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

Common causes

• A stretched timing chain or worn chain guides or tensioner
• A timing belt or chain that has jumped a tooth, or was installed off by a tooth
• Low or dirty engine oil, or the wrong viscosity, affecting variable valve timing
• A faulty oil control (VVT) solenoid or sticking cam phaser
• A faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, or a damaged tone ring

Code meanings can vary slightly by manufacturer. Use these as a starting point and confirm with your vehicle's service information or a mechanic before replacing parts.

Symptoms

• Check engine light
• Rough running or hesitation
• Hard starting or long cranking
• A rattle from the front of the engine, often at cold start

Is it safe to drive?

If the engine rattles, runs badly, stalls or won't start, don't keep running it; have it towed. A chain or belt that slips further can cause major engine damage. If it runs normally with a steady light, check the oil and get it diagnosed soon, driving gently.

How to check it with a scanner

1. Plug an OBD2 scanner into the port under the dashboard and read all stored codes and the freeze-frame data (the conditions when the code set).
2. Check the oil level and condition first; top up or change it with the specified oil if it's low or dirty.
3. Scan for related codes (P0011, P0335, P0340) and, if your scanner shows it, compare cam/crank correlation or actual cam position in live data.
4. Listen for timing chain rattle at cold start, keeping hands and tools clear of the belts and fan.
5. Inspect the VVT solenoid and its screen. Confirming timing marks usually means removing covers, so leave that to a shop if you're unsure.
6. After a repair, clear the code and drive normally for a few days to confirm it doesn't come back.

A basic code reader shows the code; scanners with live data let you watch sensor readings, which is what you need for most of the checks above. See OBD2 scanners under $100.

Questions

Related codes

• P0011: Intake cam timing over-advanced, bank 1
• P0340: Camshaft position sensor circuit
• P0335: Crankshaft position sensor circuit
• P0017: Crank and exhaust cam timing don't match, bank 1
• P0018: Crank and intake cam timing don't match, bank 2
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