There are thousands of generic error codes you can find in a car’s ECU. Some aren’t serious, while others such as the P0016 check engine light code require your immediate attention. This specific code notifies the driver that there’s an issue with critical sensors inside the engine – more specifically the correlation between the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors.

These two sensors play an important role as they’re responsible for timing sparks and fuel injection perfectly based on the position of the camshaft and crankshaft. If these parts aren’t synchronized, or if the sensors don’t send the right information to the ECU, it can cause a series of other problems.

In this article, we’ll talk about the causes of the P0016 code, the most common symptoms, how to properly diagnose the issue, and how to fix it. We’ll also cover whether it’s safe to drive your car until the issue is fixed.

What is the P0016 Code, and What Does It Mean?

The definition of the P0016 fault code is Crankshaft Position/Camshaft Position, Bank 1 Sensor A. In simple terms, this means that the camshaft position sensor isn’t in correlation with the crankshaft position sensor on bank 1.

There are a couple of things that can trigger this particular code. The camshaft and crankshaft must be in perfect correlation for the engine to work as it should. When this code is triggered, the car should be stopped right away and not driven before you diagnose and fix the issue.

What Causes a P0016 Fault Code?

Although there are several things that can cause the P0016 fault code, a stretched timing chain is the most common one you’ll come across. Replacing the timing chain is a part of regular car maintenance. However, timing chains can stretch way before they’re up for replacement. Timing tensioners, chain guides and other components can fail causing the timing chain to stretch. Additionally, since timing chains are replaced at longer intervals, some drivers simply forget to service this critical part altogether.

Timing Issues

Jumped timing is also a pretty common cause for the P0016 code, and it happens for the same reasons that cause timing chain stretching. In fact, these two are directly connected. That’s why it’s important to do regular maintenance on your car, especially if you bought it second-hand, and you don’t have a full service history.

Slipped Reluctor Ring

The next thing that can cause this code is a slipped reluctor ring, whether it’s on the camshaft or on the crankshaft. These rings are used to send magnetic signals to the sensors and if the ring isn’t perfectly in place, it may send wrong signals to the ECU that can trigger this code.

Can Low Oil Cause a P0016 Code?

Yes, having low oil can cause a P0016 to get triggered, but so can old oil. Any engine that uses a timing chain requires regular oil changes as oil lubricates the chain. That’s why it’s important to check your oil regularly and replace it with fresh oil at least once a year if you don’t drive your car much. It’s best to check the user manual for manufacturer recommendations regarding regular oil changes and maintenance.

What Are the Common Symptoms of P0016 Fault Code?

When it comes to the common symptoms of the P0016 fault code, the one thing every car will show is the check engine light. It will illuminate as soon as the ECU detects anything from the ordinary, and point out the issue with a specific fault code.

Other, more specific symptoms include your car operating roughly and struggling to idle properly. You’ll also notice a decrease in fuel economy, reduced performance, and in some vehicles, timing chain rattle that often be heard from inside the passenger cabin.

Other cars will have trouble starting, or they won’t be able to start at all.

How to Diagnose and Fix P0016 Code

If you find yourself dealing with the P0016 code on your car, you’ll need an OBD II scanner, and an oscilloscope, aside from the regular tools used while working on a car. Using your OBD II scanner, check the ECU for error codes and make sure P0016 is the only one stored. Other codes might point to different issues which need to be addressed first.

After scanning the ECU for other fault codes, the thing you’ll want to check first is the oil. Check the oil level and try to find information on when the oil was changed last time. Because a low oil level or dirty oil can cause the P0016 code, and it’s a cheaper to fix than other possible causes. Top off, or replace the oil as necessary.

If changing the oil hasn’t fixed the issue, you’ll need to use an oscilloscope to diagnose the P0016 fault code properly. You’ll need to connect the signal wires to the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor and compare the two signals. If you notice a difference between them, a timing chain, jumped timing, or reluctor rings are causing the issue.

To fix it, you’ll need to replace the faulty parts and set the timing correctly. It’s best to replace all the parts at once. At this moment, it’s best to have your car’s service manual available.

Does P0016 Clear Itself?

In some vehicles, the P0016 code will clear itself once the issue is fixed, while other cars require clearing the code manually with an OBD II scanner. It’s recommended to clear the code once you try each fix, and check if it illuminates the check engine light again. If the car starts working properly and the check engine light doesn’t pop up on your dash, you’ve fixed the problem!

Can You Drive with P0016 Code?

It’s best if you don’t drive your car if it has the P0016 code stored in the ECU. It’s considered a severe issue and needs addressing as soon as possible. Ignoring it can cause additional damage to the internal engine parts which can increase the cost of the fix significantly.

Replacing the oil and filters costs around $100 if you use premium oil and OEM parts, while the timing chain and reluctor rings can cost up to $1000 depending on the make and model of your car.

OEM And High-Quality Parts Ensure Reliability

There are some parts of the car you can replace with aftermarket parts, but when it comes to critical engine components and sensors that send important information to the ECU, Genuine or OEM parts are the best way to go. High-quality alternatives are also a good choice, but only from trusted suppliers. That’s why we at eEuroparts.com update our catalog with the highest-quality replacement parts for most European vehicles.

Select the make and model of your car from the car selection tool on our website and find the parts you need without having to worry about fitment or quality.