Your vehicle may develop problems that affect the crankshaft and camshaft sensor positions, causing them to desynchronize. When this happens, the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0016 is logged.
Error code P0016 is more commonly seen on Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, and Toyota vehicles.
If your vehicle has logged error code P0016, keep reading to learn more about P0016, what causes it, what signs to look out for, and how to fix it.
What Does Code P0016 Mean?
The P0016 code stands for “Camshaft Position A – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1).” It is one of many trouble codes in your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system.
The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the alignment of the cam and crank sensors, making sure they are not misaligned by a factor of 1 tooth or greater. When the PCM has not made any commands for a change in the camshaft angle, but it detects that the camshaft is not in its default position, DTC P0016 will be stored.
Problems with the variable cam timing system, including a stuck VCT solenoid, oil contamination, and sludge can also set the P0016 code.
What Causes Code P0016?
There are a wide range of possible causes of the code P0016, including incorrectly set camshaft timing, continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber, oil flow restriction in the passages or VCT valve body, or erratic camshaft position due to low oil pressure.
Several VCT issues, such as a stuck solenoid, an open or shorted circuit, camshaft advanced mechanism binding in the VCT unit, and a damaged VCT phaser, may also cause the appearance of the code. Other reasons are an open VPWR circuit, a damaged CMP sensor, open or shorted CMP sensor circuits, or RF interference.
The following are the commonly identified causes:
- Bad timing chain or timing belt
- Bad timing chain/belt tensioners or guides
- Faulty camshaft or crankshaft reluctor wheel
- Damaged crankshaft sensor
- Damaged camshaft sensor
- Low oil levels
- Faulty wiring or loose connections
- Faulty variable valve timing (VVT) actuator (phaser)
- Damaged variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid (oil control valve)
- Bad PCM
Bad Timing Chain or Timing Belt
A stretched or broken timing chain/belt can lead to a desynchronization between the crankshaft and camshaft.
Bad Timing Chain/Belt Tensioners or Guides
Worn or broken tensioners and guides can result in excessive slack in the timing chain/belt, leading to incorrect valve timing.
Faulty Camshaft or Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel
A damaged or misaligned reluctor wheel can disrupt the signal sent to the PCM, which may lead to timing discrepancies.
Damaged Crankshaft Sensor
Incorrect ignition timing and improper fuel injection are typically the result of a damaged crankshaft sensor.
Damaged Camshaft Sensor
A damaged camshaft position sensor can cause fluctuating timing adjustments, leading to misfires, rough idling, and loss of power.
Low Oil Levels
Low oil levels can interfere with the operation of the VVT system, resulting in incorrect camshaft timing.
Faulty Wiring or Loose Connections
Corroded, frayed, or loose wiring between the camshaft and crankshaft sensor and the PCM may result in erratic signals.
Faulty Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Actuator
A malfunctioning VVT actuator can interfere with camshaft adjustments, leading to timing misalignment and reduced efficiency.
Damaged Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid
A damaged VVT solenoid can interfere with oil flow to the cam phaser, preventing proper timing adjustments.
Bad PCM
If all other causes have been ruled out, a defective PCM may be the issue. A damaged PCM won’t be able to accurately detect the signals relayed by the two sensors.
What Are the Symptoms of Code P0016?
One of the most common symptoms of error code P0016 is an active check engine light. Below are other symptoms you should look out for:
- Engine cranks but won’t start
- Rough start
- Poor engine performance
- Rattling sounds from the engine
Engine Cranks But Won’t Start
If the timing between the crankshaft and camshaft is out of sync, the engine may crank but refuse to start due to incorrect spark timing and improper fuel injection.
Rough Start
If the timing system is misaligned, it can result in delayed or inaccurate ignition timing, leading to a rough start.
Poor Engine Performance
Problems related to incorrect camshaft timing result in drivability issues, such as poor engine performance, primarily because of improper air-fuel mixture timing.
Rattling Sounds from the Engine
Rattling sounds from the engine are usually due to a loose or faulty timing chain, tensioner, or guide.
How to Diagnose Code P0016
To confirm whether you have a code P0016 on your hands, here are the steps you can take to diagnose your vehicle:
Use an Oscilloscope
A mechanic uses an oscilloscope to capture the cam and crank signals and compare the patterns to a known good pattern (like the illustration above of a Ford 5.4L scope trace). The upper trace on the camshaft of the bad pattern shows that it’s out of line. In this case, the engine had a faulty cam phaser.
Check Other Set DTCs
If available to you, use the OBD-II scanner to check for any related codes. You may need to address these other codes as well to resolve the issue completely.
Conduct Visual Inspection on Connectors and Wiring
Perform a visual check on the camshaft and crankshaft sensors and their connectors and wirings. Look for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
Check the Oil Control Valve and Phaser
Conduct a visual inspection of the oil control valve and phaser. Observe closely for damage or corrosion.
Confirm Adequate Engine Oil Level
Check if the engine oil levels are at capacity. Also, check if the oil is clean, and with the right viscosity.
Check the Oil Control Valve
Turn the oil control valve on and off to check if the Bank 1 camshaft's position sensor cautions of timing changes.
Check for Damaged PCM
If all other causes have been ruled out, check for a damaged PCM.
How to Fix Code P0016
After determining what set the P0016 trouble code, the next step is to resolve it. While there’s no single guaranteed fix for OBD-II codes, there are common fixes you can try:
Replace the Damaged Timing Chain or Timing Belt
If the timing chain or belt is stretched, worn, or broken, replacing it is necessary to restore proper synchronization between the crankshaft and camshaft.
Replace Worn Timing Chain/Belt Tensioners or Guides
Faulty tensioners or guides can cause excessive slack in the timing system, leading to timing misalignment. Replacing the damaged component should also get rid of the rattling sounds.
Replace Bad Camshaft or Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel
A damaged or misaligned reluctor wheel can send incorrect signals to the PCM, leading to timing problems. Replace with a new one to resolve this issue.
Replace Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor
A failing crankshaft sensor can disrupt ignition timing and fuel injection, preventing the engine from running properly. Replace the faulty component with a new one to fix this.
Replace Damaged Camshaft Position Sensor
Install a new camshaft position sensor to resolve problems involving misfires and hesitation.
Repair or Replace Damaged Wiring or Connectors
Corroded wiring between the crankshaft and camshaft sensors interferes with signal transmission to the PCM. Repair or replace with new ones, depending on the extent of damage.
Replace Bad VVT Actuator (Phaser)
Replace the bad VVT actuator to restore correct valve timing, and improve engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Replace Damaged VVT Solenoid (Oil Control Valve)
A damaged VVT solenoid affects oil flow to the cam phaser, preventing proper timing adjustments. Install a new solenoid to fix this problem.
Refill Engine Oil to the Correct Level
Refilling the engine with the correct oil type up to the correct level helps prevent further timing-related issues.
Replace PCM
If you’ve attempted all fixes and the error code remains, replacing the PCM may be necessary. Keep in mind that this fix must be a last resort, and should be done after all else fails.
Other Codes Related to P0016
There are many related codes to P0016, all of them also dealing with camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, or the timing chain/belt problems:
P0335
When the PCM is unable to detect a signal from the crankshaft position sensor circuit, it logs error code P0335.
P0340
Trouble code P0340 deals with camshaft position sensor circuit issues that could lead to severe engine damage the longer it is left unresolved.
P0017
Error code P0017 is closely related to error code P0016, as it also indicates a misalignment between the crankshaft and camshaft positions.
P0018
A stored P0018 means the PCM has detected that the camshaft on bank 2 of the engine is incorrectly positioned relative to the crankshaft.
FAQ
How much does it cost to fix P0016 code?
The cost to fix a P0016 code varies depending on the repairs needed, labor, and other fees. A sensor replacement is relatively inexpensive, costing around $30 to $50, while a timing chain or belt replacement is more expensive, costing anywhere between $200 and $1000, depending on your car's make and model.
Can I drive with a P0016 code?
No, it is not recommended to drive with a P0016 code because it means you have an issue with your engine’s timing. Serious drivability issues may develop as a result, making your car unsafe to drive.