P0016: Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
The crankshaft and camshaft position signals on bank 1 do not line up the way the engine control unit expects.
High risk
Have it checked promptly. A stretched timing chain or jumped belt can lead to serious engine damage if ignored.
Short answer · Can I keep driving with P0016?
Avoid long trips until the cause is known. If the engine starts and runs normally, you can drive gently to a workshop. If it rattles, misfires or is hard to start, have it towed, as the timing chain or belt may be at fault.
What does P0016 mean?
The engine control unit compares the crankshaft and camshaft signals on every revolution. Code P0016 means the camshaft signal on bank 1 (sensor A, usually intake) is out of its allowed position relative to the crankshaft.
Common causes are a stretched timing chain, a belt that has jumped a tooth, a faulty camshaft adjuster or a sensor problem.
What the car does when the code is set
The check engine light comes on. The engine may idle roughly, lose power or use more fuel, because the valve timing is not where the engine control unit wants it. Some engines lock the camshaft adjuster in a default position.
How the system works
Variable valve timing lets the engine change when the valves open and close. A camshaft adjuster (phaser) on the end of the camshaft turns it a few degrees relative to the sprocket, driven by engine oil that an oil control valve directs to one side or the other. The engine control unit commands a target angle, then measures the real angle by comparing the camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals. If the measured angle differs from the target for too long, or the two signals are out of their normal relationship, it stores a code.
Common symptoms
Possible causes
Listed without ranking. The cause on your car depends on make, engine and mileage — see the maker notes below.
- Low or dirty engine oilVariable valve timing uses oil pressure; low level or old oil makes it slow.
- Faulty oil control valveThe solenoid that directs oil to the camshaft adjuster sticks.
- Worn camshaft adjusterThe adjuster (phaser) no longer holds its position.
- Stretched timing chain or jumped beltCamshaft and crankshaft are no longer in the correct relation.
- Sensor or reluctor wheel problemA faulty position sensor or damaged trigger wheel.
How it is diagnosed
- Check oil level and conditionTop up or change the oil with the specified grade first. This alone sometimes clears the fault.
- Compare desired and actual camshaft positionWith live data, watch whether the camshaft follows the commanded angle at idle and at higher revs.
- Test the oil control valveCheck its resistance and operation, and look for debris in its screen.
- Check the timingIf the readings point to a stretched chain, the workshop checks the timing marks or measures the offset.A worn timing chain can jump teeth and damage the engine. Do not delay the diagnosis.
Questions about P0016
Is P0016 always a timing chain?
No. Oil problems, the oil control valve, the adjuster or sensors can also set it. But a stretched chain is common on some engines, so the timing should be checked.
Can low oil cause this code?
Yes. Valve timing control depends on oil pressure, so low or old oil is one of the first things to check.