P016C
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor AP016C is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 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 P016C means
P016C is the Bank 2 intake camshaft correlation counterpart to P016A. The PCM has determined that the crankshaft position sensor signal and the Bank 2 intake camshaft position sensor signal are not correlating within the expected window. Bank 2 is the engine bank that does not contain cylinder number one.
Causes mirror those on Bank 1: stretched timing chain (particularly relevant on V-engines with a single chain spanning both banks or separate chain runs), a failed Bank 2 intake phaser, a blocked or faulty oil control valve, or degraded oil. On some V6 and V8 platforms, a single long chain can develop more stretch on the Bank 2 run before Bank 1 is noticeably affected.
Symptoms are typically the same as for other cam correlation codes and include a lit MIL, possible rough idle, reduced power, and worse fuel economy. Diagnosis should always begin with a scan tool review and an oil condition check before any mechanical work is undertaken, as many of these faults are resolved without major disassembly.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P016C is logged.
-
1
Stretched or jumped timing chain on the Bank 2 cam run.
-
2
Worn or failed Bank 2 intake camshaft phaser.
-
3
Faulty or stuck oil control valve for Bank 2 intake cam.
-
4
Low engine oil level or poor oil pressure.
-
5
Sludged oil blocking phaser or OCV passages.
-
6
Defective Bank 2 intake camshaft position sensor.
-
7
Wiring or connector fault on the Bank 2 CMP sensor circuit.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P016C
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
-
1
Scan for all codes; note whether Bank 1 cam codes are also present, which may indicate a chain-wide issue.
-
2
Check and correct engine oil level and condition before further diagnosis.
-
3
Monitor Bank 2 intake cam actual versus desired position on live data.
-
4
Inspect and test the Bank 2 intake cam OCV electrically and functionally with scan tool actuation.
-
5
If OCV is functional, evaluate the phaser for mechanical failure or restriction.
-
6
Inspect the timing chain for stretch or skipped teeth if other causes are excluded.
-
7
Repair the confirmed fault, clear codes, and confirm with a drive cycle.
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 P016C appear alone without Bank 1 cam codes?
Yes. If the timing chain run to Bank 2 stretches before Bank 1 or if only the Bank 2 OCV fails, P016C can set independently.
How urgent is P016C?
It warrants prompt attention. A jumped timing chain can cause valve-to-piston contact on interference engines, leading to severe internal damage.
Does P016C affect the catalytic converter?
Indirectly. Incorrect exhaust overlap timing caused by a cam phaser fault can increase raw hydrocarbon emissions, which over time may damage the catalytic converter.
Can a cold-weather start trigger P016C falsely?
Thick cold oil can slow phaser response enough to trip the code on startup. If it clears once the engine warms and does not return, check oil viscosity specification for the climate.
Disabling P016C in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P016C — 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.
Got P016C in your scan?
Upload your ECU file — we'll identify the exact software version and confirm whether a disable is available for your car.
Upload your file