P0016 - Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)

P0016 is the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for "Camshaft Position A - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1)". This can happen for several reasons and it is up to the mechanic to diagnose the specific cause of this code being triggered in your situation. 

Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)

Has your car broken down and is giving a p0016 code? Don't worry! We have all the information for you, and in this way we will teach you what this DTC means, its symptoms, the causes of this DTC failure and the SOLUTIONS available depending on the brand of your car.

What does code P0016 mean?

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code, which means it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles including but not limited to Ford, Dodge, Toyota, VW, Honda, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Acura, etc. D.

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor work in concert to monitor spark / fuel delivery and timing. They both consist of a reactive or tone ring that runs over a magnetic pickup that generates a voltage indicating position.

The crankshaft sensor is part of the primary ignition system and acts as a "trigger". It detects the position of the crankshaft relay, which transmits information to the PCM or ignition module (depending on the vehicle) to control ignition timing. The camshaft position sensor detects the position of the camshafts and transmits the information to the PCM. The PCM uses the CMP signal to determine the start of the injector sequence. These two shafts and their sensors tie the timing belt or chain together. The cam and crank must be synchronized exactly in time. If the PCM detects that the crank and cam signals are out of time by a certain number of degrees, this P0016 code will be set.

How serious is the P0016 code?

This particular OBD-II DTC is considered serious because your camshaft and crankshaft are not properly aligned. The timing chain can have problems with guides or tensioners, resulting in engine damage if the valves hit the pistons. Depending on the part that failed, driving the car for a long time can cause additional internal problems with the engine. The car is likely to be difficult to start and the engine may wobble and stall after starting.

Symptoms of a P0016 trouble code may include:

P0016 symptoms include or may include:

• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination
• The engine can run, but with reduced performance.
• Engine can crank but not start
• The motor may make a rattling sound near the harmonic balancer, indicating damage to the tone ring.
• The engine can start and run, but it is not good
• Fuel consumption increases
• Timing chain noise

Causes of code P0016

Reasons may include:

• Timing chain is stretched or the timing belt has missed a tooth due to wear
• Timing belt / chain misalignment
• Slippage / breakage of the sound ring on the crankshaft
• Slippage / breakage of the sound ring on the camshaft
• Bad crank sensor
• Bad cam sensor
• Damaged wiring to crank / cam sensor
• Timing belt / chain tensioner damaged
• The oil control valve (OCV) has a restriction in the OCV filter.
• The oil flow to the phaser is obstructed due to incorrect oil viscosity or partially clogged channels.
• problem with DPKV sensor
• Problem with CMP sensor

Possible solutions

P0016 OBD2

If the cam or crankshaft position sensor is malfunctioning, the first step is to diagnose it to find the cause of the problem. 

1. First, visually inspect the cam and crank sensors and their harnesses for damage. If you notice broken / worn wires, repair and recheck.
2. If you have access to a scope, check the camshaft and crank curves. If the pattern is missing, suspect a faulty sensor or sliding sound ring. Remove the cam gear and crankshaft balancer, inspect the sonic rings for proper alignment and make sure they are not loose or damaged, or that they have not cut the key that aligns them. If installed correctly, replace the sensor.
3. If the signal is good, check for correct alignment of the timing chain / belt. If it is misaligned, check to see if the tensioner is damaged, which could cause the chain / belt to slip on a tooth or several teeth. Also make sure the belt / chain is not stretched. Repair and rechecking.

Other crank sensor codes include P0017, P0018, P0019, P0335, P0336, P0337, P0338, P0339, P0385, P0386, P0387, P0388, and P0389.

How to Diagnose a P0016 OBD-II Code?

The easiest way to diagnose an OBD-II DTC is to use an OBD-II scanner or have a diagnostic check from a trusted mechanic or garage that:

• Visually inspect the wiring, camshaft and crankshaft sensors, and oil control valve.
• Make sure the engine oil is filled, clean and of the correct viscosity.
• Scan engine codes and view freeze frame data to see when a code was activated.
• Reset the Check Engine light and then check the vehicle to see if the DTC is still there.
• Instruct the OCV to turn on and off to see if the camshaft position sensor is warning timing changes for the bank 1 camshaft.
• Perform manufacturer specific tests for DTC P0016 to determine the cause of the code.

When diagnosing a code P0016, it is important to check the codes and the failure before making any attempt to repair it, including a visual assessment of possible common problems including wiring and component connections. In many cases, components such as sensors are quickly replaced when OBD-II code P0016 hides much more common problems. Doing a spot test helps avoid misdiagnosis and replacement of good components.

How much does it cost to fix code P0016?

P0016 can be caused by anything from a stretched timing belt or chain to a bad sensor and dirty oil. It is impossible to give an accurate assessment without proper diagnosis of the problem.

If you take your vehicle to a workshop for diagnosis, most workshops will start at the hour of "diagnostic time" (time spent on diagnostics your specific problem). Depending on the workshop's labor rate, this usually costs between $30 and $150. Many, if not most, shops will charge this diagnostic fee on any necessary repair if you ask them to do the repair for you. After - the wizard will be able to give you an accurate estimate of the repair in order to fix the P0016 code.

Possible repair costs for P0016

Error code P0016 may require one or more of the following repairs to resolve the underlying problem. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of the repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of the labor required to complete the repair.

• Engine oil and filter change $20-60
• Camshaft Position Sensor: $176 to $227
• Crankshaft Position Sensor: $168 to $224
• Reluctant Ring $200-$600
• Timing belt: $309 to $390.
• Timing chain: $1624 to $1879

How to Fix P0016 Engine Code in 6 Minutes [4 DIY Methods / Only $6.94]

How to independently find the cause of error P0016?

STEP 1: USE FIXD TO VERIFY THERE ARE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES.

Use FIXD to scan your vehicle to make sure P0016 is the only code present.

STEP 2: CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL.

Check the oil level and if it is not correct, top it up. If it is dirty, change the engine oil and filter. Erase the code and see if it comes back.

STEP 3: CHECK THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS.

Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for your vehicle make and model. For example, some General Motors vehicles (GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac) have a known issue with stretched timing chains that can cause this error. If TSB applies to your vehicle, please complete this service first.

STEP 4: COMPARE SENSOR DATA WITH AN OSCILLOSCOPE.

This code requires an oscilloscope to properly diagnose. Not all shops are equipped with this, but many are. Using an O-scope (oscilloscope), connect the crankshaft position sensor and bank 1 and bank 2 camshaft position sensors (if equipped) to the signal wire and compare the three (or two) sensors with each other. If they are misaligned from their proper places, the problem is a stretched timing chain, a timing jump, or a slipping reluctant ring. Replace the necessary parts to resolve the issue.

Common P0016 Diagnostic Errors

Do not check TSB before starting diagnostics.