Methods and devices are provided for locking and unlocking a phase control apparatus. In one example, a phase control apparatus is provided with a locking plate including a drive wheel, a pin recess, and a ramped channel opening into the pin recess and a housing coupled to the locking plate. The phase control apparatus also includes a vane rotor including a vane and positioned in a hydraulic chamber of the housing and a locking pin positioned within a bore of the vane and movable into a locked position where the locking pin engages with the pin recess.