Code
P1388
LINCOLN
P — Powertrain
Variable Cam Timing Overretarded Bank 2
Views:
UK: 18
EN: 67
RU: 27
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Stuck, clogged or failed VVT/OCV (oil control valve) for bank 2
- Low engine oil pressure or very dirty oil / clogged oil passages
- Faulty camshaft phaser (mechanical failure or slipped phaser)
- Timing chain/belt stretch, jump or incorrect timing
- Wiring fault or poor connector at the VVT solenoid or cam position sensor
- Faulty camshaft position sensor or intermittent sensor signal
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
- Rough idle or misfire at idle or low RPM
- Reduced engine power, hesitation or poor throttle response
- Increased exhaust emissions or failed emissions test
- Possible abnormal noise from timing cover area (rattle) if chain/phaser problem exists
What to check
- Read and record all stored codes and freeze frame data; clear codes and see if P1388 returns
- Check engine oil level and condition; inspect for dirty, low or incorrect oil
- Scan live data: camshaft target vs actual/angle for bank 2, OCV duty cycle, engine RPM, oil pressure (if available)
- Verify camshaft position sensor signals (voltage/waveform) and crank‑to‑cam correlation
- Inspect wiring and connectors for VVT solenoid(s) and cam sensors on bank 2 for damage, corrosion or loose pins
- Measure resistance of the bank 2 VVT/OCV and compare to spec; apply battery power briefly to check movement (manufacturer procedure)
Signal parameters
- Camshaft actual angle (degrees) — compare to target; code triggered when actual is more retarded than allowed
- Camshaft target angle (degrees)
- OCV (VVT solenoid) duty cycle or command (%) from PCM
- OCV coil resistance (ohms)
- Engine oil pressure (psi or kPa) and oil temperature
- Engine speed (RPM)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve all DTCs and freeze frame; note engine conditions when code set (RPM, temp, oil temp/pressure).
- Verify oil level and condition; if low or dirty, correct oil level and replace oil + filter, then erase codes and road test.
- Use a scan tool to view live data: compare bank 2 camshaft actual vs target. Command VVT to various duty cycles and observe response. If cam does not respond, suspect OCV / oil flow / mechanical phaser.
- Inspect VVT solenoid connector and wiring for continuity, shorts to ground or power, and supply voltage at the connector with ignition on (compare to spec).
- Unplug VVT solenoid and test coil resistance; bench test solenoid operation per factory procedure (apply appropriate voltage/pulse to verify movement).
- If solenoid electrically OK, inspect oil passages and phaser for sludge or clogging; remove and inspect VVT solenoid screen and passages if serviceable.
- If oil flow to phaser is good but timing remains over-retarded, remove timing cover and verify timing chain/belt timing marks and phaser condition for mechanical failure or jump.
- Replace faulty components in this order as indicated by tests: OCV (solenoid), oil (and filter), cam phaser, timing chain/sprockets, or cam sensor. After repairs, clear codes and perform road test and monitor cam control data.
- If wiring, sensors and mechanical parts test OK and code returns, consider PCM update or replacement as a last resort per manufacturer guidance.
Likely causes
- Bank 2 VVT/OCV stuck or not actuating (electrical or internal blockage)
- Insufficient oil pressure or contaminated oil preventing phaser movement
- Damaged or jumped timing chain causing incorrect valve timing
- Damaged camshaft phaser or vane assembly
- Open/short or high resistance in VVT solenoid circuit or poor connector
Fault status
Status
P1388 — Variable Cam Timing Overretarded Bank 2. PCM detected bank 2 cam timing is more retarded than allowed; check VVT system, oil supply and timing components.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 2.0 - 4.0 hours
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