P0016 Crankshaft/camshaft position correlation, bank 1 sensor A (intake)
What P0016 means
The engine computer compares crankshaft position with intake camshaft position on bank 1. P0016 means they are out of their expected relationship. This often indicates a stretched or jumped timing chain or belt, which can lead to valve and piston damage if ignored.
P0016 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Typical repair cost
- 150–1500 €
- Workshop time
- 3–12 h
- Repair difficulty
- Hard
- DIY possible
- No
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- Yes
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rattling from the timing chain on cold start
- Rough idle, stalling or hard starting
- Loss of power
Common causes
- Stretched timing chain or worn tensioner and guides
- Timing chain or belt jumped a tooth, or timing set wrongly after repair
- Sticking VVT solenoid or worn phaser
- Faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor or damaged tone wheel
- Low or dirty engine oil
Can I keep driving with P0016?
Get it checked straight away and keep driving to a minimum. If the timing has jumped, the valves can hit the pistons.
What to check first
- Check oil level and condition and look for related VVT codes
- Read camshaft/crankshaft correlation values in live data
- Inspect the camshaft and crankshaft sensors and wiring
- Have the timing chain or belt, tensioner and timing marks inspected
Related codes
- P0017 Crankshaft/camshaft position correlation, bank 1 sensor B (exhaust)
- P0014 Exhaust (B) camshaft timing over-advanced or system performance (bank 1)
- P0018 Crankshaft/camshaft position correlation, bank 2 sensor A (intake)
- P0013 Exhaust (B) camshaft position actuator circuit/open (bank 1)
- P0019 Crankshaft/camshaft position correlation, bank 2 sensor B (exhaust)
- P0012 Intake (A) camshaft timing over-retarded (bank 1)
- P0011 Intake (A) camshaft timing over-advanced or system performance (bank 1)
- P0010 Intake (A) camshaft position actuator circuit/open (bank 1)
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
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