P0016: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
P0016 means the engine computer sees the crankshaft and camshaft signals out of sync on Bank 1 Sensor A, usually because the timing is off or the cam/crank sensor signal is bad. The most common fix is to diagnose the timing system, sensors, and wiring, with typical repair costs from about $150 to $1,500 depending on whether it is a sensor, oil control issue, or timing repair.
- Severity
- High
- Can I drive?
- Drive with caution
- DIY?
- Possible with some experience
- Repair cost range
- $100 – $1,800
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What does P0016 mean?
This code tells you the PCM cannot match the crankshaft position signal with the camshaft position signal the way it expects to on Bank 1. In plain words, the engine’s timing relationship is not lining up, so the computer thinks the camshaft and crankshaft are not synchronized correctly. That can happen from stretched timing components, a jumped timing chain or belt, low oil flow to cam phasers, or a bad sensor or wiring issue. Because the code is about correlation, the problem is not always the sensor itself.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Hard starting
- Loss of power when accelerating
- Bad gas mileage
- Engine may stall or run poorly
Causes, fixes and costs
P0016: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
General guide for most cars. Your car may differ.
The engine may keep running, but it can run poorly, stall, or in some cases suffer timing-related engine damage if the underlying problem is mechanical. Stop driving if the engine is misfiring badly, making knocking noises, losing power suddenly, or if the check engine light is flashing.
Most likely causes
- 1
Stretched or jumped timing chain/beltHigh
A rough idle, hard starting, loss of power, or a recent timing noise often points to the cam and crank being mechanically out of phase. This is especially likely if the code came back after a cold start or the engine has high mileage.
Quick check: Listen for rattling at startup and ask for a timing alignment check with scan data and mechanical timing marks.
- 2
Failed camshaft or crankshaft position sensorMedium
If the engine runs mostly okay but the code returns intermittently, a weak sensor signal can make the PCM think the timing is wrong. This is more likely when the problem comes and goes or appears after hitting bumps or when the engine heats up.
Quick check: Inspect the sensor connector, wiring, and live data for dropouts or an erratic signal.
- 3
Oil flow problem affecting VVT/cam phaser operationMedium
If the engine has dirty oil, low oil level, or a VVT-related rattle, the cam timing can move out of range and trigger this code. The clue is often a P0016 along with other cam timing codes or symptoms that change with engine speed.
Quick check: Check the oil level and condition, and verify the correct oil viscosity and oil pressure if needed.
- 4
Wiring or connector faultLow
Corrosion, broken wiring, or a loose connector can create a bad crank or cam signal and set the code, especially if it appears after repair work or in wet conditions. Intermittent stalling, no-start, or a code that clears and returns can fit this cause.
Quick check: Inspect the harness near the sensors and along the timing cover for damage, oil intrusion, or loose pins.
Can you fix it yourself?
Possible with some experience
Difficulty: Hard. Basic checks like oil level, connector inspection, and visual wiring inspection are DIY-friendly, but proper diagnosis usually needs a scan tool and sometimes access to timing components. If timing chain or belt work is needed, ask the mechanic to verify mechanical timing, sensor signals, and VVT operation before replacing parts.
Show the stepsHide the steps
- Check engine oil level and condition
- Inspect cam and crank sensor connectors and wiring
- Scan for related codes and note freeze-frame data
- Clear codes and see if P0016 returns
- If it returns, have mechanical timing and sensor signals tested
Estimated repair cost
$150 – $400
Camshaft or crankshaft position sensor replacement: parts and labor, one sensor
- Oil change and VVT system service$120 – $250
- Timing chain service or timing belt repair$900 – $1,800
- Cam phaser or VVT solenoid repair$300 – $900
- Wiring repair or connector replacement$100 – $350
Prices vary by engine design, parts access, and local labor rates.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0016?
Usually you can drive a short distance if the engine runs normally, but it is not a code to ignore. If the engine stalls, misfires badly, loses power, or makes knocking or rattling noises, stop driving and get it checked.
Will P0016 clear itself?
It may go away temporarily if the signal glitch was minor, but the underlying problem usually comes back. If the code returns, the car needs diagnosis instead of repeated clearing.
Is P0016 always a bad timing chain?
No. It can also come from a bad sensor, wiring problem, low oil level, or a VVT issue. A timing chain or belt is common, but it is not the only cause.
Can I fix P0016 myself?
You can check the oil level and inspect connectors and wiring yourself. More advanced testing or timing repair usually needs professional tools and experience.
Will P0016 fail an inspection?
In many states, yes, because it turns on the check engine light and may prevent emissions readiness monitors from completing. Even if the car seems to drive okay, the code needs to be repaired first.
Related codes
- P0010 A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit
- P0011 A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance
- P0012 A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded
- P0017 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
- P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit (Bank 1)
- P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit
This guide covers most cars and is general advice, not an inspection. Prices are typical US independent-shop ranges and vary by region, car and shop. If your brakes, steering or a warning light feel unsafe, stop driving and contact a mechanic.