P2C16 code meaning
B Camshaft Profile Actuator Position Sensor B Circuit Bank 1
Powertrain system Generic code P2Cxx codes Check engine light
What P2C16 means
P2C16 is the open-circuit fault of position sensor B on the bank 1 exhaust camshaft. On GM's L3B this is exhaust Hall sensor 2, the second and last exhaust feedback: GM's tables list four exhaust pin drivers (control codes P002A, P2B39, P03F1, P3099) but only two exhaust Hall elements, which matches the two exhaust profile actuators described by GM TechLink. The ECM energises the driver and treats 200 kilohms or more from signal to ground in four out of five samples above 11 V as an open circuit, Type A, MIL immediately (19OBDG03D, 25OBDG03B). P2C16 is part of the main DTC list of PIT5677 and 21-NA-149. Possible causes are a pulled connector, a broken wire or an open Hall element; until fixed, exhaust lift switching is disabled.
P2C16 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2C16
- Check engine light in the first trip
- Exhaust lift switching and economy modes blocked
Common causes of P2C16
- Most likelyPlug on exhaust actuator 2 pulled off or not locked after engine work
- PossibleWire broken where the harness rubs at the camshaft carrier (GM L3B bulletins)
- Less likelyOpen circuit in the Hall element of actuator 2
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
B camshaft profile actuator pos sensor b b1Wiring harnessECM
What each part of P2C16 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| C | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2C16 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 P2C16
What does P2C16 mean?
P2C16 means "B Camshaft Profile Actuator Position Sensor B Circuit Bank 1". P2C16 is the open-circuit fault of position sensor B on the bank 1 exhaust camshaft. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2C16?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2C16 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2C16 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2C16 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 P2C16 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2C16 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.