Car & driving · Free
P0016: crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1, sensor A)
P0016 means the crankshaft and the camshaft of bank 1 are not where the engine computer expects them relative to each other. Sometimes old or low oil upsets the variable valve timing; sometimes the timing chain has stretched. Check it soon.
- No account
- Runs on your device
- Phone & desktop
Check your car for P0016
Runs on your device
Connect your OBD2 adapter
- Plug the adapter into the OBD2 port – usually under the steering wheel, near the pedals.
- Switch the ignition on, or start the engine.
- Bluetooth adapter? Turn Bluetooth on. Nothing else to set up.
This browser cannot talk to OBD adapters. Use Chrome or Edge on Android, Windows or Mac – on iPhone, the free Bluefy browser works with Bluetooth LE adapters. The demo car works everywhere.
Classic Bluetooth adapter (PIN 1234)? Pair it in your system settings first, then choose USB or paired Bluetooth – on a computer or in Chrome 138+ on Android. Wi-Fi adapters cannot work in a browser.
Your car data stays on your device. The page talks to the adapter directly; codes, VIN and values are never uploaded.
Never use it while you drive. Set things up before you set off, or let a passenger handle the phone. Standard OBD2 reads engine and emissions data; ABS, airbag and coding need workshop equipment.
What P0016 means
The crankshaft and the camshafts are linked by a timing belt or chain, so their positions should always match. Two sensors report them to the engine computer, which checks that the camshaft sits where it should relative to the crankshaft. On engines with variable valve timing, an oil-pressure-driven phaser turns the camshaft on purpose, within set limits.
P0016 is stored when the measured relationship is off by more than allowed. Sensor A is usually the intake camshaft. The cause may be harmless, like a sensor signal problem, or serious, like a stretched chain that could jump a tooth.
Symptoms of P0016
- A rattle for a few seconds after a cold start, typical of a worn chain or tensioner.
- Hard starting, rough idle or stalling.
- Less power and higher fuel consumption.
- Sometimes no symptoms at all besides the light.
Causes of P0016, cheapest first
Work down the list in order: the first checks cost little or nothing, the last ones are jobs for a workshop.
Low, old or wrong engine oil
Variable valve timing works with oil pressure. Check the level and the date of the last oil change, and use the viscosity the manufacturer specifies. An overdue oil change alone can set this code.
A sticking oil control valve
The solenoid that steers oil to the cam phaser can stick or have a clogged screen. It is often easy to reach and to test.
A sensor or its reluctor wheel
A faulty cam or crank sensor, a damaged plug or a damaged tone wheel reports a wrong position. Look for other sensor codes such as P0335 or P0340.
A worn cam phaser
A phaser that does not lock or move properly shifts the camshaft out of its range, often with a rattle at start-up.
A stretched timing chain or a misaligned belt
The serious case. A stretched chain, a worn tensioner or a belt fitted one tooth off moves the camshaft. A workshop can check the timing marks; do not wait if the engine rattles.
Can you drive with P0016?
Drive gently and have it checked soon. If the cause is a stretched chain, it can skip a tooth, and on many engines the valves then hit the pistons. Short, gentle trips are usually fine, but check the oil today and have the timing inspected within days, especially if the engine rattles.
Check P0016 with OBD Studio
Connect your adapter above, or try the demo car, then:
- Check the oil level and condition first; no tool needed.
- In Fault codes, note any other codes: P0011, P0335 or P0340 next to P0016 point to the valve timing or a sensor.
- The freeze frame shows engine speed, temperature and load when the fault appeared; a code that only sets at cold start often means oil or the phaser.
- In Inspection, the EGR / variable valve timing monitor and, on cars with CAN, the valve timing result under Read self-tests show the car’s own checks.
More fault code guides
Each of these codes has its own page with causes ranked by cost and the checks that go with them.
- P0420Catalyst efficiency below threshold
- P0171System too lean
- P0300Random or multiple misfire
- P0455EVAP system large leak
- P0442EVAP system small leak
- P0128Engine warms up too slowly
- P0172System too rich
- P0401EGR flow too low
- P0101Air flow sensor implausible
- P0135Front O2 sensor heater
- P0011Intake camshaft timing over-advanced
- P0141Rear O2 sensor heater
- P0113Intake air temperature sensor high
- P0457Fuel cap loose or missing
- P0299Turbo underboost
- P0700Transmission control system fault
- P0087Fuel rail pressure too low
- P0562System voltage low
- U0100Lost communication with engine computer
More OBD Studio pages
Frequently asked questions
Can low oil cause P0016?
Yes. Variable valve timing needs clean oil at the right pressure. Low or very old oil is the cheapest cause to rule out, so check it first.
Is P0016 a timing chain problem?
It can be, but not always. A stretched chain or worn tensioner is a common cause on some engines, especially with a rattle at start-up. Rule out the oil, the control valve and the sensors before deciding.
How serious is P0016?
It depends on the cause. A sensor fault is harmless, but a chain that jumps can damage the engine. Treat it as urgent until the timing has been checked.
Can I read P0016 without going to a workshop?
Yes. With any ELM327-compatible Bluetooth LE or USB adapter, OBD Studio on this page reads P0016 and every other stored code for free, shows the freeze frame and clears the code after the repair. Nothing to install, no account.
