Powertrain, generic · Fuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls

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

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

The engine control module checks whether the signal of the intake camshaft on bank 1 (sensor A) arrives at the expected crankshaft position, usually while the camshaft phaser is in its rest position. P0016 is set when the deviation stays outside a calibrated window. The camshaft is then out of step with the crankshaft: a timing belt or chain has jumped a tooth, the chain is stretched, the phaser is stuck at an end stop, or a reluctor wheel has slipped. On engines with a single camshaft, sensor A is simply the only camshaft sensor.

Likely causes

Timing chain stretched, or belt or chain jumped a tooth
Camshaft phaser stuck at an end stop, oil control valve or oil pressure faulty
Incorrect assembly after a belt or chain replacement
Camshaft or crankshaft sensor signal disturbed
Reluctor wheel on crankshaft or camshaft slipped

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Long cranking or hard starting
  • Rough idle and loss of power
  • Chain rattle at cold start on chain-driven engines
  • Risk of valve damage on interference engines if the timing has jumped

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€60–4,000
Time0–20 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

What to check first

  1. Do not ignore - a jumped chain can damage the engine
  2. Check cam/crank correlation values with a scan tool
  3. Inspect timing components and marks

Parts involved

timing chaintiming beltcam phaser intake bank1camshaft position sensorcrankshaft position sensor

Related codes

P0017P0018P0019P0008P0011P0335P0340

References: law.cornell.edu, gsi.ext.gm.com, saabwisonline.com, static.nhtsa.gov.