P0016 high Severity

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

Engine may run rough, have reduced performance, may not start, or stall due to timing misalignment

Overview

P0016 DTC crankshaft and camshaft position correlation Bank 1 Sensor A causes, symptoms, diagnostic, and repair

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Engine rough idle or misfire
  • Reduced power and performance
  • Hard starting or no start
  • Unusual engine noises (rattling/ticking from timing chain/belt area)

Most Common Causes

Timing chain or timing belt misalignment, stretch, or jump high

Mechanical synchronization between camshaft and crankshaft is lost when timing components wear or slip

Faulty camshaft position sensor (Bank 1 Sensor A) medium

Sensor may send incorrect timing signals leading to PCM detecting misalignment

Faulty crankshaft position sensor medium

Incorrect crank position signal leads to false correlation error

Wiring harness/connector damage to CMP or CKP sensors medium

Corrosion, breaks, or shorts can corrupt sensor signals

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system issues (oil control valve or phaser) low

Oil-related VVT component failures can affect timing alignment

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Connect OBD-II scanner to confirm P0016 and check for related codes
    Expected: Retrieve P0016 and any other timing or sensor related codes
    Interpretation: Additional codes like P0017, P0014 can indicate broader timing/VVT issues
  2. Visually inspect camshaft and crankshaft position sensors and wiring
    Expected: No broken wires, corrosion, or loose connectors
    Interpretation: Electrical integrity must be verified before mechanical diagnosis
  3. Test CMP and CKP sensor outputs with a multimeter/oscilloscope
    Expected: Proper voltage and signal waveform per manufacturer specs
    Interpretation: Faulty sensor signals indicate sensor replacement
  4. Inspect timing chain/belt alignment and tension
    Expected: Correct timing marks alignment with no slack
    Interpretation: Misalignment suggests timing component repair/replacement
  5. Check VVT components and engine oil condition/level
    Expected: Oil at correct level and clean; VVT parts free of sludge
    Interpretation: Oil/VVT issues can affect phasers and timing alignment

Repair Solutions

Align/replace timing chain or timing belt and associated guides/tensioners hard
Estimated Cost: $500 - $3000

Major mechanical repair; cost varies widely by engine type

Replace camshaft position sensor (Bank 1 Sensor A) medium
Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Sensor replacement often resolves signal-related triggers

Replace crankshaft position sensor medium
Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Useful if sensor is proven faulty

Repair or replace wiring/connectors to CMP/CKP sensors medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

Address electrical issues causing false signals

Service VVT components and perform oil change medium
Estimated Cost: $100 - $500

Helps if oil-related VVT issues cause cam timing problems

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Replacing camshaft or crankshaft sensors without verifying mechanical timing

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical definition of P0016 OBD-II Code

When your OBD-II scanner reads P0016, it means: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A). This code is related to the vehicle's Engine Mechanical.

Should I stop driving if I have P0016?

With a severity level of high, engine may run rough, have reduced performance, may not start, or stall due to timing misalignment

Common signs of the P0016 error code

The most typical signs are: Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated, Engine rough idle or misfire, Reduced power and performance.

What causes the P0016 code?

This code is frequently triggered by: Timing chain or timing belt misalignment, stretch, or jump, Faulty camshaft position sensor (Bank 1 Sensor A), Faulty crankshaft position sensor.

How much does it cost to fix P0016?

Repair costs depend on the specific failure. A simple Repair or replace wiring/connectors to CMP/CKP sensors replacement is relatively affordable ($50-$200), whereas a Align/replace timing chain or timing belt and associated guides/tensioners repair is more expensive, potentially reaching $3000.

Does code P0016 apply to Nissan vehicles?

P0016 is not specific to any one brand. It can appear on Ford, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and other vehicles.

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