P0016: Crankshaft / Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1, Sensor A)

Severity: high System: Engine Can drive: caution

Quick answer: P0016 means the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors are out of sync — the cam timing doesn’t correlate with the crank as expected. Common causes are a stretched/jumped timing chain, a stuck VVT (variable valve timing) actuator or oil control valve, low/dirty oil, or a cam/crank sensor fault. It can indicate a serious timing problem.

TL;DR

P0016 = crank/cam correlation fault (Bank 1). Severity: high. Top causes: timing chain stretch/jump (35%), stuck VVT actuator/oil control valve (30%), low/dirty oil (20%), cam/crank sensor or wiring (15%). Diagnose before driving hard.

Can I keep driving with P0016?

Caution — diagnose first.

IF it idles and runs normally with no rattle → drive gently to get it diagnosed soon. IF you hear timing-chain rattle (especially on cold start), rough running or it’s in limp mode → stop driving; a jumped chain can cause major engine damage.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Rattle on start-up (timing chain)
Rough running or hard start
Reduced power / limp mode
Possible stalling

Top causes (ranked by probability)

Likely cause	Probability	Notes
Stretched or jumped timing chain (worn guides/tensioner)	35%
Stuck VVT actuator / clogged oil control valve	30%	Often from low or dirty oil
Low or degraded engine oil	20%	Check oil first — cheap and common
Cam/crank sensor, reluctor or wiring fault	15%

What does P0016 mean?

Technical explanation

The ECM compares crankshaft and camshaft position signals to confirm valve timing. P0016 sets when the measured cam-to-crank relationship is outside tolerance on Bank 1, Sensor A. Causes include a stretched or jumped timing chain (worn guides/tensioner), a VVT/VCT phaser stuck or an oil control valve (OCV/VVT solenoid) clogged with sludge, low or degraded oil starving the phaser, or a cam/crank sensor or reluctor fault. Because it can reflect actual mechanical timing error, it should be diagnosed before extended driving.

In simple terms

Your engine’s valves and pistons must move in precise sync. P0016 means the computer sees the camshaft and crankshaft out of step. It can be a stretched timing chain, a sticky variable-valve-timing part (often from dirty or low oil), or a sensor fault. Because timing problems can damage the engine, get it checked promptly.

How to diagnose P0016 (step by step)

Check oil level and condition. Low/dirty oil starves the VVT phaser — the cheapest first check.
Scan cam/crank correlation data. Confirm the timing offset and which bank/sensor.
Listen for timing-chain rattle. A cold-start rattle suggests a stretched chain or worn tensioner.
Test the VVT solenoid / oil control valve. A clogged or stuck OCV mistimes the cam.
Verify cam/crank sensors and timing marks. Inspect sensors and, if needed, check actual timing alignment.

Repair options & cost

Change oil; clean/replace the VVT oil control valve
Replace a stretched timing chain, guides and tensioner
Replace the cam/crank sensor
Repair the wiring

🔧 Doing it yourself? Buy the part: VVT / oil control solenoid

DIY cost	$20–$400
Workshop cost	$150–$2,500
Repair time	30 minutes (oil/OCV) to a full day (timing chain)

Costs are local ballpark ranges and vary by region and vehicle.

Tools you’ll need

Scan your car: recommended OBD-II scanners →

Vehicle-specific notes

Always check oil level and condition first — low/dirty oil is a common, cheap cause via the VVT phaser.
On high-mileage engines a stretched timing chain is common; listen for cold-start rattle.
Don’t ignore P0016 — a jumped chain on an interference engine can bend valves.

Common mistakes to avoid

Replacing sensors while ignoring a stretched timing chain
Skipping the basic oil-level/quality check
Clearing the code and driving hard on a timing fault
Overlooking a sludged oil control valve

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drive with P0016?

Only briefly and gently to get it diagnosed. If you hear timing-chain rattle or the engine runs rough, stop — a jumped chain can cause serious engine damage.

What’s the most common cause of P0016?

A stretched/jumped timing chain or a stuck VVT actuator/oil control valve, often linked to low or dirty oil. Check the oil first.

Can low oil cause P0016?

Yes. The variable valve timing phaser relies on clean oil pressure; low or sludgy oil can mistime the cam and set P0016. Change the oil and retest.

P0016 summary

Meaning	Crank/cam timing correlation fault
Severity	High
Safe to drive?	Caution — diagnose first
Top cause	Timing chain / VVT (65%)
DIY cost	$20–$400
Shop cost	$150–$2,500