AutoCodesGeneric – P0016

P0016 Code - Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Not Plausible

Quick Answer

The Camshaft Position (CMP) actuator system is controlled by the control module. Common causes include Low oil level, Mechanical timing fault (stretched timing chain or damaged timing chain tensioner), Blocked oil passage. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0016 indicates Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Not Plausible.
Common causes
Common causes include Low oil level, Mechanical timing fault (stretched timing chain or damaged timing chain tensioner), Blocked oil passage.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 115,016
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 22, 2022
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0016 Description

The Camshaft Position (CMP) actuator system is controlled by the control module. The Engine Control Module (ECM) sends a pulse width modulated signal to a CMP actuator solenoid in order to control the amount of engine oil flow to a camshaft actuator passage. There are 2 different passages for oil to flow through, a passage for CAM advance and a passage for CAM retard. The camshaft actuator is attached to the front of the camshaft and is hydraulically operated in order to change the angle of the camshaft relative to the Crankshaft Position (CKP). Engine Oil Pressure (EOP), viscosity, temperature, engine oil level, and aftermarket engine oil additives can have an adverse effect on camshaft phaser performance. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM compares the signals of the crankshaft position sensor and both camshaft position sensors to detect if the signals are out of sync.
OBDII Code P0016 - Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Not Plausible - AutoCodes.com
P0016 Code - Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Not Plausible

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0016?

  • Low oil level
  • Mechanical timing fault (stretched timing chain or damaged timing chain tensioner)
  • Blocked oil passage
  • Faulty Intake ('A') Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor
  • Faulty Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor

How to Fix the DTC P0016?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0016 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0016 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0016 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0016 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

  • P0016 Audi — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 BMW — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 Buick — Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Not Plausible
  • P0016 Cadillac — Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Not Plausible
  • P0016 Chevrolet — Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Not Plausible
  • P0016 Chrysler — Crankshaft/Camshaft Timing Misalignment
  • P0016 Dodge — Crankshaft/Camshaft Timing Misalignment
  • P0016 Ford — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 GMC — Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Not Plausible
  • P0016 Hummer — Crankshaft Position-Intake Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1
  • P0016 Hyundai — Crankshaft Position-Camshaft Position Correction- Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 Isuzu — Incorrect Correlation Between Camshaft Sensor And Crankshaft Sensor
  • P0016 Jeep — Crankshaft/Camshaft Timing Misalignment
  • P0016 KIA — Crankshaft Position-Camshaft Position Correction- Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 Lexus — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 Lincoln — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 Mazda — Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation Right Side
  • P0016 Mercedes-Benz — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Sensor 'A' Bank 1
  • P0016 Mercury — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 MINI — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 Mitsubishi — Crankshaft/Camshaft Timing Misalignment
  • P0016 Pontiac — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 RAM — Crankshaft/Camshaft Timing Misalignment
  • P0016 Saturn — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 Scion — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 Subaru — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1
  • P0016 Suzuki — Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1
  • P0016 Toyota — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
  • P0016 Volkswagen — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor 'A'
About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0016 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0016?

The common symptoms of code P0016 include rough idle, engine misfires, poor acceleration, and stalling.

2. What does the OBDII code P0016 indicate?

Code P0016 indicates that the crankshaft position sensor and the intake camshaft position sensor are not in sync, suggesting a timing issue.

3. What are the potential causes of OBDII code P0016?

Potential causes of code P0016 include a faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, a stretched timing chain, a malfunctioning variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid, or issues with the timing belt.

4. How is OBDII code P0016 diagnosed?

Code P0016 is diagnosed using a scan tool to read the code, followed by testing the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, inspecting the timing components, and checking for any wiring issues.

5. Can driving with OBDII code P0016 cause further damage to the engine?

Continuously driving with code P0016 can potentially cause damage to the engine, as timing issues can lead to poor engine performance and even engine failure if not addressed promptly.

6. How is OBDII code P0016 typically repaired?

Repairing code P0016 often involves replacing the faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, fixing any timing component issues, or addressing problems with the VVT system.

7. Are there any DIY repair tips for OBDII code P0016?

DIY repair tips for code P0016 include checking the wiring connections to the sensors, inspecting the timing components for wear or damage, and ensuring proper alignment of the timing marks.

8. Can resetting the OBDII code P0016 resolve the issue temporarily?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear the Check Engine Light, but if the underlying issue causing code P0016 is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear.

9. How important is it to address OBDII code P0016 promptly?

It is crucial to address code P0016 promptly to prevent potential engine damage, ensure optimal engine performance, and avoid more costly repairs in the future.

10. Is it recommended to drive the vehicle with OBDII code P0016 present?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with code P0016 present, as it can lead to poor engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and possible further damage to engine components.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0016 OBDII Code

  • p0016 codes comes on only after 3 engine starts ,delete and after another 3 starts comes on again  have had cyl head recon after overheating problem , repalced timing belt and all marks line up , used cam aligning tool, engine idles and runs perfect ,does not come on while driving at all only after 3 starts, it is a v70 xc volvo 2.4 20 valve turbo engine vvt only on exhaust cam, do they re corralate after running for a while through the vvt thanks ..

  • Having exact same problem any answers

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play