT Oil Control Solenoid (Bank 2 Exhaust) 🔴 High Probability As noted in multiple Ford TSBs, these solenoids are known to stick due to debris or internal failure, which directly causes timing correlation codes. This is the most common point of failure for this specific code.
   How to confirm: Located on the driver's side valve cover. You can test the solenoid's resistance with a multimeter or apply 12V to see if it actuates. A common diagnostic step is to swap it with the intake solenoid on the same bank (Bank 2 Intake) and see if the code changes to P0018. If it does, the solenoid is confirmed bad.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 (driver's side) exhaust VCT solenoid. The OEM part is Motorcraft FT4Z-6C535-A or a similar number.
   Est. part cost: $40-$100
3. Failed Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 2 Exhaust) 🟡 Medium Probability While less common than solenoid failure, a sensor can fail and stop sending a correct signal to the PCM, leading the computer to believe there is a correlation error.
   How to confirm: The sensor is located on the driver's side of the engine, near the rear of the cylinder head. 🎬 See this walkthrough on replacing a camshaft position sensor It can be tested with a multimeter or by observing its output on a capable scan tool. If you get other codes like P0390 (Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit Bank 2), it points more directly to the sensor or its wiring.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2, Sensor 'B' (exhaust) camshaft position sensor. The OEM part number is BL3Z-6B288-C.
   Est. part cost: $30-$80

Rare But Worth Checking

• Stretched Timing Chain or Failed Tensioner: This is a significant mechanical failure. If the oil level is good and VCT/cam sensors check out, this becomes a possibility, especially on higher mileage engines (>100k miles). It will cause a persistent timing code and often an audible rattle on startup or at idle. A weak tensioner can fail to keep the chain taut, causing slack and incorrect timing.
• Failed VCT Phaser (Camshaft Actuator): The VCT phaser is the gear on the end of the camshaft that actually performs the timing adjustment. It can fail mechanically, getting stuck in one position or having its internal oil passages blocked. This is a more involved and expensive repair than a solenoid or sensor and often requires timing cover removal.
🎬 Watch: Detailed 2.7L EcoBoost timing chain replacement procedure
• Damaged Wiring or Connectors: Check the wiring harness leading to the camshaft sensor and VCT solenoid on the driver's side for any signs of fraying, melting, or corrosion at the connector pins. A poor connection can mimic a failed component.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify Engine Oil: Check the engine oil level and condition. If low or dirty, perform an oil and filter change with the correct OEM-specified oil (e.g., full synthetic 5W-30). Clear the code and see if it returns.
2. Scan Tool Analysis: Use an OBD-II scanner with live data capability. Monitor the desired vs. actual camshaft angles for Bank 2 Exhaust. A large discrepancy or a value that doesn't change with RPM points to a problem. Per TSB SSM 47170, use the scan tool's actuator test to cycle the Bank 2 Exhaust VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear debris.
3. Inspect Wiring: Visually inspect the wiring and connectors for the Bank 2 (driver's side) exhaust camshaft sensor and VCT solenoid. Look for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
4. Test the VCT Solenoid: Locate the exhaust VCT solenoid on the driver's side valve cover. A simple and effective test is to swap it with the nearby intake solenoid on the same bank. Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code changes to P0018 (Bank 2 Intake), the solenoid is faulty and needs replacement.
5. Test the Camshaft Position Sensor: If the solenoid swap doesn't change the code, test the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft position sensor. Check for proper voltage and signal output according to the service manual, or swap it with the Bank 1 exhaust sensor to see if the code follows to P0017.
6. Advanced Mechanical Diagnosis: If all sensors, solenoids, and wiring are good, the issue is likely mechanical. This involves inspecting the timing chain for stretch, checking the chain tensioner's extension, and examining the VCT phaser. This step is complex and may require engine disassembly, so it is best left to a professional mechanic.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• VCT Oil Control Solenoid (Bank 2 Exhaust) (OEM #FT4Z-6C535-A) — This is the most common failure point according to Ford TSBs, where debris causes the solenoid to stick. It is often the first part replaced after an oil change fails to resolve the code.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $50-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$70
• Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 2 Exhaust) (OEM #BL3Z-6B288-C) — This sensor provides the position data to the PCM. If it fails, it will trigger a correlation code. The same part number is often used for intake and exhaust positions on this engine.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Delphi, Bosch
  OEM price range: $40-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50
• Timing Chain Kit — In higher-mileage cases where simpler fixes don't work, the timing chain may have stretched, requiring a full replacement of the chain, guides, and tensioners. This is a major repair.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $400-$700
  Aftermarket price range: $250-$500

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0017 — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'B'. If you have issues with both exhaust camshafts (P0017 and P0019), it might point more strongly toward a base timing issue (chain), oil pressure problem, or an issue with the crankshaft position sensor itself.
• P0390 — Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit (Bank 2). This code indicates a circuit problem (electrical fault) with the same sensor involved in P0019, pointing towards a bad sensor or wiring issue rather than a purely mechanical timing problem.
• P0025 — Exhaust (B) Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 2). This code is very specific to the same component (Bank 2 exhaust cam) and often appears with P0019, reinforcing that the timing on that specific camshaft is incorrect.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 47170: Notes that DTCs including P0019 may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Recommends cycling the solenoid with a scan tool (pinpoint test HK11) to try and clear it before replacement.
• SSM 50067 / SSM 48423: Similar to SSM 47170, these bulletins reiterate that various VCT correlation codes (including P0019) on 2015-2021 Ford/Lincoln vehicles can be caused by debris in the oil sticking the VCT solenoid.
• SSM 54366: A later TSB that also lists P0019 and directs technicians to the standard workshop manual diagnostic procedures for these codes.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• This code is almost exclusively found on the 2017-2020 Fusion Sport model with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6.
• Ford has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) like SSM 47170, SSM 50067, and SSM 48423 that directly link P0019 to sticking VCT solenoids caused by oil debris.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VCT (OCV) Solenoid Coil Resistance — expected: 8 to 12 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range, or an open/infinite reading, indicates a faulty solenoid coil.
• VCT (OCV) Solenoid Activation Voltage — expected: 12V. Failure: Solenoid does not 'click' or actuate when 12V is applied, indicating it is stuck or electrically failed.
• Camshaft Position Sensor (3-wire Hall effect) Supply Voltage — expected: ~5V (sometimes 12V) on the reference wire. Failure: No voltage or significantly low voltage indicates a wiring or PCM issue, not necessarily a bad sensor.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS / FORScan / Professional Scan Tool: VCT Solenoid Actuator Test (or On/Off Command) — This is a critical diagnostic step. Use this bidirectional command to cycle the Bank 2 Exhaust VCT solenoid while the engine is running. A functional solenoid will cause the engine to hesitate or stall. If there is no change in engine operation, the solenoid is either stuck, clogged, or has failed electrically. This test can confirm if the solenoid is the point of failure before physically removing it.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Bank 2 Cam/VCT Sensor Ground — While a specific ground point (e.g., Gxxx) for the 2.7L Fusion is not documented in the search results, engine sensor grounds are typically located on the cylinder head or engine block near the component. For Bank 2 (driver's side), inspect all ground straps and bolts on the driver's side of the engine block and to the nearby chassis frame rail.. A poor ground connection for the Bank 2 camshaft position sensor or VCT solenoid can cause erratic signals or a complete loss of signal, leading the PCM to incorrectly flag a correlation fault like P0019.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Connector — On the rear of the driver's side cylinder head/valve cover.. This 3-pin connector provides power, ground, and signal for the sensor. The pins are typically: 1) Supply Voltage (~5V), 2) Signal, 3) Ground. Damage or corrosion here will directly cause sensor-related codes, including P0019.

OEM Part Supersession History

• BL3Z-6B288-A, DU-95 → BL3Z-6B288-C — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The new part number BL3Z-6B288-C is the correct and current replacement for the older versions and should be used for all repairs.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2017-2019: The Ford Fusion Sport, equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, was introduced for the 2017 model year and discontinued after the 2019 model year; it was not available in 2020.
• 2017-2019: The 2.7L EcoBoost engine used in the Fusion Sport is the first-generation version, which features direct injection only. This can make it more susceptible to carbon buildup on intake valves compared to the second-generation 2.7L which added port injection.