P0024 on 2015-2024 Ford Edge V6: Exhaust Cam Timing Over-Advanced Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2024 Ford Edge

This code is specific to the V6 engine options (2.7L EcoBoost and 3.5L Duratec), as the 4-cylinder models do not have a 'Bank 2'. Ford's VCT systems on these engines are known to be sensitive to oil quality and condition. Ford has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that small debris in the oil can cause the VCT solenoids to stick, leading to this code. TSB SSM 50067 specifically advises using a scan tool to cycle the solenoid 10 times to try and dislodge debris before replacement, confirming the prevalence of this issue.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Rough idle
• Poor acceleration or engine hesitation
• Reduced fuel economy
• Engine may stall in some cases
• Hard starting

Most Likely Causes

1. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🔴 High Probability The VCT system is hydraulically operated and highly sensitive to oil pressure and cleanliness. Contaminants or low levels can prevent the VCT solenoid from operating correctly, a common issue on these Ford V6 engines.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil dipstick for proper level and inspect the oil's color and consistency. If it's dark, gritty, or below the 'add' line, this is the likely cause. For the 3.5L, check for a milky/foamy appearance, which could indicate coolant contamination from a failing internal water pump.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change using the correct viscosity full synthetic oil specified in your owner's manual.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
2. Sticking/Failing VCT Solenoid 🔴 High Probability As noted in Ford TSBs (SSM 47170, SSM 50067), these solenoids are prone to sticking due to small debris in the engine oil. It's the most common mechanical failure for this code.
   How to confirm: After verifying oil is clean and full, swap the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid with the Bank 2 intake solenoid. Clear the codes and drive. If the code changes to P0021 ('A' Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced), the solenoid is faulty. Bank 2 is the cylinder bank near the firewall. A multimeter can also be used to test resistance, which should be between 6.9 and 7.9 ohms. 🎬 See how to test and fix the P0024 fault code.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid. This requires removing the valve cover. On the 3.5L engine, the upper intake manifold must also be removed for access.
   Est. part cost: $30-$90
3. Damaged VCT Solenoid Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector leading to the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid for any signs of fraying, melting, or corrosion. Use a multimeter to check for battery voltage (approx. 12V) on the power supply pin with the key on, engine off.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wiring or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $15-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing Camshaft Phaser: While less common than a solenoid failure, a phaser stuck in the advanced position can cause this code. This is a more serious mechanical issue, often accompanied by a distinct rattling or ticking noise on startup that lasts for 2-5 seconds, an issue addressed in TSB 21-2119 for some Ford engines.
• Stretched Timing Chain: If the timing chain has stretched, it can alter the base camshaft timing relative to the crankshaft, leading the PCM to register an over-advanced condition. This is a major repair and usually presents with other timing-related codes, such as correlation codes (P0016, P0018).

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner and confirm P0024 is present. Note any other codes.
2. Check the engine oil level and condition. If low, dirty, or the wrong viscosity, perform an oil and filter change, clear the code, and re-test. This solves the issue in many cases.
3. If the oil is good, inspect the wiring and connector for the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid (on the firewall-side cylinder head). Check for damage or corrosion.
4. Using a capable scan tool, follow the procedure from TSB SSM 50067 and command the Bank 2 exhaust VCT solenoid to cycle on and off 10 times. This may clear debris. Clear codes and see if P0024 returns.
5. If a scan tool is unavailable, perform a 'swap test'. Exchange the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid with the Bank 2 intake solenoid. Clear codes and drive. If the code changes to P0021, you have confirmed the solenoid is bad.
6. If the solenoid and wiring are good, the issue may be more severe, such as a failing camshaft phaser (listen for startup rattle) or a timing chain issue. At this point, professional diagnosis is recommended.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid (OEM #3.5L: AT4Z-6M280-C (Bank 2 Exhaust) | 2.7L: FT4Z-6M280-C) — This is the most frequent point of failure for code P0024 on this vehicle, often due to sticking from oil debris as cited in Ford TSBs. Part numbers should always be verified with VIN.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Dorman, Delphi
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Valve Cover Gasket Kit — The valve cover must be removed to access the VCT solenoids on both the 2.7L and 3.5L engines. It is critical to replace the gasket to prevent oil leaks.
  Trusted brands: Fel-Pro, Mahle, Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $40-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50
• Intake Manifold Gaskets (3.5L Only) — For the 3.5L Duratec V6, the upper intake manifold must be removed to access the rear (Bank 2) valve cover. These gaskets are single-use and must be replaced.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Fel-Pro
  OEM price range: $30-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0014 — This is the same 'Over-Advanced' code but for the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1. If both are present, it strongly suggests a systemic problem like low oil pressure or severe oil contamination affecting both banks.
• P0021 — This code is for 'Timing Over-Advanced' on the intake camshaft of the same bank (Bank 2). If you perform a diagnostic swap of the intake and exhaust solenoids and P0024 is replaced by P0021, you have confirmed the solenoid is the faulty part.
• P0025 — This code is for 'Timing Over-Retarded' on the same camshaft (Bank 2 Exhaust). Seeing both may indicate an erratic VCT solenoid or a wiring issue causing inconsistent operation.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 50067 / SSM 47170: Mentioned for various Ford models, these bulletins state that VCT codes like P0024 can be caused by small debris in the engine oil causing the VCT solenoid to stick. TSB SSM 50067 specifically advises using a scan tool to cycle the solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear it before replacement.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Major Repair Difference Between Engines: The repair for P0024 is significantly different depending on the engine. On the 2.7L EcoBoost, the Bank 2 (rear) VCT solenoids are typically accessible by only removing the valve cover. However, on the 3.5L Duratec V6, the upper intake manifold sits on top of the rear valve cover. This means the entire intake manifold must be removed to gain access, adding several hours of labor, complexity, and cost (new intake gaskets are required 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step VVT solenoid replacement for the 3.5L engine.) to the job.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VCT Solenoid Internal Resistance — expected: 6.9 to 7.9 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). Some sources give a wider range of 5-15 Ohms.. Failure: A reading of 0 Ohms (short circuit) or infinite/OL (open circuit) indicates a failed solenoid.
• VCT Solenoid Connector Voltage — expected: Battery voltage (approx. 12V) on the power supply pin with Key On, Engine Off.. Failure: Low or no voltage points to a wiring issue, a bad connection, or a problem with the PCM power supply circuit.
• Scan Tool PID: VCT_ADV_ERR (VCT Advance Error) — expected: Should be close to 0 degrees at idle when in closed loop operation.. Failure: A consistent, significant deviation from 0 degrees (e.g., more than +/- 5 degrees) indicates the PCM is detecting a timing error.
• Engine Oil Pressure (at idle, warm) — expected: Minimum of 15 PSI at idle with the engine at normal operating temperature.. Failure: Pressure below 15 PSI indicates a systemic oiling problem that will prevent the VCT system from functioning correctly, regardless of solenoid condition.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS / Professional Scan Tool: VCT Solenoid On/Off Test or Duty Cycle Control — As per TSB SSM 50067, this bidirectional command is used to cycle the solenoid multiple times to attempt to dislodge internal debris. It's also used to confirm if the solenoid is physically responding to PCM commands by listening for a click or observing a change in idle quality.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G104 / G105 (Example Designators) — On the Gen 2 Edge, a primary engine compartment ground stud is located on the firewall, on the driver's side to the right of the battery. Other key grounds are on the engine block itself, sometimes requiring removal of the battery and tray for access.. The PCM and its network of sensors, including the camshaft position sensors that monitor VCT operation, rely on clean, solid ground connections. A corroded or loose ground at these points can cause erratic signals and false timing codes.
• VCT Solenoid Connector — On top of the VCT solenoid, under the valve cover for the respective bank. Bank 2 is the firewall side.. This is the direct connection point for testing voltage and resistance of the solenoid. The two pins are for power (from the fuse box) and the control signal (ground provided by the PCM).

OEM Part Supersession History

• AT4Z-6M280-A / AT4Z-6M280-B → AT4Z-6M280-C — Part consolidation and potential internal design updates for reliability.
  Heads up: AT4Z-6M280-C is the specified part for the 3.5L V6. While physically similar, using solenoids from other Ford engines is not recommended.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2015-2018: The 3.5L Duratec V6 was available during these years. This engine has the more difficult repair procedure requiring intake manifold removal for Bank 2 access.
• 2019-2024: The naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 was discontinued after the 2018 model year. For 2019 and later V6 models, only the 2.7L EcoBoost was available, which does not require intake manifold removal to access the Bank 2 VCT solenoids.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure (AWD Models) 🔴 High — Common across all model years, especially if fluid is not changed. Failure can occur from 60,000 miles onward.
• Internal Water Pump Failure (3.5L Duratec V6) 🔴 High — A significant design flaw. Failure can occur as early as 80,000 miles.
• Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders (2.7L EcoBoost V6) 🔴 High — A known issue on early-to-mid-generation 2.7L EcoBoost engines. (Ref: TSB 22-2223 (for other models, but same engine issue))
• Leaking Brake Booster Diaphragm 🟠 Medium — Common enough to warrant a recall on some model years. (Ref: Recall 20S31 / NHTSA 20V-332)
• A/C Evaporator Drain Leak 🟡 Low — Affects various Ford models of this era, including the Edge. (Ref: TSB 19-2345 / TSB 20-2170)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, using used parts is not recommended for the electronic/mechanical components. A used intake manifold or valve cover could be considered if the original was damaged during the repair, but the cost savings are minimal compared to the risk.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 15000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For hard parts like a valve cover, check for cracks, warping, or stripped bolt holes.
• Avoid any parts from an engine that shows signs of heavy oil sludge or coolant contamination.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Fel-Pro (for gaskets)
• Mahle (for gaskets)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Dorman (for VCT Solenoids) - While Dorman is a major aftermarket supplier, forum discussions among Ford owners frequently advise against using their VCT solenoids, citing high rates of premature failure or out-of-box issues, leading to repeat repairs. Sticking with OEM Motorcraft solenoids is the strong consensus.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0021 — This is the 'A' Camshaft (Intake) companion code for Bank 2; if a swap test is performed and the P0024 code moves here, it confirms a faulty solenoid.
• P0012 — Often appears alongside P0024 when systemic oil contamination or low oil pressure affects multiple VCT solenoids simultaneously.
• P0014 — A timing-related code that can trigger along with P0024 during widespread VCT system failure due to dirty engine oil.
• P0022 — Another timing code associated with Bank 2 that may appear if the VCT system is struggling with oil pressure or debris.
• P0018 — Can be caused by contaminated oil resulting from an internal water pump failure on the 3.5L Duratec engine.

Frequently Asked Questions