P0016 — Crankshaft / camshaft correlation
Severity: Serious
Can you drive? With caution: limp mode possible, have it checked soon
Make: All makes (OBD-II standard)
| Meaning | The crankshaft and camshaft sensors disagree about position. The engine is running out of phase with its intended timing. |
| Family | Powertrain (P) |
Typical symptoms
Long or difficult starting
Rough running
Power loss
Chain noise in some cases
Rough running
Power loss
Chain noise in some cases
Common causes
Stretched timing chain or faulty tensioner
Dirty or seized cam phaser
Faulty camshaft sensor
Neglected oil servicing
Dirty or seized cam phaser
Faulty camshaft sensor
Neglected oil servicing
What to do
Do not postpone this: on many engines this code is the first warning of a stretched timing chain, and waiting risks serious damage. Check the timing values on the diagnostic tool before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
What does code P0016 mean?
Crankshaft / camshaft correlation. The crankshaft and camshaft sensors disagree about position. The engine is running out of phase with its intended timing.
Can I keep driving with code P0016 active?
With caution: limp mode possible, have it checked soon
Common causes — P0016
Stretched timing chain or faulty tensioner Dirty or seized cam phaser Faulty camshaft sensor Neglected oil servicing
How do you fix code P0016?
Do not postpone this: on many engines this code is the first warning of a stretched timing chain, and waiting risks serious damage. Check the timing values on the diagnostic tool before deciding.
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Where to get it fixed
Related codes
- P0001 — Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Open
- P0002 — Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P0003 — Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low
- P0004 — Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High
- P0005 — Fuel Shutoff Valve Control Circuit/Open
- P0006 — Fuel Shutoff Valve Control Circuit Low
- P0007 — Fuel Shutoff Valve Control Circuit H igh
- P0008 — Engine Position System Performance (Bank1)
- P0009 — Engine Position System Performance (Bank2)
- P000F — FUEL SYSTEM OVER PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE ACTIVATED
- P0010 — A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank1)
- P0011 — Camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1)