The camshaft and crankshaft are the vital components of the internal combustion engine. The vehicle contains a crankshaft position sensor and a camshaft position sensor to measure the positions of the crankshaft and camshaft respectively. The powertrain control module (PCM) of your vehicle triggers the P0016 code when it detects that the bank 1 intake camshaft and crankshaft are not in the correct position. This article mainly explains the P0016 code meaning, causes, and symptoms.
P0016 Code Definition
The P0016 code stands for Camshaft Position A – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1).
What Does The P0016 Code Mean?
The P0016 code indicates that the signal coming from the Bank 1 camshaft position sensor is not correlating with the crankshaft position sensor signal.
To ensure the engine operates smoothly and efficiently, it relies on precise information about the camshaft and crankshaft positions during their rotation. This information is achieved through the use of the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor.
The camshaft position sensor of your vehicle measures the position of the camshaft and sends this information to the PCM. The PCM utilizes this information to regulate the fuel injection rate and ensures efficient combustion of the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber.
The crankshaft position sensor measures the crankshaft position and sends this information to the PCM. The PCM utilizes this information to control fuel injection rate and ignition timing. When the PCM detects that the bank 1 intake camshaft and crankshaft are not in the correct position, it triggers the engine code P0016.
Causes of P0016 Code
The following are the common causes of the P0016 code:
- Worn timing belt
- The camshaft phaser is out of position due to problems with a phaser.
- Damaged or bad connections or wiring
- The failure of the mechanical oil system
- Bad CKP sensor
- Bad camshaft phaser
- Bad camshaft position sensor
- Insufficient engine oil
- Damaged timing chain tensioner
- Dirty engine oil
- Oil Control Valve (OCV) has a restriction in the OCV filter.
- Stretched timing chain
- Bad PCM
Symptoms of P0016 Code
When the P0016 trouble code is activated, it produces one of the below-given signs:
- Excessive noise coming from the timing chain
- Illuminated Check Engine Light
- Poor acceleration
- Poor engine performance
- Engine stalling
- Rough idling
- Engine surging
- An issue with the timing system may also lead to engine misfires
- The engine may have starting issues or will not start at all.
- Poor fuel economy
Read More: Symptoms of Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor
How to diagnose the P0016 Code?
There are multiple methods to diagnose the P0016 code. One of the best methods to diagnose the trouble code is to use an OBD-II scanner or book a diagnostic test with a trusted professional.
Follow the below-given steps to diagnose the P0016 code properly:
- First of all, retrieve all the error codes present in the PCM memory using an OBD-II scan tool.
- Properly analyze the freeze frame data. Clear the PCM memory and take your vehicle for a test drive. If the P0016 code returns, deeply inspect the system.
- Properly examine the wires connected to the camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor.
- Examine the electrical connections for damage or corrosion.
- Make sure the engine oil level is according to the engine’s requirements. The oil must be clean with sufficient viscosity. A low level of engine oil may cause P0016.
- An issue with the timing components may also cause the P0016. Therefore, properly examine the timing components including timing belt/chain, serpentine belt, and crankshaft pulleys.
- Visually inspect the physical condition of the crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor.
- Use a multimeter to test the performance of the crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor.
- Check the performance of the variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid or oil control valve.
- After making the necessary repairs, clear the error codes and perform a test drive.
- While driving your vehicle, use a scan tool to check the live data from the crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor.
How to avoid a P0016 trouble code?
The best way to stop the P0016 code is to maintain the car according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the below-given tips to avoid P0016:
- If the temperature begins to exceed 32°C, immediately park your car in a sheltered area because extreme heat may damage sensitive components such as timing and sensor parts.
- You must prevent your vehicle from extreme vibration. This can also damage sensitive parts. For example, avoid traveling at high speeds on bad roads.
- Regularly inspect the wiring for malfunction and corrosion, especially when changing the engine oil.
- Change the oil regularly to keep it clean, and always use the high viscosity oil according to the manufacturer’s
- Maintain sufficient oil level.
Common P0016 Diagnosis Mistakes
Following are the most common mistakes that you may make while diagnosing the P0016 trouble code.
- Error codes and problems not verified before diagnosis.
- No visual inspection for connections and wiring issues before their replacement.
- Use of inappropriate tools to inspect defective parts.
- Not doing all pinpoint test steps to help prevent misdiagnosis of good components
- You haven’t checked the engine oil level.
How much does it cost to repair the P0016?
The repair cost of the P0016 depends on many factors such as your living area, the labor cost, and vehicle type. The average repair cost of P0016 is from 70$ to $160.
To fix the P0016 error code, you may need to repair one of the below-given parts of your vehicle. The table below represents the repair and labor costs of the relevant part.
| Parts | Cost |
|---|---|
| Timing Belt | $310 to $410 |
| Oil filter and oil change cost | $16 to $67 |
| Timing Chain | $1,630 to $1,870 |
| CKP sensor | $160 to $245 |
| Reluctor ring | $210 to $700 |
| CMP Sensor | $160 to $230 |
What repairs can fix the P0016 Code?
- Reset the fault codes and perform a road test
- Replace the bad camshaft phaser
- Replace the bad camshaft sensor on bank 1
- Replace the bad oil control valve
- Replace the bad crankshaft position sensor on bank 1
- Replace the faulty timing chain and guides
- Repair the wiring or connection to the camshaft oil control valve or camshaft sensor
- Replace or reprogram the PCM
- Add more oil if it is low
- Change the engine oil if needed
FAQ Section
How serious is the P0016 code?
- The timing chain may have problems with tensioners or guides and can lead to major engine damage if the valves hit the pistons.
- The engine can have stalling or hesitations along with hard starting.
- Driving the vehicle for a prolonged time with the camshafts out of time may cause additional internal engine problems, depending on the failed part.
What are the causes of the P0016?
Your car may show a P0016 trouble code due to one of the below-given causes:
- Stretched timing chain
- Worn timing belt
- Damaged or bad connections or wiring
- The oil control valve has a restriction in the OCV filter
- Insufficient engine oil
- Bad camshaft phaser
- Bad CKP sensor
- Jumped timing
- Dirty engine oil
- Bad CMP sensor
- Engine overheating
- Failure of the mechanical oil system
- Damaged timing chain tensioner
- Bad PCM
Can I drive with a P0016 code?
The P0016 code indicates a serious problem with your car. The proper alignment of the camshaft and crankshaft is very important for the efficient working of the vehicle. This trouble code can cause the vehicle to be hard to start and run rough. In some cases, the vehicle may not be driveable. It should be addressed as soon as possible.
Can a car run without a crankshaft position sensor?
The crankshaft position sensor is the most important of all engine management sensors, and the engine will absolutely not run without it.
Where is the camshaft position correlation bank 1 sensor A?
The “A” represents the Intake Camshaft located on the intake side of the cylinder head. “Bank 1” indicates the engine side containing cylinder No.1.
Can low engine oil cause a P0016 code?
Yes, low oil levels or dirty oil may lead to a P0016 code. The engines with a timing chain always need a regular oil supply to lubricate the chain properly. Therefore, you must inspect your vehicle oil level before driving and replace it with fresh oil at least once a year.