Timing and crank/cam sensorsGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon
Code P0016: crankshaft and camshaft out of sync
P0016 means: crankshaft position and camshaft position: correlation (bank 1, sensor A).[1][2][3] The ECU compares the crankshaft position (CKP sensor) with that of the bank 1 camshaft (CMP sensor) and detects that they are not where they should be: the two are out of sync. The "A" indicates the intake camshaft; "B" corresponds to the exhaust camshaft.[1][2][4]
What code P0016 means
The ECU compares the crankshaft position (CKP sensor) with that of the bank 1 camshaft (CMP sensor) and detects that they are not where they should be: the two are out of sync. The "A" indicates the intake camshaft; "B" corresponds to the exhaust camshaft.[1][2][4]
On engines with variable valve timing (VVT), the ECU requests that the camshaft be advanced or retarded using a solenoid valve that controls the pressurised oil going to the phaser, and uses the sensor to check whether the camshaft has reached the position it asked for. If the actual position does not match the requested one, it stores the code. That is why the cause may be mechanical (chain, phaser), hydraulic (oil, solenoid valve) or electrical (sensors, wiring).[2][5]
It is a generic OBD-II code (it starts with P0), so it means the same on any make; what changes from one engine to another is the most likely cause.[6]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)[1][2][3]
Codes from the same family
They indicate the same problem in a specific cylinder, bank or sensor. Causes, symptoms and diagnosis are those on this page.
Causes of P0016 and its family
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
- 1Stretched timing chain or one that has jumped a tooth. Carista considers it very common on high-mileage engines with variable valve timing (VVT), especially petrol direct-injection ones. Mitchell1 reports the case of a 2014 Audi allroad 2.0 with this code and starting problems whose cause turned out to be a stretched chain.[2][3][5]
- 2Worn or stuck camshaft phaser (VVT actuator), for example in the fully advanced or fully retarded position.[2][4][5]
- 3Stuck VVT oil control solenoid valve, with its screen clogged by sludge, an electrical fault, or a restriction in its filter.[1][2][5]
- 4Oil in poor condition: low level, dirty oil with sludge or the wrong viscosity, which prevent the phaser from receiving the pressure it needs.[2][5]
- 5Worn or misaligned timing belt, or one with a damaged tensioner.[1][2]
- 6Incorrect fitting of the chain or the timing in a recent repair, or of other related parts: camshaft, phaser or sensors.[2][4]
- 7Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, or damaged wiring. Rick's considers it the least likely cause.[1][2][5]
- 8ECU fault (rarely).[1][2]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on.[1][5]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- The engine cranks for longer than normal before starting and, in severe cases, does not start.[1][5]Hard to start: faults that cause it
- Rattling from the timing cover area, especially on a cold start; Rick's also attributes it to a failing phaser.[2][5]Chain noise: faults that cause it
- Rough idle and very unstable revs.[1][5]Vibrations: faults that cause it
- Hesitation when accelerating, because ignition and injection end up poorly timed.[5]Jerking: faults that cause it
- Loss of power.[1][5]Less power: faults that cause it
- In severe cases, the engine stalls.[5]Engine stalls: faults that cause it
How to diagnose P0016
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Check the oil first, as it is the quickest thing to check: level, condition and viscosity. If it is low, top it up; if it has gone too long without being changed or is not the right viscosity, change it (with the filter), clear the code and see whether it comes back.[2][5]
- 2Read the other codes: according to Rick's, a P0017, P0011 or P0014 alongside P0016 can indicate a bigger problem in the timing system.[2]
- 3With the scan tool, watch the camshaft and crankshaft positions in live data while the engine cranks: an offset of more than a few degrees confirms a mechanical misalignment.[5]
- 4Use the scan tool to command the VVT solenoid valve (on and off) and check that it responds. Check its connector (corrosion), its power supply, its earth and its resistance, and remove it to see whether its screen is clogged with sludge or debris.[2][5]
- 5Listen to the phaser with a mechanic's stethoscope during start-up: a metallic rattle usually gives away a failing phaser.[2]
- 6If the oil, solenoid valve and phaser are fine, check the timing chain or belt: stretch, tensioner, guides and timing, especially if work has recently been done on the timing. Carista states that, on the affected engines, the chain, tensioner and guides are replaced as a set.[1][2][4][5]
- 7In the case published by Mitchell1 (an Audi 2.0), a technician in its community pointed out that chain stretch can be seen in the scan tool data or by looking at the tensioner plunger through the plug in the lower cover: if it is extended a long way, the chain must be replaced. This is a method described for that engine.[3]
- 8Leave the crankshaft and camshaft sensors and their wiring until last: Rick's considers them the least likely cause and Carista advises replacing them last.[1][2][5]
Can I keep driving with P0016?
Garage soon
Autodoc Club considers it a fault that must be resolved immediately, because it can prevent starting and cause serious engine damage, and Carista gives it high severity, with stalling and failed starts in severe cases. Since the cause may be a timing chain or belt in poor condition, it is best not to drag out the diagnosis: Carista associates the code with a rattle from the timing cover on a cold start.[1][5]
Parts related to code P0016
The parts that most often cause this code. The code points to the circuit, not always the part: diagnose before you buy.
Timing chain kit
Timing kit
Camshaft adjuster
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. More information
Documented faults related to P0016
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Faults in which this code appears
- High severityFrequency: Rare1.2 PureTechTiming misalignment from the camshaft sprocket bolts (chain-driven generation)On the third-generation 1.2 (chain-driven) built up to 17 February 2024, the camshaft sprocket bolts could be incorrectly fitted and throw the timing out: engine warning light, loss of power and, in the worst case, contact between pistons and valves.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi 3.0 TFSI V6Timing chain stretch and tensioner wearA German workshop describes chain stretch and marginal tensioners in the first supercharged 3.0 TFSI engines (2011-2014), with noise on cold starts and codes P0016-P0018; other guides consider it rare in this V6. There are no reliable statistics.
- Medium severityFrequency: Rare2.0 and 3.0 Ingenium gasolinaTiming chain and VCT unit noise on the 2.0 petrolSome 2.0 Ingenium petrol engines have shown a rattle around the timing chain, linked according to manufacturer technical information to the variable valve timing unit. It is a little-documented problem and far less widespread than on the diesel.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonM272/M273Wear of the balance shaft gear and the timing sprocketsEarly-series M272 and M273 engines (up to mid-2006, according to German sources) can wear the balance shaft gear (V6) or the chain's intermediate gears (V8), with a risk of the timing jumping and damaging the engine.
- High severityFrequency: CommonPorsche V8 and V6 (Cayenne and Panamera)Timing chain stretch on the Cayenne VR6 V6 enginesAutoScout24 says the 250 hp 3.2 VR6 often suffers from defective chains, and Gebrauchtwagenberater warns that the smaller V6 engines have problems too. A French report describes a displaced chain on a 3.6 that forced a crankshaft replacement.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche V8 and V6 (Cayenne and Panamera)Timing chain and tensioner wear on the 4.8 V8A German workshop and several guides cite chain stretch and wear of the tensioners and guides in the Cayenne and Panamera V8 engines; the workshop recommends replacing the kit preventively between 120,000 and 180,000 km. There are no failure statistics.
Timing chain: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 and 1.4 TSITiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
Timing belt: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil-bath belt on the 1.2 PureTech (2012-2025) can swell and shed debris that blocks the oil pump pick-up; without lubrication, the engine can be destroyed. Stellantis covers it up to 10 years or 180,000 km and asks for it to be changed every 100,000 km or 6 years.Repair (garage): €400–€800
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 EcoBoostDegradation of the timing belt running in oilYes: the 1.0 EcoBoost's timing belt runs in oil and can degrade over the years, shedding bits of rubber that block the oil pump and seize the engine without warning. The NHTSA is investigating the case in the United States and Ford has shortened the recommended replacement interval.Repair (garage): €800–€1,200
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlueDegradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)Yes: the 2.0 EcoBlue debuted a timing belt that runs bathed in oil on Ford's diesels. Over the years it can degrade and shed debris that affects the lubrication circuit, with a risk of seizure. A roundup by Autopista.es places it in the Focus, Kuga, Transit and Transit/Tourneo Custom.
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 / 1.5 VTEC TurboEngine failure caused by the wet timing beltYes: the 1.0 VTEC Turbo (P10A2) uses an oil-bath timing belt that degrades over time, blocks the lubrication circuit and can destroy the engine completely. Fiches-auto.fr documents several cases in the Honda Civic between 72,000 and 114,000 km.Appears at around 72,000 km
Variable valve timing (VVT) actuator: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche V8 and V6 (Cayenne and Panamera)Loosening of the camshaft adjuster boltsPorsche acknowledges that the fixing bolts of the camshaft adjusters on certain Cayenne S and Turbo and Panamera models built up to September 2011 can fail: noise, vibration, engine warning light and, in rare cases, stalling. There has been a worldwide workshop campaign since 2012.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N43/N46Wear of the Valvetronic and the VANOS solenoid valvesOver the years, the eccentric shaft or the actuator motor of the Valvetronic can wear and cause heavy idle fluctuations; the VANOS solenoid valves also fail over time, with similar symptoms and a loss of power. According to English-language Wikipedia, the 1.6-litre N43B16 does not have Valvetronic.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonM111Camshaft adjuster oil leak into the wiringYes: the magnet (solenoid valve) of the M111 camshaft adjuster can lose its seal, and the oil creeps up by capillary action to the connector and the wiring loom. Mercedes-Benz has the same repair cable as for the M271 (part number A2711502733), which is cheap to fit.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonM271Oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster solenoids into the wiringYes: the camshaft adjuster solenoids (magnets) of the M271 can lose their seal, and the oil wicks up to the connector and the wiring loom, and can even reach the control unit. Mercedes-Benz has a specific repair cable (reference A2711502733) that is cheap to fit.
Engine sensors: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTIVP44 injection pump and air mass meter failureGerman Wikipedia documents recurring failures of the Bosch VP44 injection pump and the air mass meter in the early years of this engine. An owner testimony for this engine describes the pump being replaced at 192,500 km, at a cost the owner calls «prohibitive».
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 TDIClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 8vCrankshaft position sensor failure (TDC sensor)The crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH, or TDC sensor) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Logan I with this engine, with hard cold starting or stalling as the main symptoms. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 16vCrankshaft position sensor failureThe crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for almost every generation with this engine, with hard cold starting, stalling or the car cutting out unexpectedly. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
Wiring, connectors and short circuits: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW N62 / N63Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Main relay of the power relay assembly (overheating and fire risk)Yes, on the first units: Hyundai and Kia recalled 2016–2018 Ioniq and Niro hybrids and plug-in hybrids because the main relay that connects the high-voltage battery could come loose, overheat and, in the worst case, cause a fire.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Clutch hydraulic actuator (HCA): leak or moisture with risk of short circuit and fireYes, this is the most documented hybrid system fault: the hydraulic actuator that engages the combustion engine with the hybrid assembly has had two recalls (2018 for a leak on the Niro and 2025 for moisture in its electronic board on the Niro, Ceed and XCeed PHEV), with a risk of short circuit and fire.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeBlown fuel pump fuseOn the Renault Captur II and Clio V with the 1.3 TCe engine, a 20-amp fuse can blow and leave the car without an engine. According to L'argus, in April 2021 this fault still had no factory fix; the official service centre's diagnosis includes checking, and sometimes replacing, the catalytic converter.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonRover 75Seat SRS connector fault with airbag and seatbelt warning light onAuto Express warns that the Rover 75's seat SRS connector can cause the airbags to fail, and dealers were fixing it with revised connectors. The Dutch APK inspection puts the airbag or seatbelt fault warning among the most frequent defects across almost all series.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GiuliettaShort circuit from badly routed wiring that can prevent gear shifting (KBA campaign, 2010-2015)Yes: according to Germany's KBA, on Alfa Romeo Giulietta cars built between 2010 and 2015 inadequate cable routing could cause a short circuit and, as a result, gear-shift failure.
P0016 by make
Documented faults that can trigger P0016 in each make's engines and cars.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0016?
Autodoc Club classes it as a fault that must be resolved immediately (it can prevent starting and damage the engine) and Carista gives it high severity, so it is best not to carry on using the car as normal. The sensible thing is to take it to a workshop as soon as possible, especially if you hear a timing rattle on a cold start or the engine stalls.[1][5]
Does P0016 mean the timing chain is stretched?
Not necessarily. A stretched or jumped chain is one of the most commonly cited causes (Carista, Rick's and a real Mitchell1 case), but the code can also be due to the oil, the VVT solenoid valve, the phaser or the sensors. That is why you start with the oil and the solenoid valve and leave the chain and sensors until later, unless there are clear signs of a chain in poor condition.[2][3][5]
Is it a good idea to replace the sensors first?
It usually is not. In the case published by Mitchell1, on a 2014 Audi allroad 2.0 the fuel pressure sensor, the crankshaft sensor and the camshaft sensor were replaced and P0016 kept coming back; the cause was a stretched timing chain, and once it was replaced the starting problems and the code went away. Rick's considers the sensors the least likely cause and Carista recommends replacing them last.[2][3][5]
Why do they ask for the oil to be checked if the code is about the timing?
Because on engines with variable valve timing the phaser runs on pressurised oil: if the level is low, the oil is dirty or it does not have the right viscosity, the phaser does not respond and the ECU sees the camshaft out of position. Rick's recommends checking the oil before the sensors.[2][5]
What is the difference between P0016 and P0017?
Both measure the correlation between the crankshaft and a bank 1 camshaft: P0016 refers to camshaft "A", the intake one, and P0017 to "B", the exhaust one. Saab's workshop documentation defines them this way for one of its petrol engines.[2][4]
Does P0016 mean the same on all makes?
Yes. Codes that start with P0 are generic OBD-II codes and have the same definition for all manufacturers.[6]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0016?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[9]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Código OBD2 P0016: causas, síntomas y cómo corregirloAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
- P0016 Code: Causes, Diagnosis, and How to Fix It FastRick's Free Auto Repair Advice · Technical documentation · published 20 February 2025 · consulted 2 October 2026
- SureTrack Real Fix: That's a StretchMitchell1 · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- DTC P0016 or P0017, Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010, motor de gasolina de 4 cilindrosSaab WIS Online (Saab Workshop Information System) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- P0016: OBD-II code P0016 means the crankshaft and bank 1 camshaft position sensors are out of syncCarista · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- On-board diagnosticsWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 October 2026
- Código OBD2 P0017: causas, síntomas y cómo corregirloAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
- P0017 Code – Meaning, Causes & How to fix itMechanic Base · Technical documentation · consulted 4 October 2026
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish