Check Engine Code
P0016
Crankshaft Position / Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
What P0016 means
P0016 means the ECM compared crank and cam sensor signals and the alignment is outside spec. On timing-chain engines (Ford Ecoboost, GM LT, Chrysler Pentastar, VAG 2.0 TSI) this is almost always a stretched timing chain or worn guide. Can also be set by a failed cam phaser.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rattle or slap sound at cold start (chain slack)
- Rough running or misfire codes
- Hard starting
- Limp mode in severe cases
Likely causes (most common first)
- Stretched timing chain (very common on Ecoboost, Pentastar, 2.0 TSI)
- Failed cam phaser
- Failed oil control solenoid
- Crank or cam sensor failure
- Very low oil level / dirty oil
- Incorrect timing after recent repair
Can I keep driving?
Don't ignore. A badly stretched chain can jump a tooth and bend valves. Scan, look for chain rattle at startup, and get it inspected soon.
Typical repair cost
DIY fixes can start near $400 (parts only). Shop repairs for P0016 typically run up to $2500 depending on the underlying cause and vehicle. Start with the most common cause — Stretched timing chain (very common on Ecoboost, Pentastar, 2.0 TSI) — before throwing parts at it.
Recommended parts & tools for P0016
Our buyer’s guides cover the tools and parts that pair with AXLY:
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