Crankshaft and Camshaft Timing Correlation Fault
The engine computer sees that the crankshaft and camshaft are not lined up when they should be. This usually means the engine timing is off or one of the timing signals is incorrect. It can cause hard starting, rough running, and engine damage if ignored.
Do not keep driving if the engine runs poorly, rattles, stalls, or has very low power. Continued driving can lead to severe engine damage if the timing chain or belt has jumped.
P0016 sets when the powertrain control module detects that the crankshaft position signal and the intake camshaft position signal for bank 1 sensor A are not within the expected relationship. The fault may be caused by mechanical timing being off, a variable valve timing problem, or an incorrect crankshaft or camshaft sensor signal.
Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Sensor A usually means the intake camshaft position sensor, but always confirm with service information for your engine.
Yes. Low oil, dirty oil, or the wrong oil viscosity can cause the variable valve timing system to move the camshaft incorrectly and trigger P0016.
Yes. If the camshaft and crankshaft signals are too far out of sync, the engine may crank but not start.
It can be either, but real-world cases are often caused by timing chain wear, timing installation errors, or VVT problems before a failed PCM. Proper testing is needed to separate a bad signal from mechanical timing failure.
It is serious. If the timing chain or belt has slipped, the engine can run badly and may suffer internal damage, especially on interference engines.