Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0016: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
P0016 means the crankshaft position signal and the Bank 1 "A" camshaft position signal do not line up the way the engine computer expects, suggesting a timing or sensor problem.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0016 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) compares the pulses from the crankshaft position sensor with those from the Bank 1 "A" camshaft position sensor. Those signals should keep a fixed relationship, adjusted only by any variable valve timing command. If the measured offset is outside the allowed window, P0016 sets. The window and test conditions are manufacturer-specific.
Common causes of P0016
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Stretched timing chain or worn guides and tensioner
- Timing belt or chain jumped a tooth
- Cam phaser stuck away from its home position
- Low oil level or pressure affecting the phaser
- Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
- Damaged reluctor wheel or tone ring
- Incorrect timing after a repair
P0016 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Hard starting or extended cranking
- Rough idle, misfire or stalling
- Reduced power
- Rattle from the timing cover on startup
How P0016 is diagnosed
- Record freeze frame data and check for cam timing or sensor circuit codes
- Check oil level and condition
- Review cam and crank correlation or cam angle values in live data if available
- Scope the crank and cam signals together and compare to a known-good pattern
- Inspect sensors, connectors and tone rings for damage
- Verify mechanical timing marks and measure chain or belt condition
Typical fixes for P0016
- Replace the timing chain kit or timing belt and re-time the engine
- Replace a stuck intake cam phaser
- Replace a faulty cam or crank position sensor
- Correct oil level or pressure problems
- Replace a damaged reluctor wheel
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Manufacturer notes
Widely reported on certain GM 2.0, 2.4 and 3.6 liter engines, Mercedes-Benz V6 and V8 engines with balance shaft or chain wear, and Volkswagen/Audi TSI engines. Definitions can vary by manufacturer; check factory service information.
Related codes & warning lights
P0016 FAQ
What does code P0016 mean?
P0016 means the crankshaft position signal and the Bank 1 "A" camshaft position signal do not line up the way the engine computer expects, suggesting a timing or sensor problem. The standard definition is "Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)."
Can I drive with a P0016 code?
Limit driving until it is checked. If the cause is a jumped or badly stretched timing chain or belt, continued driving can lead to further damage, and on interference engines a slipped timing component can bend valves.
Does P0016 always mean a bad timing chain?
No. A stretched or jumped chain is a common cause, but a stuck phaser, a faulty sensor or low oil can also set it, so test before replacing parts.
What is the difference between P0016 and P0017?
P0016 compares the crankshaft with the Bank 1 "A" (usually intake) cam sensor, while P0017 compares it with the Bank 1 "B" (usually exhaust) cam sensor.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.