P0016 code meaning
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P0016 means
The engine control module checks whether the signal of the intake camshaft on bank 1 (sensor A) arrives at the expected crankshaft position, usually while the camshaft phaser is in its rest position. P0016 is set when the deviation stays outside a calibrated window. The camshaft is then out of step with the crankshaft: a timing belt or chain has jumped a tooth, the chain is stretched, the phaser is stuck at an end stop, or a reluctor wheel has slipped. On engines with a single camshaft, sensor A is simply the only camshaft sensor.
P0016 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 20 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0016
- Check engine light on
- Long cranking or hard starting
- Rough idle and loss of power
- Chain rattle at cold start on chain-driven engines
- Risk of valve damage on interference engines if the timing has jumped
Common causes of P0016
- Most likelyTiming chain stretched, or belt or chain jumped a tooth
- PossibleCamshaft phaser stuck at an end stop, oil control valve or oil pressure faulty
- PossibleIncorrect assembly after a belt or chain replacement
- Less likelyCamshaft or crankshaft sensor signal disturbed
- Less likelyReluctor wheel on crankshaft or camshaft slipped
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Timing chainTiming beltCam phaser intake bank1Camshaft position sensorCrankshaft position sensor
What each part of P0016 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0016 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0016
What does P0016 mean?
P0016 means "Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)". The engine control module checks whether the signal of the intake camshaft on bank 1 (sensor A) arrives at the expected crankshaft position, usually while the camshaft phaser is in its rest position. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0016?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0016 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0016 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0016 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 20 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0016 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.