What does P1388 mean on a Ford?

P1388. Variable Cam Timing Over-Retarded Bank 2. Applies to F-150, Expedition, Mustang with VCT.

What causes P1388 on a Ford?

Failed bank 2 solenoid Low oil pressure Stuck bank 2 phaser Sludged passages Timing wear

How do I fix P1388 on a Ford?

Check oil level and quality Command the bank 2 phaser Test solenoid B operation Address sludge with proper service Replace the faulty component per response

Code

P1388

Variable Cam Timing Over-Retarded Bank 2

Category: Powertrain - Ignition
Severity: Check Engine Light
Applies to: F-150, Expedition, Mustang with VCT
Related: No single generic twin. See OBD Codes List

Findings, check these first

Failed bank 2 solenoid
Low oil pressure
Stuck bank 2 phaser
Sludged passages
Timing wear

Standard procedure

Check oil level and quality
Command the bank 2 phaser
Test solenoid B operation
Address sludge with proper service
Replace the faulty component per response

Code lookup

Type a code above, or start from a symptom or a common code.

Press / to jump to the box. Ford-enhanced powertrain, body, chassis and network codes. Generic P0xxx codes live on OBD Codes List.

Sources and review

Review: checked against the recorded source material.

OBDII.pro: P1388 Ford definition
live reference page (obdii.pro)
Supports: Ford-family meaning for P1388: Variable Cam Timing Overretarded (Bank #2)
Fetched directly. obdii.pro is a publisher independent of the engine-codes family.
P1388 FORD Code: Meaning, Causes, and Symptoms | OBD2 Codes
live reference page (obd2-codes.co)
Supports: Ford meaning for P1388: Variable Cam Timing Over Retarded Bank 2
Fetched directly. obd2-codes.co phrasing matches the engine-codes family, so it counts as one publisher.

Last updated 2026-09-06.

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