Ask Andy AIP0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
What it means, what causes it, and what it costs to fix.
What P0016 means
The crank and intake cam sensors disagree about where the engine is in its rotation. The computer expects them to line up within a few degrees, and they don't.
Can I drive with P0016?
Severity: High. Fix right away. It can cause damage or leave you stranded.
Limit driving. If the timing chain or belt has stretched or jumped, continued driving can cause serious engine damage on some engines.
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Ask Andy about P0016Symptoms
- Rattle from the timing cover, especially at startup
- Hard starting or no start
- Rough running, low power
- Check engine light
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Stretched timing chain (common on several GM, VW/Audi, and Ford engines)
- Jumped timing chain or belt
- Faulty cam phaser or VVT solenoid
- Low or dirty oil
- Faulty cam or crank sensor (less common)
How to diagnose P0016
- Check the oil first.
- Look at cam/crank correlation values in live data. Many vehicles show the exact degrees of deviation.
- Check for TSBs on timing chain stretch for your engine.
- Verify timing marks if the deviation is large.
Tip: most US auto parts stores will read your codes for free.
Repair costs
| VVT solenoid | $150–$400 installed |
| Cam or crank sensor | $100–$300 installed |
| Timing chain kit | $1,200–$3,000+ installed |
Typical US prices. Your vehicle, region, and shop rates will change these.
P0016 FAQ
What does P0016 mean?
P0016 means "Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)." The crank and intake cam sensors disagree about where the engine is in its rotation. The computer expects them to line up within a few degrees, and they don't.
Can I drive with a P0016 code?
Limit driving. If the timing chain or belt has stretched or jumped, continued driving can cause serious engine damage on some engines.
What is the most common cause of P0016?
The most common cause is: Stretched timing chain. Other causes include jumped timing chain or belt and faulty cam phaser or vvt solenoid.
How much does it cost to fix P0016?
Typical repairs run about $100 to $3,000 in the US, depending on the cause. VVT solenoid: $150–$400 installed.
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