AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P16CF Chevrolet

P16CF Chevrolet Code - Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The rocker arm actuator system enables the Engine Control Module (ECM) to change the camshaft lift and duration while the engine is operating. Common causes include Faulty Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2, Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 harness is open or shorted, Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 circuit poor electrical connection. 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
P16CF Chevrolet indicates Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2, Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 harness is open or shorted, Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 circuit poor electrical connection.
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 25,642
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 10, 2020
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Code P16CF Chevrolet Description

The rocker arm actuator system enables the Engine Control Module (ECM) to change the camshaft lift and duration while the engine is operating. The camshaft has 3 lobes for each intake valve. The inner lobe is for low lift and the 2 outer lobes are for high lift. The rocker arm solenoid valve controls the 2-step lift by controlling the oil flow to the rocker arm. In default mode, a locking pin locks the inner and outer mechanisms of the rocker arm together to provide high lift. When low lift is commanded, oil pressure retracts a locking pin within the rocker arm.
The rocker arm solenoid valve receives a signal from the ECM. The ECM controls the rocker arm solenoid valve by supplying a 12 V PWM signal. The ECM supplies a ground to the low reference circuit.
OBDII Code P16CF Chevrolet - Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P16CF Chevrolet Code - Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P16CF Chevrolet?

  • Faulty Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2
  • Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 harness is open or shorted
  • Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P16CF Chevrolet?

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 P16CF Chevrolet 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 P16CF Chevrolet code?

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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 P16CF Chevrolet Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P16CF in a Chevrolet related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit?

The common symptoms include rough idling, reduced engine performance, and potential stalling of the vehicle.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P16CF in a Chevrolet related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit?

Possible causes may include a faulty intake rocker arm solenoid valve, wiring issues, poor electrical connections, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code P16CF in a Chevrolet related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit?

Diagnosis typically involves using a scan tool to read the code, checking the wiring and connections to the solenoid valve, and testing the valve itself for proper operation.

4. Can I continue driving my Chevrolet with OBDII code P16CF related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit?

It is not recommended to continue driving with this code present, as it can lead to further engine issues and potential damage if left unresolved.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P16CF in a Chevrolet related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit?

Repair options may include replacing the intake rocker arm solenoid valve, repairing any damaged wiring or connections, and resetting the ECM to clear the code.

6. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P16CF in a Chevrolet related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit without fixing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the code temporarily by resetting the ECM, the issue causing the code will likely persist and trigger the code again if not properly addressed.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P16CF in a Chevrolet related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the code, but it may range from $100-$300 for parts and labor.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code P16CF in a Chevrolet related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit?

Depending on your skill level and access to tools, you may be able to replace the intake rocker arm solenoid valve yourself. However, diagnosing and repairing wiring or ECM issues may require professional help.

9. Will OBDII code P16CF in a Chevrolet related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit cause the check engine light to illuminate?

Yes, this code will trigger the check engine light on the dashboard of your Chevrolet to alert you to the issue with the intake rocker arm solenoid valve.

10. How urgent is it to address OBDII code P16CF in a Chevrolet related to the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 Control Circuit?

It is recommended to address this code promptly to prevent further engine damage and ensure optimal performance of your Chevrolet.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P16CF Chevrolet OBDII Code

  • I have replaced the intake rocker arm solenoid and put silicone dielectric grease on the connector. No code after that but it has returned now later.

  • What model and year is your vehicle?

  • 2014

  • But what model and engine size, not trying to be difficult, but in order to find the correct and accurate answer I need all the information of your vehicle.

  • Malibu LS 2.5

  • I am currently having the same issue. 2014 malibu 2.5L. Car only has 40,000km on it and chevy is telling me this is not covered under warranty. They reffered to the problem as "oil pump flow control valve" im assuming this is the same thing?

  • Possibly. The DIC identifies it as the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid. There is also a Intake VVT Solenoid. I changed that one and still have the P16CF code problem.

  • Unfortunately I haven't had that problem, and I check a national database of repairs for that model year and there is nothing common either. According to the factory service manual, you may have to replace the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2

  • Can you tell me the location of this part? I think it is about the center of the head on the intake side but not sure.

  • That is not the correct solenoid. That one is the intake VVT solenoid . There is another solenoid that is located about the middle of the head on the intake side. I believe that is it but am not sure.

  • Unfortunately, the factory service manual it's not clear, but the part on top is the Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve.

  • What is the part number for the intake rocker arm solenoid valve 2? My car is throwing the code for p16cf.

  • So the P16cf code is the same as P16D0?

  • I have a 2014 Malibu eco 2.4 with the code p16cf.

  • Is the same component, but different problem.

  • James, did you happen to have figured out what the problem was? I have a 2014 impala with the same code. The idle also feels rough at low speeds (around 30mph) and when I accelerate too fast, the car wants to bog down.

  • Yes, it was the rocker arm oil control solenoid.

  • Thank you for sharing!!

  • Kollin did you get your issure fixed???? I also have a 2014 LT 2.5 with the same code!

  • james you fixed it yourself or you took it to a mechanic??

  • Yes, I did. It was the Oil Control Rear Variable Timing Solenoid. It was hard to find because it seems like everyone has a different name for it... I found one on Rockauto.com for about $70 with shipping.

  • I replaced the rocker arm oil control solenoid and that corrected the problem.

  • I have a 2015 Malibu just got the code P16cf car is running fine, if I replace the rocker arm control valve will it fix the problem

  • Yes, usually replacing the Intake Rocker Arm Solenoid Valve 2 takes care of the problem, unless you had the problem for a while, then there is a chance that the solenoid valve may have damage the PCM as well.

  • Thanks for your quick response, I took it to the mechanic yesterday and they replaced the solenoid valve 2 and as soon as the new part was on the light went off with no need to reset the computer. No other issues because I took it as soon as the light came on. Simple and cheap fix. Thanks!

  • I'm glad you fixed the problem!! Thank you for sharing.

  • Can a do it your self person do this in their garage or need to be taken to a profession

  • I just had the p16cf code. Took to a mechanic and he replaced the intake Solinoid valve 2. A few days later the car is still operating poorly. What else could the problem be?

  • What model and year is your vehicle? do you have any more codes?

  • What if i have both both codes coming up? P16CF and P16D0? Is it something specific with that combination or two different issues?

  • Let me check for more information. What model and year is your vehicle?

  • I had the P16cf code: replaced both intake and exhaust rocker arm valves engine light came back on and then replaced the oil sensor and again the engine light came back on. the engine light once reset will stay off for awhile then it will come back on and then maybe a day later will go off again. I have a 2014 chevy Malibu LT 2.5 4 cylinder

  • Hello Sir,

    I have a '15 Impala 2.5 with P16CF & P305F

    I notice the car has some gearshift issues, sometimes it does not change gears when the pedal is floored, unless I un floor it.

    Some times when I slow down the gearshift is a bit hesitant

    I also noticed the fuel gauge going down pretty fast for a 4cyl, not sure how big the tank is, as I havent fueled it yet, just got the car, I noticed 8mpg avg, but today I reset the meter, and its at 22mpg again(mostly city here)

    A slight engine sound, only heard at night parked in the garage, not everybody can hear it though, its a very quiet sound

    pretty much the only symptoms I noticed

    other than that it idles and runs smooth

    It has a new main battery in it. Only yesterday I noticed the car actually has an auxillary battery, small one in the trunk. I read p305f may have something to do with those

    Sincerely,

    Benoit

  • I'm not sure if both codes are related to the transmission problems. For that, I recommend checking the transmission fluid level and condition.

    For the P16CF, the most likely cause of the problem is the Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid, which could help you improve the gas mileage.

    For the P305F, the auxiliary battery is the most likely cause. Before replacing the battery, try to locate the noise. It's possible that what you hear, it's what is draining the battery. Unfortunately, I can't help you with that, since I will need to hear where the noise is coming.

  • Hi sir, many thanks for the advice!
    The big question now is, can I use a AGM aux battery without the vent?
    Because the Impala has the vent hose that connect to the aux bat, but the aux bat(an 180cold cranking battery) that I found, does not have the vent hole

    Can I still use it?

    I read opposing stuf on the internet, many say can, many say cant, what do you think?

    some say ag do not require venting, some say they do.

    they orginal ac delco agm bat in the Impala does have a vent hole though..

    I can send you a thanks thru paypal, let me know

    thanks again

    Benoit

  • Thanks sir,

    The car was parked for a couple of months, because I bought it at auction.
    Maybe that drained the car.

    Can I change the solenoid prior to the aux bat?
    So can a faulty aux bat damage the solenoid?

    Im flying the solenoid in with courier, but the au bat with freight.

    Thanks

    Ben

  • The car was parked for a couple of months, because I bought it at auction.
    Maybe that drained the car.

    Can I change the solenoid prior to the aux bat?


    Yes, I doubt the battery is related to the solenoid problem. Make sure the engine oil is clean and the level is OK. Dirty and/or low engine oil can cause a solenoid malfunction.

    So can a faulty aux bat damage the solenoid?

    It's unlikely. The couple of months without using the vehicle may have drained the battery.

    I've checked a national database of repairs for the 15 Impala with 2.5 engine and there is nothing that indicated that both codes are related.

  • GM sent out letters a few years ago about this. You could get it repaired at GM expense IF your car had 30,000 miles or less. Mine did at the time I received the letter from them but my dealer said they couldn't change it unless I was getting a code for it. So now, two years later, and the code just came up today. P16CF. so, looks like I'm forking the money over for this myself.

  • Unfortunately, other than the variable valve timing oil control solenoid I have not seen anything else setting the code. What oil weight are you using?

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