P016E
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A Range/PerformanceP016E is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A Range/Performance. 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 P016E means
P016E is a range or performance variant of the cam-to-crank correlation fault for Bank 1 intake camshaft. Where P016A typically indicates a static correlation offset, P016E signals that the correlation is erratic or falls outside the expected performance range during dynamic operation, such as during acceleration or changing engine load conditions.
This distinction can point toward intermittent mechanical faults such as a phaser that binds only under load, a VVT solenoid that responds sluggishly, or an electrical signal that is noisy without being completely absent. Timing chain guides that are cracked or loose may also produce range/performance faults because the chain slack changes with engine speed and torque load.
Diagnosis should include reviewing freeze-frame data and comparing cam position behavior across the RPM range using live data. Faults that only appear under load or at specific RPMs suggest mechanical wear or oil pressure issues rather than a simple sensor failure.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P016E is logged.
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1
Camshaft phaser that binds or stutters under load rather than at idle.
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2
Worn timing chain guide allowing chain slack to vary with engine load.
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3
VVT oil control valve with slow or erratic response.
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4
Oil pressure that drops under load due to pump wear or low oil level.
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5
Intermittent electrical fault in the CMP sensor circuit.
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6
Crankshaft position sensor producing noise under vibration or load.
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7
Worn cam phaser ratchet or vane mechanism causing position hunting.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P016E
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Retrieve codes and review freeze-frame data to identify the operating conditions when the fault occurred.
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2
Check engine oil level and quality; verify oil pressure with a mechanical gauge if suspect.
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3
Monitor Bank 1 intake cam actual versus desired position on live data across a range of RPMs.
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4
Inspect the VVT OCV screen for contamination and test OCV response time with scan tool actuation.
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5
Check CKP and CMP sensor wiring for loose connections or chafing that could cause intermittent noise.
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6
Inspect timing chain guides for cracks or looseness if oil and sensors are confirmed good.
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7
Address the confirmed fault and retest under the load conditions that originally triggered the code.
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
What is the difference between P016A and P016E?
P016A is a fixed correlation offset fault while P016E is a range or performance fault, indicating the correlation is within tolerance sometimes but erratic or out of range under certain conditions.
Can a noisy CKP sensor cause P016E?
Yes. If the crankshaft position signal contains electrical noise, the PCM may calculate an inaccurate crank position that causes a spurious cam correlation error.
Is P016E serious?
It warrants timely diagnosis. An intermittent fault can become a permanent one if the underlying cause, such as chain wear, continues to progress.
Can P016E cause misfires?
Indirectly. Incorrect cam timing phasing can alter combustion efficiency enough to produce misfire-like symptoms even if no dedicated misfire code is stored.
Disabling P016E in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P016E — 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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