P0016 — Crankshaft–Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
High severityWhat it means
The crankshaft and camshaft position signals do not line up the way the engine control unit expects. The mechanical timing between the two shafts may have shifted — for example a stretched timing chain or a belt that jumped a tooth — or a sensor is reporting incorrectly.
Common symptoms
- Hard starting or no start
- Rattling noise from the timing cover
- Loss of power, rough running
- Check engine light
Likely causes
- Stretched timing chain or belt that jumped a tooth
- Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
- Damaged tone/reluctor ring
- VVT phaser stuck out of position
- Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT system
What to check first
- Check engine oil level and condition
- Inspect sensor wiring and connectors
- Listen for timing chain noise on cold start
- Have the mechanical timing verified before extended driving
Can you keep driving?
Treat seriously. If the timing has jumped, continued driving can bend valves on many engines. If accompanied by rattling or hard starting, stop driving and have the car inspected.
Scan, log and diagnose with MechanicAI
Plug a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter into your car and let MechanicAI turn raw data into answers:
- Scan, read and clear fault codes in seconds
- Inspect every sensor with live data
- Create instant logs and automatic trip records
- And above all — analyze it all with AI for the most likely cause and clear next steps.
Related codes
All information, explanations and guidance on this page are general preliminary information only. They are estimates and may be entirely wrong, incomplete or inaccurate, or may not apply to your vehicle at all. Never take any action based on this content alone — do not decide to keep driving, clear codes, replace parts, repair or otherwise work on your vehicle based only on what you read here. In every case, and for any final decision, you must consult qualified technical personnel (a professional mechanic, an authorized service centre or an engineer) and obtain their approval before acting. MechanicAI accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for any damage, fault, injury, loss or outcome that may arise — directly or indirectly — from using or relying on this information, for any reason and under any circumstances. By using this page you acknowledge and accept these terms.