P0016 — Crankshaft/camshaft correlation — bank 1, sensor A

P0016 means the relationship between crankshaft position and the camshaft identified as bank 1, sensor A is outside the expected correlation. The controller considers position signals and, where fitted, variable-timing operation. Mechanical alignment, oil supply, VVT control and electrical feedback must be distinguished. A stretched chain or failed sensor cannot be confirmed from this code alone.

Affected system: Engine timing

Symptoms

• Hard starting or extended cranking.
• Uneven idle, hesitation or reduced power; sometimes only a warning light.
• Possible timing-drive noise requiring testing to stop for mechanical assessment.

Possible causes

• Incorrect mechanical timing or alignment after repair.
• Damaged chain/belt, tensioner, guides or trigger wheel, depending on design.
• Incorrect oil level, specification or pressure affecting VVT operation.
• VVT solenoid/phaser, crank/cam sensors, connectors or wiring faults.

What to check

• Review recent work and oil level; stop the engine for pronounced timing noise or an oil-pressure warning.
• Save freeze-frame data and all faults, including crank/cam circuit and VVT-control codes.
• Identify sensor A and bank 1 using engine documentation rather than another engine's layout.
• Compare requested/actual cam angle, oil temperature and VVT commands where available.
• Have the workshop check CKP/CMP signals and sensor supplies before replacement; measure oil pressure if VVT response warrants it.
• If correlation remains incorrect, verify mechanical timing with engine-specific tools and procedures; confirm operation after repair rather than merely clearing the lamp.

Also written as: P0016-00, P001600, PO016 (some scan tools add the fault-type byte, e.g. -00).