Freeze Frame
OBD-II trouble code

P0016

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

Severity Serious Driving See conditions below System Cam/crank correlation and mechanical timing Applies to OBD-II engines with monitored camshaft/crankshaft correlation

Published · Reviewed and updated

In plain English: The crankshaft and bank one camshaft A signals do not have the expected timing relationship. The code alone does not condemn a sensor or chain.

Arrange prompt diagnosis. A short, gentle trip may be possible only with correct oil level, no oil-pressure warning and a quiet, smoothly running engine. Stop for timing rattle, severe roughness, stalling, a flashing check-engine light or an oil-pressure warning. Do not repeatedly crank a noisy or non-starting engine; a mechanical timing fault can cause engine damage.

A diagnostic starting point: Oil condition or recent timing work. Start by asking: Is the engine safe for a running test? Illustrative parts budgets span $35–$1800 USD, with diagnosis, labor and taxes extra.

Quick answers about P0016

What does P0016 mean?
The crankshaft and bank one camshaft A signals do not have the expected timing relationship. The code alone does not condemn a sensor or chain.
What should I check first for P0016?
One starting point is Oil condition or recent timing work. Verify oil level and specification, then review what changed before the code appeared. These checks guide the next test. The code alone does not identify a failed part; follow the procedure for your vehicle.
Can I drive with P0016?
Arrange prompt diagnosis. A short, gentle trip may be possible only with correct oil level, no oil-pressure warning and a quiet, smoothly running engine. Stop for timing rattle, severe roughness, stalling, a flashing check-engine light or an oil-pressure warning. Do not repeatedly crank a noisy or non-starting engine; a mechanical timing fault can cause engine damage.
How much does it cost to fix P0016?
Illustrative parts budgets in this guide span $35–$1800 USD. Diagnosis, labor and taxes are extra. The diagnosis determines the repair. A correlation code is not a timing-chain estimate.
How do I diagnose P0016?
Start with: Is the engine safe for a running test? Save all codes and freeze frame. Check oil, recent repairs and the manufacturer's procedure. Rattle, oil-pressure concerns or a suspected timing jump require inspection before running tests. Measure oil pressure when indicated; an unlit warning lamp is not a pressure measurement.

Watch the P0016 videos

Full diagnostic video · 10:27 YouTube Short · 1:10

Full walkthrough — 10:27. Watch on YouTube

What P0016 actually means

The crankshaft sensor supplies a rotation reference. The camshaft sensor identifies cam position from its signal target. The computer checks the relationship between those signals. A timing chain or belt establishes base timing, while variable valve timing, where fitted, can change cam phase. The expected relationship therefore depends on the engine and test state. Correct-looking individual signals can still be shifted relative to each other.

Bank one contains cylinder number one. Sensor A commonly means the intake camshaft on a dual-overhead-cam engine; confirm the manufacturer's naming and layout. Unlike P0012's over-retarded timing result, a correlation error can be early or late. The permitted relationship, learned reference and monitor conditions vary. There is no universal tooth count or angle limit for every engine.

Illustrative phase comparison; actual tooth patterns vary Crank reference One selected event Shared reference Expected cam event Correct engine and test state Observed cam event Shifted later in this example A mismatch can be early or late. Test what caused it.
Schematic illustration; the vehicle's layout may differ. The cam signal disagrees with its expected relationship to the crank.

Symptoms

Possible causes and what to check

This is a practical diagnostic order, not measured failure rates. Follow the tests and priorities specified for your vehicle; a code alone does not identify a failed part.

1 Oil condition or recent timing work
Verify oil level and specification, then review what changed before the code appeared. These checks guide the next test.
2 Sensor circuits or poor signal quality
Damaged wiring, connections or a sensor can distort position information. Diagnose relevant circuit codes and inspect the actual signals.
3 Phaser control or inadequate oil supply
Where variable timing is fitted, verify its proper reference state and actuation. Correct oil level alone does not prove adequate pressure.
4 Shifted or damaged signal targets
A moved cam or crank reluctor can change the detected relationship even when mechanical valve timing is correct.
5 Incorrect base timing or worn timing drive
Check installation, chain or belt condition, guides and tensioners as applicable. Warning signs or manufacturer guidance can make this the first inspection.
6 Application-specific calibration or learning
Check applicable bulletins early. Perform prescribed updates or learning at the specified stage; a reset cannot repair displaced mechanical parts.

Illustrative cam-edge offset from the engine reference

Illustrative graph, not a recording from your vehicle or a universal service limit. Confirm the test conditions, units and acceptance criteria in the applicable service procedure.

Compare both position signals under the same specified conditions.

This is a schematic phase comparison, not a raw waveform or universal scan parameter. Zero represents the expected cam-edge position relative to a selected crank reference. It does not mean both sensor edges coincide. Positive offset means later in this illustration. The time and angle values are invented.

-2.0 0.4 2.8 5.2 7.6 10.0 0 1 2 4 5 6 Offset from reference (crankshaft degrees) Seconds at the specified test state Expected reference - illustrative Healthy relationship example Shifted relationship example
Match the engine, reference and test state. Prove signal quality before interpreting phase.

The green example stays near its reference. In practice, capture cam and crank together and compare with the correct engine pattern at the same speed and variable-timing state. Follow the manufacturer's tolerance and measurement convention.

The red example stays about eight crankshaft degrees later. That illustrates a shifted relationship, not a universal failure threshold. If signals are clean, investigate mechanical timing, the phaser and target indexing. Missing or distorted pulses require signal diagnosis before interpreting phase.

Save the codes, check oil and recent repairs, then verify both signals against the correct engine reference. A clean offset does not prove chain wear. Inspect timing, targets and actuator state. Stop running tests for rattle or oil-pressure warnings.

How to diagnose it, in order

  1. Is the engine safe for a running test?
    Save all codes and freeze frame. Check oil, recent repairs and the manufacturer's procedure. Rattle, oil-pressure concerns or a suspected timing jump require inspection before running tests. Measure oil pressure when indicated; an unlit warning lamp is not a pressure measurement.
    Yes → go to step 2
    No → Stop running tests; inspect lubrication and mechanical timing
  2. Are the cam and crank signals electrically sound?
    Inspect connectors and harnesses, then test supplies, grounds and signal quality for the fitted sensor design. Resolve relevant circuit faults. Use proper probes and wiring information; replacing both sensors without testing can leave the cause untouched.
    Yes → go to step 3
    No → Repair the demonstrated wiring, supply or sensor fault
  3. Does the relationship match the correct engine reference?
    Capture both signals together under the prescribed conditions. Identify the correct crank reference and cam edge. Check scan-parameter definitions, units and learning status; an adaptation value is not automatically a raw physical angle. A passing result now may indicate an intermittent condition.
    Yes → Review intermittent conditions and required learning or updates
    No → go to step 4
  4. Does the timing actuator reach its required reference state?
    Where variable timing is fitted, test its control, appropriate oil or electrical supply, and parking or locking function as directed. A command on the scan tool does not prove physical movement. For fixed timing, proceed to mechanical and target checks.
    Yes → go to step 5
    No → Repair the proven actuator, control or supply problem
  5. Are base timing and signal-target indexing correct?
    Use the specified locking tools and inspection procedure. Check the timing drive and the actual cam or crank target position. A slipped target can survive a timing-chain replacement. If everything passes, return to signal validation and applicable manufacturer guidance.
    Yes → Recheck feedback, test conditions and applicable service guidance
    No → Repair the confirmed timing-drive or signal-target defect

Verify the completed correlation monitor after repair. Clearing the light alone does not confirm success.

What you need to do this yourself

Some links may be affiliate links. They cost you nothing extra and do not change which tools are recommended — the diagnostic order on this site is the same either way.

Illustrative repair budgets

These are rough US planning examples, not repair quotes or measured averages. Parts and labor are separate. Diagnosis, access, taxes and engine damage can add substantially.

Illustrative budgets in USD; labor time is shown separately
RepairParts (USD)Labor time
Specified oil and filter service
Only addresses a verified service issue; it cannot correct displaced timing.
 $35–$120 0.5 h
Accessible sensor or wiring repair
Replace a sensor only when circuit and signal testing support it.
 $40–$350 1.0 h
Oil-control valve repair
Applies to a demonstrated fault on the appropriate hydraulic design.
 $50–$350 1.5 h
Cam phaser or timing-actuator repair
Design and access strongly affect the job.
 $180–$1200 5.0 h
Timing-drive kit and related hardware
Major target, crankshaft or engine damage can exceed these examples.
 $250–$1800 8.0 h

The diagnosis determines the repair. A correlation code is not a timing-chain estimate.

P0016 video summary · 1:10

A brief introduction to the code and a diagnostic starting point. Use the full guide and vehicle-specific service information for the complete procedure.

Watch this Short on YouTube

Written diagnostic walkthrough

Current written guidance organized by topic. This text may include corrections made after a video was published and is not a verbatim transcript of the archived video.

Meaning and driving guidance

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

In plain English: the crankshaft and bank one camshaft A signals do not have the expected timing relationship. The code alone does not condemn a sensor or chain.

Arrange prompt diagnosis. A short, gentle trip may be possible only with correct oil level, no oil-pressure warning and a quiet, smoothly running engine. Stop for timing rattle, severe roughness, stalling, a flashing check-engine light or an oil-pressure warning. Do not repeatedly crank a noisy or non-starting engine; a mechanical timing fault can cause engine damage.

How it is measured

Here's what your engine computer is actually measuring.

The crankshaft sensor supplies a rotation reference. The camshaft sensor identifies cam position from its signal target. The computer checks the relationship between those signals. A timing chain or belt establishes base timing, while variable valve timing, where fitted, can change cam phase. The expected relationship therefore depends on the engine and test state. Correct-looking individual signals can still be shifted relative to each other.

Bank one contains cylinder number one. Sensor A commonly means the intake camshaft on a dual-overhead-cam engine; confirm the manufacturer's naming and layout. Unlike P0012's over-retarded timing result, a correlation error can be early or late. The permitted relationship, learned reference and monitor conditions vary. There is no universal tooth count or angle limit for every engine.

Separate incorrect valve timing from misleading position signals or an applicable control issue before selecting a repair.

Symptoms

What you'll usually notice, beyond the light itself.

Hard starting or a crank-no-start condition. Incorrect timing or an unreliable position reference can prevent normal starting. Avoid repeated attempts when mechanical trouble is suspected.

Rough running, hesitation or stalling. The cause may affect valve timing or the information used to synchronize engine operation.

Reduced power or restricted operation. Engine control may change after a correlation fault. Symptoms alone do not identify the failed component.

Timing-drive rattle, especially after a repair. Noise or recent timing work moves mechanical inspection earlier. Do not rev the engine to reproduce a rattle.

Sometimes only the warning light. Normal driving feel does not prove correct timing. Save the codes and freeze-frame conditions.

Possible causes

Here is a practical order for checking the possible causes. These are diagnostic priorities, not measured failure rates.

Check 1: Oil condition or recent timing work. Verify oil level and specification, then review what changed before the code appeared. These checks guide the next test.

Check 2: Sensor circuits or poor signal quality. Damaged wiring, connections or a sensor can distort position information. Diagnose relevant circuit codes and inspect the actual signals.

Check 3: Phaser control or inadequate oil supply. Where variable timing is fitted, verify its proper reference state and actuation. Correct oil level alone does not prove adequate pressure.

Check 4: Shifted or damaged signal targets. A moved cam or crank reluctor can change the detected relationship even when mechanical valve timing is correct.

Check 5: Incorrect base timing or worn timing drive. Check installation, chain or belt condition, guides and tensioners as applicable. Warning signs or manufacturer guidance can make this the first inspection.

Check 6: Application-specific calibration or learning. Check applicable bulletins early. Perform prescribed updates or learning at the specified stage; a reset cannot repair displaced mechanical parts.

Use the test results to choose the repair. A position in this list does not prove that a part has failed.

Illustrative diagnostic pattern

Compare both position signals under the same specified conditions.

This is a schematic phase comparison, not a raw waveform or universal scan parameter. Zero represents the expected cam-edge position relative to a selected crank reference. It does not mean both sensor edges coincide. Positive offset means later in this illustration. The time and angle values are invented.

The green example stays near its reference. In practice, capture cam and crank together and compare with the correct engine pattern at the same speed and variable-timing state. Follow the manufacturer's tolerance and measurement convention.

The red example stays about eight crankshaft degrees later. That illustrates a shifted relationship, not a universal failure threshold. If signals are clean, investigate mechanical timing, the phaser and target indexing. Missing or distorted pulses require signal diagnosis before interpreting phase.

Save the codes, check oil and recent repairs, then verify both signals against the correct engine reference. A clean offset does not prove chain wear. Inspect timing, targets and actuator state. Stop running tests for rattle or oil-pressure warnings.

Diagnostic steps

Check the exact engine procedure and applicable bulletins first. This general order changes when warning signs require early mechanical inspection.

Step 1. Is the engine safe for a running test? Save all codes and freeze frame. Check oil, recent repairs and the manufacturer's procedure. Rattle, oil-pressure concerns or a suspected timing jump require inspection before running tests. Measure oil pressure when indicated; an unlit warning lamp is not a pressure measurement.

Step 2. Are the cam and crank signals electrically sound? Inspect connectors and harnesses, then test supplies, grounds and signal quality for the fitted sensor design. Resolve relevant circuit faults. Use proper probes and wiring information; replacing both sensors without testing can leave the cause untouched.

Step 3. Does the relationship match the correct engine reference? Capture both signals together under the prescribed conditions. Identify the correct crank reference and cam edge. Check scan-parameter definitions, units and learning status; an adaptation value is not automatically a raw physical angle. A passing result now may indicate an intermittent condition.

Step 4. Does the timing actuator reach its required reference state? Where variable timing is fitted, test its control, appropriate oil or electrical supply, and parking or locking function as directed. A command on the scan tool does not prove physical movement. For fixed timing, proceed to mechanical and target checks.

Step 5. Are base timing and signal-target indexing correct? Use the specified locking tools and inspection procedure. Check the timing drive and the actual cam or crank target position. A slipped target can survive a timing-chain replacement. If everything passes, return to signal validation and applicable manufacturer guidance.

Verify the completed correlation monitor after repair. Clearing the light alone does not confirm success.

Illustrative repair budgets

These are rough US planning examples, not repair quotes or measured averages. Parts and labor are separate. Diagnosis, access, taxes and engine damage can add substantially.

Specified oil and filter service: 35 to 120 dollars in parts, plus about 0.5 hours of labor. Only addresses a verified service issue; it cannot correct displaced timing.

Accessible sensor or wiring repair: 40 to 350 dollars in parts, plus about 1.0 hours of labor. Replace a sensor only when circuit and signal testing support it.

Oil-control valve repair: 50 to 350 dollars in parts, plus about 1.5 hours of labor. Applies to a demonstrated fault on the appropriate hydraulic design.

Cam phaser or timing-actuator repair: 180 to 1200 dollars in parts, plus about 5.0 hours of labor. Design and access strongly affect the job.

Timing-drive kit and related hardware: 250 to 1800 dollars in parts, plus about 8.0 hours of labor. Major target, crankshaft or engine damage can exceed these examples.

The diagnosis determines the repair. A correlation code is not a timing-chain estimate.

Sources and application limits

These manufacturer documents and technical references support the discussion. A bulletin may apply only to its listed models, engines and production dates; confirm coverage before applying it.

P0012 P0017 P0335 P0340