P0016: The crankshaft and intake cam positions do not match on the left side
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
The engine's cam and crank timing are out of sync, which can damage the engine. Get it checked today. If it runs poorly, rattles or stalls, stop and have it towed.
Stop driving and get help if
- The check engine light is flashing
- The temperature gauge runs high, or you see steam (overheating)
- The car loses power, hesitates badly or stalls
- You smell burning or see smoke
- A brake warning light comes on, or the brakes feel different
Pull over as soon as you can, turn the engine off, and call a tow or roadside help.
What it means
Your engine's computer compares the crankshaft position sensor signal to the camshaft position sensor signal on every rotation. They should stay in a fixed relationship. P0016 means they are out of sync. The two most common reasons are a stretched timing chain that has let the cam slip, or a camshaft position sensor reading incorrectly. On engines with variable valve timing, a stuck phaser can also cause the signals to diverge. This is a mechanical or sensor problem, not just an electrical glitch.
Common causes
- Stretched or jumped timing chainThe most serious cause. A chain that has jumped a tooth physically shifts cam timing relative to the crank.
- Failed or dirty camshaft position sensorA faulty sensor sends an incorrect signal. Cheaper and easier to test than a timing chain job.
- Failed or dirty crankshaft position sensorThe crank sensor can also send incorrect data. Rule it out before opening the timing cover.
- Worn or stuck VVT phaserA phaser that cannot hold position causes sensor correlation errors even with a good chain.
- Low oil pressure affecting phaser operationLow oil from a leak or infrequent changes can starve the phaser and shift cam position.
What the fix could involve
From the cheaper fix to the bigger one. Prices depend on your car, your area and the shop, so ask for a written quote that names the part and the labor before you approve it.
- Camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
- VVT phaser replacement
- Timing chain kit with labor
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough running or misfires
- Hard start or no-start
- Rattling noise from engine, especially at cold start
- Reduced power across all RPM ranges
What to do next
Do not drive this car beyond getting it to a shop. Have the technician read live cam and crank sensor data first, because a cheap sensor replacement is always worth ruling out before a timing chain job. If the engine rattles at cold start alongside this code, assume the chain until proven otherwise. Timing chain jobs are expensive but skipping them on a slipped chain risks bending valves on some engines.
Lewis reads P0016 alongside any related cam and crank codes, so you or your technician can see whether it points to a sensor or to timing chain wear. Get Lewis on the App Store or Google Play.
Related codes
FAQ
- Is P0016 always a timing chain problem?
- No. A bad camshaft position sensor causes most P0016 cases on lower-mileage engines. Check the sensor before assuming a timing chain job.
- Can I drive with P0016 if the car feels fine?
- We recommend against it. If the chain has jumped a tooth, continued driving can bend valves. The risk is too high to drive more than necessary.
- What does 'Bank 1 Sensor A' mean?
- Bank 1 is the side of the engine containing cylinder 1. Sensor A refers to the intake cam. On a four-cylinder there is only one bank.
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