P0016

Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A

Ignition / valve timing Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0016 means the ECM sees the crankshaft and the bank 1 camshaft out of their expected alignment — the two timing signals don't correlate. It often points to a sensor or wiring fault, a VVT/oil-flow problem, or genuine mechanical timing drift such as a stretched chain. Because a real timing fault can damage the engine, treat it seriously and diagnose before driving far.

High

Can I keep driving? Limited — the engine may run rough, lose power, or be hard to start; if timing is off mechanically, keep driving to a minimum to avoid engine damage.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

3,477

scans in the past year

Found in

0.6%

of scans

1.0%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0016 scans

P0340in 33.2% of scans

P0335in 25.6% of scans

P0336in 17.9% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Hard starting or long cranking
Rough idle, stumbling, or stalling
Reduced power and hesitation on acceleration

Common causes

Most likely first

Failing crankshaft or camshaft position sensorLikely
Wiring or connector fault in a sensor circuitCommon
Stretched timing chain or a worn tensioner/guides (timing has drifted)Common
Faulty variable valve-timing (VVT/VCT) solenoid or a clogged oil passageLess often
Jumped or mis-installed timing belt/chainLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and check for companion codes (sensor circuit or VVT codes) to narrow the cause.
Inspect the crank and cam sensor connectors and wiring for damage or corrosion.
Check engine oil level and condition — low or dirty oil disrupts VVT operation, a common trigger.
Test the VVT/VCT solenoid and its screen for sludge; clean or replace as needed.
If sensors and VVT check out, inspect timing-chain stretch and tensioner — mechanical timing drift is the serious cause.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0016?+

Only briefly. If the cause is a stretched timing chain or jumped timing, driving risks valve-to-piston contact and major engine damage. Diagnose it before extended driving.

Can I just clear P0016?+

It will come back until the real fault is fixed. Because a mechanical timing problem can be involved, don't ignore it or rely on clearing it.

Read & clear P0016 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX