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Engine mechanicalSeverity High: diagnose before driving on

P0016Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)

What it means

The camshaft position (bank 1, sensor A) is out of step with the crankshaft by more than allowed. The timing between crank and cam is wrong or one of the signals is distorted.

Symptoms

  • Rough running, stalling or hard start
  • Rattle from the timing chain
  • Loss of power

Common causes

  • Stretched timing chain or worn guides/tensioner
  • Timing belt or chain jumped a tooth
  • Faulty cam phaser stuck out of position
  • Damaged reluctor wheel or wrong sensor signal

What to check first

  1. Scope crank and cam signals together and compare with a known-good pattern
  2. Check the timing marks with the correct tools
  3. Read cam/crank deviation values if the scan tool shows them
Can I drive with P0016? Not recommended. P0016 can lead to stalling, limp mode or engine damage; diagnose it before driving further.

Generic OBD-II meaning. Manufacturer-specific meanings and checks can differ; always check the service information for the car.

How to test the parts behind P0016

Crankshaft position sensor (CKP)Wiring, typical values, multimeter and scope testsCamshaft position sensor (CMP)Wiring, typical values, multimeter and scope tests

Known engine problems that set P0016

Mazda 2.2 diesel: Timing chain stretchMazda · typically 120,000–220,000 km1.2/1.4 TSI EA111: Timing chain stretch and tensionerVolkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat · typically 60,000–160,000 km1.8/2.0 TFSI EA888: Timing chain tensioner failure and chain jumpAudi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat · typically 60,000–180,000 km1.2 PureTech: Timing belt breaking down in the oilPeugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel · typically 60,000–150,000 km1.0 EcoBoost: Timing belt in oil wearing earlyFord · typically 100,000–200,000 km1.6 THP/Prince: Timing chain stretch, tensioner and guidesMini, BMW, Peugeot, Citroën, DS · typically 60,000–160,000 km1.2 TCe: Timing chain stretch after running low on oilRenault, Dacia, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz · typically 60,000–140,000 kmVolvo 5-cyl petrol: Timing belt, tensioner and idler pulleyVolvo, Ford · typically 120,000–200,000 km

Cases with P0016 (1)

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Rattle for two seconds on a cold start, then a warning lightTraining case · 2011 Volkswagen Polo V · 1.2 TSI (CBZB) · fixed: Timing chain stretched and its guide worn, so the tensioner could no longer take

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P0016: questions and answers

What does P0016 mean?

P0016: Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A). The camshaft position (bank 1, sensor A) is out of step with the crankshaft by more than allowed. The timing between crank and cam is wrong or one of the signals is distorted.

What are the symptoms of P0016?

Rough running, stalling or hard start. Rattle from the timing chain. Loss of power.

What causes P0016?

Stretched timing chain or worn guides/tensioner. Timing belt or chain jumped a tooth. Faulty cam phaser stuck out of position. Damaged reluctor wheel or wrong sensor signal.

How do you diagnose P0016?

1. Scope crank and cam signals together and compare with a known-good pattern 2. Check the timing marks with the correct tools 3. Read cam/crank deviation values if the scan tool shows them

Can I drive with P0016?

Not recommended. P0016 can lead to stalling, limp mode or engine damage; diagnose it before driving further.