What’s this sensor on my 2016 3.5 Ecoboost Explorer?

Seeking Help
1

I’m working on a 2016 3.5 Ecoboost Explorer and dealing with a misfire in bank 1. I’m trying to figure out how to remove this sensor, but I don’t know what it is, so I can’t look up proper instructions. It’s located on the passenger side near the firewall. Any help would be appreciated.

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2

That’s the VVT solenoid.

3

Soren said:
That’s the VVT solenoid.

Isn’t there supposed to be two of those next to each other? This one’s on the outside of the valve cover.

4

Miller said:

Soren said:
That’s the VVT solenoid.

Isn’t there supposed to be two of those next to each other? This one’s on the outside of the valve cover.

Only on the 4-cylinder and naturally aspirated V6.

5

@Soren
How do I remove it? I’ve seen videos for solenoids, but not this specific part.

6

Miller said:
@Soren
How do I remove it? I’ve seen videos for solenoids, but not this specific part.

You’ll need to remove the intake manifold and valve cover. Once that’s done, you can access and remove the VVT solenoid.

7

@Soren
Oh no…

8

Miller said:
@Soren
Oh no…

It’s definitely frustrating, but it’s not as bad as it seems. Just time-consuming.

9

Soren said:

Miller said:
@Soren
Oh no…

It’s definitely frustrating, but it’s not as bad as it seems. Just time-consuming.

Yeah, looks like it’s just a bunch of nuts and connectors to deal with.

10

@Miller
While you’re in there, depending on the mileage, you might want to replace the other solenoid and all the spark plugs.

That misfire code should tell you which cylinder is acting up. If all cylinders in the bank are affected, it’s likely the VVT solenoid.

Before buying parts, inspect the camshaft and look for any metal shavings in the head. It could point to a bigger issue.

11

@Soren
I don’t remember the exact code, but it said cylinder 3, bank 1 misfire. I know I need to replace the PCV gasket and I’m already planning to replace the spark plugs.

12

Miller said:
@Soren
I don’t remember the exact code, but it said cylinder 3, bank 1 misfire. I know I need to replace the PCV gasket and I’m already planning to replace the spark plugs.

Replacing the PCV gasket and plugs is a solid start. If the misfire persists, let us know, and we can dig deeper.

13

I’m going to pull the cover and replace the gasket.