P0016
Crankshaft Position and Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
The engine computer sees that the crankshaft and intake camshaft are not lined up when they should be. This usually means the mechanical timing has moved, the VVT system is not controlling the cam correctly, or one of the timing signals is inaccurate. It can cause hard starting, rough running, stalling, or severe engine damage if ignored.
- SEV
- 5/5
- DRIVE
- NO
- DIY
- $20–$400
- SHOP
- $150–$2,500+
Quick answer
AI-CITATION READYWhat it means
Can you drive with it?
Most common causes
- Stretched timing chain, jumped timing chain, or worn timing components
- Low engine oil level, dirty oil, or wrong oil viscosity affecting variable valve timing operation
- Faulty bank 1 intake camshaft actuator or VVT solenoid
Typical repair cost
DIY usually runs $20–$400. Typical shop repair lands around $150–$2,500+, depending on the root cause.
01 / Definition
P0016 sets when the powertrain control module detects that the crankshaft position signal and the intake camshaft position signal for bank 1 sensor A are not within the expected relationship. The fault may be caused by mechanical timing being off, a variable valve timing problem, or an incorrect crankshaft or camshaft sensor signal.
02 / Drive status
No — get it towed. Do not keep driving if the engine runs poorly, rattles, stalls, or has very low power. Continued driving can lead to severe engine damage if the timing chain or belt has jumped, and some vehicles can move from rough running to a no-start condition quickly.
03 / Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Hard starting or no start
- Rough idle
- Engine misfire
- Reduced power
- Poor acceleration
- Rattling noise from timing chain area
- Stalling
- Poor fuel economy
04 / Causes
| 1 | Stretched timing chain, jumped timing chain, or worn timing components | high |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Low engine oil level, dirty oil, or wrong oil viscosity affecting variable valve timing operation | high |
| 3 | Faulty bank 1 intake camshaft actuator or VVT solenoid | high |
| 4 | Crankshaft position sensor failing or giving an unstable signal | medium |
| 5 | Camshaft position sensor for bank 1 sensor A failing or giving an unstable signal | medium |
| 6 | Wiring damage, loose connector, corrosion, or poor terminal contact at cam or crank sensor circuits | medium |
| 7 | Timing belt installed incorrectly or slipped on engines that use a belt | medium |
| 8 | Damaged reluctor ring, tone wheel, or cam phaser mechanical failure | low |
| 9 | PCM software issue or failed PCM | low |
05 / Diagnostic sequence
- 01Check engine oil level, oil condition, and confirm the correct oil viscosity is being used.
- 02Scan for additional codes, especially camshaft, crankshaft, VVT, and misfire codes.
- 03Review freeze frame and live data for camshaft desired versus actual timing values.
- 04Inspect camshaft and crankshaft sensor connectors and wiring for oil contamination, damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
- 05Test the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor signals with a scan tool, multimeter, or oscilloscope as applicable.
- 06Command the VVT solenoid on and off with a scan tool and verify cam timing response.
- 07Inspect and, if needed, remove and clean the VVT solenoid screen if the design allows.
- 08Verify mechanical engine timing by checking timing marks or manufacturer timing procedures before condemning sensors or the PCM.
- 09Inspect timing chain, guides, tensioner, belt, cam phaser, and reluctor components if timing is not correct.
- 10Check for PCM software updates or service bulletins for known P0016 issues on the specific vehicle.
06 / Repairs
| 1 | Correct the engine oil level and perform an oil and filter change with the manufacturer-specified oil. | $40–$120 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Repair damaged wiring, corroded connectors, or poor terminal contact at the camshaft or crankshaft sensor circuits. | $20–$250 |
| 3 | Replace the faulty bank 1 camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor after confirming the signal is defective. | $30–$250 |
| 4 | Replace or clean the faulty VVT solenoid and verify the camshaft actuator responds correctly. | $60–$400 |
| 5 | Correct mechanical timing by reinstalling the timing belt or chain correctly if it is out of time. | $300–$1,200 |
| 6 | Replace worn timing chain components, guides, and tensioner, and inspect the cam phaser if the chain has stretched or jumped. | $800–$2,500+ |
| 7 | Update PCM software or replace the PCM only after all mechanical and signal tests are completed. | $100–$1,500 |
07 / Related codes
08 / FAQ
What does bank 1 sensor A mean?
Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Sensor A usually means the intake camshaft position sensor, but always confirm with service information for your engine.
Can low oil cause P0016?
Yes. Low oil, dirty oil, or the wrong oil viscosity can cause the variable valve timing system to move the camshaft incorrectly and trigger P0016.
Will P0016 cause a no-start?
Yes. If the camshaft and crankshaft signals are too far out of sync, the engine may crank but not start.
Is P0016 a sensor problem or a timing problem?
It can be either, but real-world cases are often caused by timing chain wear, timing installation errors, or VVT problems before a failed PCM. Proper testing is needed to separate a bad signal from mechanical timing failure.
How serious is P0016?
It is serious. If the timing chain or belt has slipped, the engine can run badly and may suffer internal damage, especially on interference engines.
Will replacing a camshaft or crankshaft sensor fix P0016 if the timing chain has stretched?
Usually not. If the chain, belt, or cam phaser is mechanically out of time, sensor replacement alone will not correct the correlation fault.
09 / Source and method
- DATA BASIS
- OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
- METHOD
- STATIC VALIDATION
- SAFETY
- INFORMATIONAL
This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.
Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.
Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.