StopOrDrive

Enter a 5-character code such as P0420, P0301, or P0457.

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Codes starting with P are engine and transmission, B are body, C are chassis, and U are network communication. A 0 as the second character means a generic code shared by all makes; a 1 means a manufacturer-specific code, so its meaning depends on your brand.

A steady check engine light usually means get it checked soon. A flashing check engine light means an active misfire: reduce speed and stop driving as soon as it is safe.

That doesn't look like an OBD-II code

A valid code is one letter (P, B, C, or U) followed by four characters, for example P0420.

P0016 Crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (Bank 1)

Can I drive with P0016?

Drive with caution

Stop if the engine stalls, hesitates or won't restart.

This often means the timing chain or belt has stretched or jumped. If it fails, the engine can be badly damaged. Keep trips short and gentle, and listen for a rattle at startup, until it is checked.

What does P0016 mean?

The crankshaft and the bank 1 camshaft are out of sync compared with where they should be. The computer compares the crankshaft and camshaft sensor signals and sets P0016 when their timing drifts past its limit. On engines with timing chains, a stretched chain is a common reason.

What causes P0016?

Check the oil level and condition first. A rattle for a few seconds at a cold start points to a stretched chain.

  1. Stretched timing chain or worn guides and tensioner
  2. Low or dirty oil affecting variable valve timing
  3. Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
  4. Faulty VVT solenoid
  5. Timing belt jumped a tooth or was installed wrong

How much does it cost to fix P0016?

$150 – $2,500

Sensor: $150–$400. Timing chain or belt job: $800–$2,500. Fix low or dirty oil first, since that is cheap and sometimes clears the code. Do not put off a chain job: a chain that skips can bend valves.

What are the symptoms of P0016, and how can I confirm it?

A rattle at cold start, rough idle, hard starting, and weak power are common, though some cars show only the light. Look for related codes such as P0011, P0014, or camshaft sensor codes. Some scan tools show cam and crank correlation values, and a shop can measure chain stretch directly.

Will P0016 fail an emissions test, and should I clear it?

It fails any OBD-II based inspection while the light is on. Clearing it without a repair rarely helps, because a stretched chain sets it again quickly. After an oil change or sensor repair, clear the code and drive normally for a few days. If P0016 returns, have the timing parts inspected.

Confirm the code yourself

A low-cost scanner lets you read the code, clear it, and see if it comes back before paying for a diagnosis.

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