C0356 Ford Flex Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0356 Ford Flex code definition:
C0356 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Ford Flex.

C0356 Ford Flex is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low. This means the CMP (camshaft position) sensor circuit on engine bank 1 sends an irregular reading. Other serious codes may cause this code to pop up, and they may come with dangerous drivability issues that may expose you to safety risks and cause damage to the engine in the long run.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C0356 Ford Flex diagnostic trouble code may include:

Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Poor fuel economy
The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.

Possible Causes :

Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.
Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.
Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration

Common Misdiagnoses

IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem

Repair Processes :

Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender. Replace the oxygen sensor that is downstream from the catalytic converter on the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder #1. Also, if a oxygen sensor code stating "heater circuit malfunction" the sensor has most probably failed. Check to make sure they are not burnt or corroded. If in doubt, get some Electrical Contact cleaner at any parts store if cleaning of the terminals is needed.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C0356 Ford Flex is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before C0356 Ford Flex.

Fortunately, C0356 Ford Flex is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.