P0016 Check Engine Code

What's going on

P0016 means the crankshaft and camshaft position signals do not correlate — the computer thinks valve timing is off relative to piston position. On timing-chain engines, stretched chains or worn tensioners are common on higher mileage. On timing-belt engines, a jumped tooth is serious. Some cases are sensor or wiring faults without mechanical timing slip — evidence separates expensive engine work from a sensor circuit.

Symptoms

• Check engine light with P0016 — may run rough, rattle on start, or lack power
• Rattle at cold start on chain-driven engines (VVT rattle)
• Code after timing belt or chain service
• Hard start or stall
• May appear with P0017 on bank 2

Common causes

• Stretched timing chain or worn tensioner
• Jumped timing belt tooth
• Failed VVT solenoid or actuator (when chain is still in spec)
• Cam or crank sensor wiring fault mimicking correlation error
• Incorrect timing after water pump or belt job

Often sounds like

• P0340 cam sensor circuit — signal loss vs. correlation
• P0017 bank 2 correlation — opposite bank

How we check it

1. 1 Read cam/crank correlation with scan tool at idle and off idle
2. 2 Inspect chain rattle, belt marks, or VVT operation
3. 3 Verify sensor signals before condemning mechanical timing

What happens next when you bring it in?

1. 1 Call with any cold-start rattle, recent timing service, and mileage.
2. 2 We verify cam/crank correlation and mechanical timing before quoting chain, belt, or sensor work.

Questions we get a lot

What does P0016 mean?

P0016 is “Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1.” The ECU compared crank and cam signals and found they do not align — mechanical timing or a sensor/circuit issue.

Is P0016 always a timing chain?

Often on high-mileage chain engines, but not always. We check sensors, VVT solenoids, and wiring before quoting major timing work.

Can I keep driving with P0016?

If it runs smoothly, come in soon — do not put it off. Loud rattle on start, rough running, or stalling means minimize driving until timing is verified.

Related problems

• Check Engine Light
• Honda Timing Belt
• Rough Idle