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P0016: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)

What this check-engine code means in plain English, what usually causes it, and what a fix typically costs.

Severity: Monitor — not an emergency, but don't ignore it

What P0016 means

This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and camshaft are not synchronized correctly. The crankshaft and camshaft positions must be precisely timed for proper engine operation, and when their sensors report misalignment beyond acceptable limits, this code is triggered.

What causes P0016?

Likely
Timing chain or belt stretched/jumpedA worn or improperly tensioned timing chain or belt can slip, causing the camshaft timing to drift out of sync with the crankshaft.
Likely
Failed camshaft or crankshaft position sensorEither sensor may be sending incorrect signals to the computer, falsely indicating a timing mismatch when components are actually aligned.
Possible
Variable valve timing (VVT) system malfunctionA stuck or faulty VVT solenoid, phaser, or low oil pressure can prevent proper camshaft adjustment, creating timing correlation errors.
Less common
Tone ring or reluctor wheel damagePhysical damage or debris on the toothed sensor rings can cause erratic position readings and trigger correlation faults.

Is P0016 safe to drive?

Drive it?
Usually yes, short-term with caution
Watch for
Rough idle, poor acceleration, or engine stalling
DIY-friendly?
Sensor checks are DIY-friendly; timing work requires mechanical skill

You can typically drive short distances to a repair shop, but avoid hard acceleration and high speeds. If the timing chain has actually jumped, continued driving risks serious engine damage from valve-to-piston contact, so address this promptly.

P0016 repair cost

~$150 – $1500+

Industry-average estimates. Cost depends heavily on the cause—sensor replacement is inexpensive, but timing chain or VVT system repairs involve significant labor and parts.

Which one is it for your car?

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