EN

Severity: High Code type: Generic (all makes)

P0016 Code: Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)

The bank 1 intake cam and the crankshaft are out of step, most often from a stretched or jumped timing chain.

At a glance

Severity: 4/5 – High4/5

Severity: High

Meaning
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
System
Fuel & Air Metering · Powertrain
Safe to drive?
With caution
Typical repair cost
$80–$5,500
DIY difficulty
Hard

The PCM expects the bank 1 intake cam signal to arrive at a fixed point relative to the crankshaft signal whenever the cam phaser sits in its locked base position. It learns that relationship and keeps checking it; when the cam pulses show up too early or too late by more than a few crankshaft degrees, P0016 is stored. Unlike the phaser performance codes, this one isn't about commanded timing at all: the basic mechanical relationship is off. Most often the chain has stretched, the tensioner can no longer take up the slack, or the chain or belt has jumped a tooth. A phaser that doesn't lock at its base position, a slipped tone wheel or a sensor fault can also do it, but less often. Because a slack chain can jump further and let valves hit pistons on an interference engine, this code needs prompt attention.

How to read P0016

How to read P0016P10203164
  1. P Powertrain
  2. 0 Generic (SAE)
  3. 0 Fuel/air & emissions (aux.)
  4. 16 Specific fault

Symptoms

  • Rattle or slapping from the timing cover, especially for a few seconds after a cold start
  • Long cranking before the engine catches, or a no-start once the chain has jumped
  • Rough idle and hesitation, sometimes with misfire codes
  • Noticeably less power and worse fuel economy
  • P0016 stored together with P0008, P0017 or a cam sensor code
  • In early stages of chain stretch, an engine that runs normally apart from the light

Possible causes

Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).

  1. Timing chain stretched, guides worn or broken, or tensioner no longer holding 38%
  2. Chain or belt jumped a tooth, or engine timed incorrectly after a repair 18%
  3. Intake phaser not locking in its base position because of a worn lock pin 14%
  4. Low oil level or pressure letting the hydraulic tensioner collapse at startup 10%
  5. Crank or cam tone wheel damaged or slipped, such as a reluctor ring that moved on the balancer 10%
  6. Cam or crank sensor, or its wiring, distorting the signal 6%
  7. Low-quality replacement sensor with a different signal edge 4%

Diagnosis step by step

Diagnostic flow: P00161Listen at a cold start2Read the cam/crank correlation value3Check which codes came along4Scope crank and cam signals together5Verify mechanical timing6Only then test sensors and wiring

  1. Listen at a cold start

    Let the car sit for several hours, then start it with the hood open. A rattle from the timing cover that lasts more than a second or two, or chain slap at idle, points straight at the chain drive and settles the drive-or-tow question.

    Tools: Flashlight

  2. Read the cam/crank correlation value

    Many scan tools show the learned offset between cam and crank for each camshaft, under names like cam position variation or phase deviation. Values drifting toward the limit on both bank 1 cams mean a stretched chain; one cam alone points at that cam's phaser, sprocket or tone wheel.

    Tools: OBD-II scanner

  3. Check which codes came along

    P0016 plus P0017 usually means the chain, since both cams moved together. P0016 with a cam sensor circuit code such as P0340 shifts suspicion toward the sensor or its wiring. P0016 alone on a quiet engine that was just serviced points at timing set wrong.

    Tools: OBD-II scanner

  4. Scope crank and cam signals together

    A two-channel lab scope shows exactly where the cam edges fall against the crank pattern. Compared with a known-good waveform for the same engine, it measures the offset in degrees without opening anything and also reveals a bent or missing tooth.

  5. Verify mechanical timing

    Remove the valve cover, bring cylinder 1 to top dead center and check the timing marks or fit the camshaft locking tool. On engines with an inspection plug in the timing cover, the tensioner's extension also tells you how far the chain has grown.

    Tools: Torque wrench, Flashlight

  6. Only then test sensors and wiring

    If mechanical timing is spot on, inspect the cam and crank sensors for oil, cracks and correct seating, check both tone wheels, and test the signal wires for chafing or high resistance.

    Tools: Multimeter

Where the parts are

Ignition: coils and spark plugs per cylinder – P00161234567
Ignition: coils and spark plugs per cylinder
  1. 1Ignition coil
  2. 2Spark plug
  3. 3Fuel injector
  4. 4Camshaft sensor
  5. 5Crankshaft sensor
  6. 6Engine computer (ECM)
  7. 7Intake manifold

Repair options & costs

RepairDIY?Estimated cost
Replace camshaft or crankshaft position sensor Yes $80–$300
Replace timing chain tensioner only (early stage, where approved) No $250–$700
Complete timing chain kit, four-cylinder No $1,200–$2,500
Timing chain kit plus intake phaser No $1,600–$3,200
Cylinder head repair after the chain jumped (bent valves) No $2,500–$5,500

Rough US estimates for parts and labor; shop rates vary by region. Not a quote.

Notes by brand

Volkswagen

Early 1.8T and 2.0T EA888 gasoline engines in the Jetta, GTI, Passat, CC and Tiguan are known for a timing chain tensioner that can lose tension and let the chain jump with little warning. On these engines P0016 calls for an immediate tensioner check through the inspection plug in the timing cover; an updated tensioner design exists.

P0016 on Volkswagen in detail

Chevrolet

The 2.4 Ecotec in the Equinox and Malibu is prone to timing chain stretch, often after running low on oil because of its oil consumption. On this engine P0016 frequently appears together with P0008.

P0016 on Chevrolet in detail

BMW

The N20 turbo four-cylinder in 28i models is known for timing chain guide wear. A whining noise from the front of the engine and cam/crank correlation faults are the warning signs to act on before the plastic guide breaks.

Field data

Ford 29
Mercedes-Benz 27 E-Class, C-Class, Ml-Class
Chevrolet 19
GMC 13 Sierra 1500, Terrain, Acadia
Volkswagen 7
Mazda 5 CX-9
Dodge 3 Charger, Journey
Subaru 3 Forester, Impreza, Wrx

Source: NHTSA Complaints API (US government open data), analyzed by DTC mention.

Emissions / smog test impact

Will fail

With P0016 stored, the check engine light is on and the car fails an OBD-II emissions inspection. Repair it for the engine's sake first; after a chain job, drive normally for about a week so every monitor completes before the test.

Frequently asked questions

Can a bad crank or cam sensor cause P0016?

It can, but less often than people hope. A sensor with an internal fault usually sets its own circuit code, such as P0340 or P0335. Replace a sensor for P0016 only once the scope or the timing marks show that mechanical timing is correct.

Why is the rattle worst on a cold start?

Hydraulic tensioners rely on oil pressure. After the car sits, oil drains away and the chain is slack for a moment until pressure builds; a stretched chain uses that moment to flap, and the PCM sees the cam wander.

How long can I drive with P0016?

Nobody can promise a number. Some stretched chains last thousands of miles, others jump the next morning, and on an interference engine a jump usually means bent valves. If there's any noise, don't gamble; tow it.

Isn't a timing chain supposed to last the life of the engine?

It's designed to, and many do. Long oil change intervals, low oil level and the wrong oil speed up wear of the chain pins and guides, which is why chain stretch follows maintenance history so closely.

Sources