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.
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.
Related codes
Often seen with P0016
Read & clear P0016 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX