P0016
High SeverityCrankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
Engine System
P0016 — Instant Answer
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
Severity: HIGH SEVERITY
Meaning: The crankshaft and intake camshaft positions are not synchronized on bank 1. This indicates a timing problem that can cause rough running or no-start conditions.
Safe to drive? NO if CEL is flashing. YES with caution if solid, but repair this week.
Estimated repair cost: $50 - $1,500
Most common causes:
- 1. Stretched timing chain (35-45% of cases)
- 2. Failed timing chain tensioner (10-25% of cases)
- 3. Faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor (10-25% of cases)
- 4. Jumped timing chain (5-10% of cases)
Symptoms
- ⚠️Rough idle
- ⚠️Engine misfires
- ⚠️Hard starting or no start
- ⚠️Rattling noise from engine
Related Symptoms
Common Causes
How to Diagnose P0016
- 1Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start
- 2Compare cam and crank sensor signals with scan tool
- 3Inspect timing chain tensioner
- 4Check VVT solenoid function
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Related Resources
Repair guides, symptom pages, and wiring diagrams related to P0016.
Related Symptoms
Browse →Rough idle often traces back to ignition, air metering, vacuum leaks, or timing-related faults before it becomes a full misfire complaint.
No-crank and no-start complaints usually resolve into battery, starter, alternator, crank sensor, or fuel-delivery diagnosis.
Exact Vehicle Hubs
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Open the exact vehicle hub for a repair workflow commonly associated with P0016.
Open the exact vehicle hub for a repair workflow commonly associated with P0016.
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Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0016 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0016 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0016 on this vehicle.
Open the exact repair flow most commonly associated with P0016 on this vehicle.
Related Codes
The crankshaft and exhaust camshaft positions on bank 1 are out of sync. Similar to P0016 but for the exhaust cam. Often points to timing chain issues.
The intake camshaft on bank 1 is more advanced than the ECM commanded. This typically means the VVT system is stuck or the oil flow is restricted. Often caused by dirty oil or a stuck VVT solenoid.
The ECM is not receiving a proper signal from the crankshaft position sensor. This sensor is critical for engine timing and fuel injection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is P0016 serious?
- Yes, P0016 can indicate a stretched or jumped timing chain. If the engine rattles on startup, get it checked immediately to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
- Can a sensor cause P0016?
- Yes, a faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor can trigger P0016. Sensor replacement is much cheaper than timing chain work.
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Author & Review
Written by AllOEMManuals Editorial Team. Reviewed by ASE-certified technicians and updated with factory-reference checks for fitment-sensitive steps.
This guide was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by a human editor.
Last updated: 2026-05-07