Valve Timing
P0016Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
If the car runs, short distances are OK. If the cause is a timing belt that has jumped a tooth or a tensioner problem, the engine can be damaged if the belt snaps; don't take long trips.
If the warning light is on and the engine runs roughly, there will be problems at inspection. Fix the timing issue first.
01 / 06
What does P0016 mean?
The ECU sees that the crankshaft and camshaft are not turning at the angle they should. On engines with variable valve timing, the most common cause is a VVT solenoid stuck because of dirty/old oil. The more serious possibility: the timing belt has jumped a tooth or the tensioner has loosened. Check oil level and the solenoid first, then the timing.
The ECU verifies valve timing by comparing the crank and cam sensor signals. When the deviation exceeds the calibrated limit, P0016 is stored. On engines with variable cam timing (VVT/DCVCP), the phasers work on oil pressure, so low oil, the wrong viscosity or sludged oil are the most common triggers.
02 / 06
How to fix P0016
Steps are ordered from cheapest to most expensive. If a step doesn't solve it, move to the next one, and don't let a garage replace parts blindly.
- 1
Check oil level and condition
DIYIf the level is low or the oil looks like sludge, change it with the correct viscosity and approval, clear the code and test again.
- 2
Clean / test the VVT solenoids
DIYRemove the solenoids, clean their screens and apply 12 V to check that they click. Replace if necessary.
- 3
Compare sensor signals on an oscilloscope
Pro jobThe phase relationship between crank and cam signals shows whether the timing has really shifted.
- 4
Timing belt, tensioner and timing mark check
Pro jobThe cover is removed and the timing marks are checked. If the belt has jumped, replace the full kit (belt + tensioner + idler + water pump).
- 5
Cam phaser (camshaft sprocket) replacement
Pro jobIf the other steps check out and the ticking continues, the phaser is replaced.
Don't replace these first
- Crankshaft position sensor
- Engine control unit (ECU)
These parts are often replaced unnecessarily for P0016. Don't spend money on them before doing the checks above.
03 / 06
P0016 symptoms
- Check engine light
- Hard starting or slow initial start
- Rough idle, stalling
- Loss of power
- Ticking from the front of the engine (cam phaser)
04 / 06
What causes P0016?
- Low, old or wrong-viscosity engine oilHigh
- Stuck VVT (cam timing) solenoid valveHigh
- Timing belt jumped a tooth / tensioner bearingMedium
- Faulty cam phaser (camshaft sprocket)Medium
- Crank or cam sensorLow
05 / 06
Which cars commonly get P0016?
- BMW 1 Serisi 116dN47D20
- BMW 3 Serisi 320dN47D20
- BMW 3 Serisi 320iN20B20
- BMW 5 Serisi 520dN47D20
- Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 EcotecF16D4
- Citroen C3 1.2 PureTech 110EB2DT (1.2 PureTech)
- Fiat Doblo 1.3 Multijet 901.3 Multijet
- Fiat Egea 1.3 Multijet 951.3 Multijet II
- Fiat Fiorino 1.3 Multijet 751.3 Multijet
- Fiat Linea 1.3 Multijet 951.3 Multijet
- Fiat Punto 1.3 Multijet 751.3 Multijet
- Ford Focus 3 1.6 Ti-VCT 125Sigma 1.6 Ti-VCT
- Mercedes-Benz C Serisi C180M274 (1.6 turbo)
- Opel Astra J 1.6 TwinportA16XER
- Opel Corsa D 1.2 TwinportZ12XEP
- Opel Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90Z13DTH (1.3 Multijet)
- Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 110EB2DT (1.2 PureTech)
- Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 110EB2DT (1.2 PureTech)
- Peugeot 3008 II 1.2 PureTech 130EB2DTS (1.2 PureTech)
- Renault Captur 1 1.2 TCe 120 EDCH5Ft (1.2 TCe)
- Renault Clio 4 1.2 TCe 120 EDCH5Ft (1.2 TCe)
- Renault Megane 4 1.2 TCe 130H5Ft (1.2 TCe)
06 / 06
Frequently asked questions
What does fault code P0016 mean?
P0016 stands for “Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)”. The ECU sees that the crankshaft and camshaft are not turning at the angle they should. On engines with variable valve timing, the most common cause is a VVT solenoid stuck because of dirty/old oil. The more serious possibility: the timing belt has jumped a tooth or the tensioner has loosened. Check oil level and the solenoid first, then the timing.
Can I drive with code P0016?
Short trips, with care. If the car runs, short distances are OK. If the cause is a timing belt that has jumped a tooth or a tensioner problem, the engine can be damaged if the belt snaps; don't take long trips.
Will a car with code P0016 pass vehicle inspection?
Risky. If the warning light is on and the engine runs roughly, there will be problems at inspection. Fix the timing issue first.
Does P0016 mean the timing belt has snapped?
No. If the belt snapped, the engine wouldn't run. P0016 says the timing is off; sometimes that's just dirty oil or a solenoid, sometimes it means the belt has jumped a tooth.