P0016: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
The engine computer sees that the bank 1 camshaft and the crankshaft are not lined up with each other the way they should be.
What P0016 means
The engine computer constantly compares the cam sensor signal with the crank sensor signal. Because the cam and crank are tied together by a timing chain or belt, those signals should always line up within a small window. RepairPal explains that when the cam is not in the proper position relative to the crank, P0016 sets. The usual causes are mechanical. A timing chain stretches with age and missed oil changes, letting the cam fall behind. A belt or chain can jump a tooth. A cam phaser can stick out of its home position. RepairPal also lists low oil, the wrong oil, a failed solenoid and a worn chain. A bad sensor or damaged tone ring is possible but less common. Shops view cam and crank waveforms together on a scope and read cam angle on a scan tool. If the engine is mechanically out of time, the chain or belt is replaced. Do not ignore P0016, since a failing chain can let valves hit pistons.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rattle from the timing chain area, especially on cold start
- Rough idle or stalling
- Hard starting
- Reduced power
Most common causes
- Stretched timing chain or worn guides and tensioner
- Timing belt or chain that jumped a tooth
- Faulty cam phaser or VVT solenoid
- Low oil level or wrong oil
- Faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor
- Damaged reluctor ring
What to check yourself first
Check oil level and change it if overdue. Listen for a rattle in the first few seconds after a cold start. If the code showed up after timing belt or chain work, return to that shop to check the installation.
Typical fixes and what they cost
| Fix | Typical cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Replace timing chain | $2,120-$2,764 | A common repair when the chain has stretched; it usually includes guides and tensioner. |
| Replace timing belt | $918-$1,338 | On belt engines, if the belt jumped or is past its interval. |
| Replace variable valve timing (oil control) solenoid | $469-$594 | If a stuck solenoid is holding the cam out of position. |
| Replace camshaft position sensor | $224-$326 | If the cam sensor signal is faulty rather than the timing itself. |
| Oil and filter change with the correct oil | $160-$188 | RepairPal lists an oil and filter change as a common first repair. Use the exact oil viscosity your engine calls for. |
Typical US price ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. Your shop should confirm the cause with a diagnostic before replacing parts.
Related repair guides
- Kia Sorento Engine Recall: Which Years Get the KSDS Update and the 15-Year/150,000-Mile Warranty
- 2017-2018 Honda CR-V Oil Level Rising or Smells Like Gas? The 1.5T Oil Dilution Problem Explained
- 2010-2013 Chevy Equinox Burning Oil? Fix the 2.4L Engine or Sell It
- 2007-2009 Toyota Camry Burning Oil? What's Going On and What a Fix Costs Now
Related codes
- P0017 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
- P0018 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
- P0011 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
- P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit
- P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)