P016A
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor AP016A is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P016A means
P016A is stored when the PCM detects that the correlation between the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal and the Bank 1 intake camshaft position (CMP) sensor signal is outside the acceptable range. The PCM continuously monitors the relative timing between these two sensors to verify that variable valve timing (VVT) or variable cam timing (VCT) is operating correctly.
The most common triggers are mechanical timing issues such as a stretched or jumped timing chain, a worn timing sprocket, or a failed camshaft phaser/actuator. Oil sludge blocking the phaser oil control valve passages is also a frequent cause, particularly on high-mileage engines with infrequent oil changes.
When this code is active the engine may run rough, especially at idle, and fuel economy can decrease. The PCM may disable VVT operation as a protective measure. Prompt diagnosis is important because a jumped timing chain can cause significant engine damage if not addressed.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P016A is logged.
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1
Stretched or jumped timing chain causing mechanical timing offset.
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2
Worn or damaged camshaft phaser on Bank 1 intake cam.
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3
Failed or stuck oil control valve (OCV) for Bank 1 intake cam.
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4
Low engine oil level or degraded oil pressure preventing phaser operation.
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5
Oil sludge blocking phaser feed passages or OCV screen.
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6
Faulty crankshaft position sensor producing intermittent signal errors.
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7
Faulty Bank 1 intake camshaft position sensor.
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8
Wiring fault or poor connector contact on CKP or CMP sensor circuits.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P016A
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Connect a scan tool and record all stored DTCs; note any companion camshaft, timing, or oil pressure codes.
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2
Check engine oil level and condition; low or sludged oil is a leading cause.
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3
Use live data to observe Bank 1 intake cam actual versus desired position while revving; a stuck value indicates phaser or OCV failure.
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4
Inspect the oil control valve (OCV) connector and wiring for corrosion or damage.
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5
Command the OCV on and off with the scan tool and observe cam response; no movement suggests a failed OCV or blocked passage.
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6
If oil and OCV are good, perform a mechanical timing inspection for a stretched or jumped chain.
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7
Replace or service faulty components confirmed by testing before clearing codes and re-testing.
Related powertrain codes
- P0100 — Mass or Volume Air Flow A Circuit Malfunction
- P0101 — Mass or Volume Air Flow A Circuit Range/Performance Problem
- P0102 — Mass or Volume Air Flow A Circuit Low Input
- P0103 — Mass or Volume Air Flow A Circuit High Input
- P0104 — Mass or Volume Air Flow A Circuit Intermittent
- P0105 — Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Malfunction
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P016A active?
Short distances may be acceptable but prolonged driving risks further timing chain wear or engine damage, especially if the chain has already jumped a tooth.
Will an oil change fix P016A?
If low or sludged oil is the root cause and the phaser is not mechanically damaged, a fresh oil and filter change sometimes resolves the condition. Clear the code and retest.
Is P016A the same as a timing chain failure?
Not necessarily. It indicates a correlation fault that can stem from the phaser, OCV, sensors, or timing chain. A full diagnosis is needed to isolate the cause.
Does P016A affect VVT operation?
Yes. The PCM typically disables or limits variable valve timing on the affected cam to protect the engine, which reduces performance and efficiency.
Disabling P016A in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P016A — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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