P0016 – Crankshaft position/camshaft position, bank 1 sensor A -correlation

Avatar photo
By Mia (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2022-09-19
ASE Master Tech
CodeFault LocationProbable Cause
P0016 Crankshaft position/camshaft position, bank 1 sensor A -correlation
(Buy Part On Amazon)
Wiring, CKP sensor, CMP sensor, mechanical fault

We recommend Torque Pro

Table of Contents

  1. What Does Code P0016 Mean?
  2. Where is the P0016 sensor located?
  3. What are the common causes of code P0016 ?
  4. How expensive is it to fix code P0016 ?
  5. What are the symptoms of code P0016 ?
  6. What are common solutions to code P0016 ?
  7. How serious is code P0016 ?
  8. How safe is it to still drive the car with code P0016 ?
  9. How difficult is it to repair code P0016 ?
  10. What are the common mistakes when repairing code P0016 ?
  11. How do you troubleshoot code P0016 ?
  12. Codes Related to P0016
  13. Get Help with P0016

What Does Code P0016 Mean?

The camshaft position sensor (CMP) is used to determine the position of the camshaft(s). It relays this information to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM then uses this information to control the fuel injectors, and on some applications, for ignition timing. The crankshaft position sensor (CKP) relays crankshaft position and engine RPM to the PCM, or ignition module. This information is used but the PCM to control ignition timing, and in some applications, it is also used to control fuel injection.

The two common CMP and CKP designs are Hall Effect and permanent magnet.

  • Permanent magnet: creates an AC voltage signal that is proportional to engine speed.

permanent-magnet-crankshaft-sensor

A permanent magnet crankshaft sensor

(Courtesy: CP Fitters)

  • Hall Effect: uses a reference voltage from the PCM to produce a DC voltage signal.

hall-effect-crankshaft-sensor

A Hall Effect crankshaft sensor

(Courtesy: nwmobilemechanicdotcom)

Inside the engine, the crankshaft and camshaft are held together by a timing belt or timing chain, which keeps them synchronized. The CKP and CMP sensors work together to keep the PCM informed about engine timing. Should the timing be off, the PCM will set a code P0016. This code stands for Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A).

Where is the P0016 sensor located?

On most applications, the camshaft position sensor(s) are located in or on the valve cover to place the sensor(s) in close proximity with a reluctor ring or protrusion on the camshaft(s) that interrupt(s) the sensors’ magnetic field to produce a signal. Crankshaft position sensors can be located on the crankshaft pulley (aka harmonic balancer), the flywheel/flex plate, or on the fuel pump on some diesel applications.

What are the common causes of code P0016 ?

  • A faulty cam or crank sensor
  • The cam or crank circuit is open or shorted
  • The timing belt/chain is out of time
  • The cam or crank tone ring is slipped/broken
  • A problem in the VVT system
  • The PCM is faulty

How expensive is it to fix code P0016 ?

Due to the high number of possible causes of code P0016, as well as the wide range of current prices of replacement parts for every possible part that can fail and set this code as a result, it is not possible to provide a repair cost estimate for this code that is even reasonably accurate for any part of the USA. However, this resource offers a cost estimator that lists both parts and labor costs for all popular makes and models in all areas of the US market.

What are the symptoms of code P0016 ?

Code P0016 may be accompanied  by several different symptoms. These including: an engine that runs poorly, an engine that cranks but will not start and an illuminated check engine light.

What are common solutions to code P0016 ?

The most common solution to this code is the replacement/repair of wiring, followed by replacement of crankshaft/camshaft position sensors if the engine timing is known to be good. Less common solutions include replacement of reluctor rings, or VVT/VCT oil control solenoids. Note that PCM failures are rare.

How serious is code P0016 ?

Code P0016 should be considered serious, since the vehicle can be completely immobilized if the correlation between the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors fails completely. Moreover, depending on the application and the nature of the problem, some types of engines (interference type engines with timing belts) can suffer serious, if not always fatal damage should the timing belt break or slip.

How safe is it to still drive the car with code P0016 ?

Ideally, a vehicle with this code should not be driven until the fault is found and repaired, and especially not in traffic, since the engine can stall at any time.

How difficult is it to repair code P0016 ?

In most cases, repairing this code should not present the average non-professional mechanic with undue difficulties, since the diagnostic procedure mainly involves testing circuits to verify that the resistance, continuity, ground integrity and (where applicable), reference voltages comply with values specified by the manufacturer.

However, in some cases, such as where the fault persists but the sensors’ control circuits check out, it may be necessary to test the operation of individual sensors with an oscilloscope. Note however that such tests can only be performed if the relevant reference data in the form of a wave form library is available. If an oscilloscope and suitable reference data is not available, the better option is to refer the vehicle for professional diagnosis and repair.

What are the common mistakes when repairing code P0016 ?

In many cases, sensors are condemned and replaced out of hand, when it is far more common for damaged, burnt, disconnected, or corroded wiring and/or connectors to be the real problem. Also note that poor workmanship during a timing belt or timing chain replacement can cause this code if timing marks on either or both the crankshaft and/or camshaft(s) are not properly aligned.

Timing of both the crankshaft and camshaft(s) should therefore always be verified before any components are replaced, and especially on applications that are fitted with variable valve or camshaft timing, since low oil levels, insufficient oil pressure, or failed VVT/VCT solenoids can also cause this code, or contribute to its setting.

How do you troubleshoot code P0016 ?

  • Perform a visual inspection of the sensors and connections.

Many problems can easily be found in the harness and connectors. So, begin your diagnosis by visually inspecting the sensors and their connections.

  • Test the sensor output

Testing the sensor varies slightly, depending on which type of sensor your vehicle uses.

    • Permanent magnet sensor: A permanent magnet sensor can be tested using an ohmmeter (DVOM). Remove the sensor connector and attach the meter to the sensor terminals. Consult the manufactures repair information for the resistance specifications. Of course, a meter reading of OL measure there is an open in the sensor and it should be replaced. Next, crank the engine and watch the ohmmeter – the reading should fluctuate. You can also do this with your meter set to read AC voltage. If there is no change in the reading, the sensor is bad and should be replaced.

test-permanent-sensor

Testing a permanent magnet sensor

(Courtesy: autozone.com)

    • Hall Effect sensor: Using the repair information for your vehicle, determine which pin on the sensor connector is the signal return wire. Using your DVOM on the DC voltage setting, back probe the sensor wire. Attach the black multimeter cable to battery ground. Cranking the engine, you should see the voltage reading on the meter fluctuate.

test-hall-sensor

Testing a Hall Effect Sensor

(Courtesy: autorepairhelp.us)

Note that a damaged or improperly aligned tone ring will also prevent proper sensor operation. When in doubt, remove the cam gear and the crankshaft harmonic balancer and inspect the tone rings.

  • Test the sensors circuits

If the cam and cranks sensor check out OK, but you still have P0016 code illuminated, you’ll need to check the sensor circuit.

    • Permanent magnet sensor: A permanent magnet sensor produces its own voltage, so it will only have two wires going to it – ground and return signal. Start by consulting the wiring diagram for your vehicle to determine which pin on the connector is signal and which is ground. All Data DIY is probably the easiest place to source your vehicle’s wiring diagram.  Next, connect the red multimeter lead to the battery positive terminal and the black lead to the ground pin. You should see a reading of about 12 volts indicating a good ground. If not, you’ll need to consult the ground side of the wiring diagram to find where the circuit fault lies. Next, check that there is continuity to the PCM. You can do this by touching one meter lead to the return signal pin on the sensor connector and the other to signal pin on the PCM. Set your meter to the ohms setting – you should see a value appear on the screen. If instead, your meter reads OL, you have an open circuit and will need to trace the factory wiring diagram.

 

    • Hall Effect Sensor: A Hall Effect Sensor has three wires: signal, reference and ground. Start by consulting the wiring diagram (All Data DIY) for your vehicle to determine which pin on the connector is which. Next, connect the red multimeter lead to the battery positive terminal and the black lead to the ground pin. You should see a reading of about 12 volts indicating a good ground. Then, check that the 5-volt reference is getting to the sensor by connecting the red multimeter lead to the reference voltage pin and the other to ground. You should see a reading of about 5 volts indicating a good reference voltage. Finally, check that there is continuity to the PCM. You can do this by touching one meter lead to the return signal pin on the sensor connector and the other to signal pin on the PCM. Set your meter to the ohms setting – you should see a value appear on the screen. If instead, your meter reads OL, you have an open circuit and will need to trace the factory wiring diagram.

 

  • Test the sensor synchronization

CMP/CKP Synch status (yes/no) is displayed on many scan tools, but unfortunately, that parameter can’t always be trusted. The best way to test cam and crank sensors, as well as their synchronization, is with an oscilloscope. Increasingly more manufactures are offering sample wave form patterns in their repair information, which should be consulted before testing. The timing relationship (synchronization) of the two sensors will be distorted if a timing belt jumps time, a cam gear slips, a timing chain gets loose or a cam phaser misbehaves. Cracked reluctors and missing reluctors can also lead to an altered waveform pattern.

hook-scope

Hooking up a scope to a Hall Effect sensor

(Courtesy: autozone)

If the synchronization pattern is distorted, you need to find out why. In most cases, this will involve engine disassembly to the point of failure. Removing the timing cover and checking that the timing marks line up is one of the first things to do. Both timing belts and timing chains may stretch over time and/or have a failed tensioner.

cam-crank-pattern

An example of a cam and crank pattern

(Courtesy: aa1car.com)

Variable valve timing (VVT) system components can cause cam/crank correlation problems as well. These systems are often dependent on oil pressure, so checking the oil level is a good place to start. A plugged or failed oil control valve can also cause VVT problems.

vvt-system

VVT system

(Courtesy: f150online.com)

VVT solenoids can be tested for continuity or resistance with a digital multimeter. The solenoid circuit should also be tested for proper power and ground. In addition, the solenoids can also be removed and jumpered to battery voltage to confirm operation. Many scan tools also offer bi-directional testing of the solenoids with just the push of a button.

  • DTC: P0010 “A” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
  • DTC: P0011 “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
  • DTC: P0012 “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
  • DTC: P0013 “B” Camshaft Position – Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
  • DTC: P0014 “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) – See Trouble Code P0011
  • DTC: P0015 “B” Camshaft Position -Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1) – See Trouble Code P0012
  • DTC: P0016 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
  • DTC: P0017 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor)
  • DTC: P0018 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
  • DTC: P0019 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor )
  • DTC: P0020 “A” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
  • DTC: P0021 “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
  • DTC: P0022 “A” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2)
  • DTC: P0023 “B” Camshaft Position – Actuator Circuit (Bank 2) – See Trouble Code P0020
  • DTC: P0024 “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2) – See Trouble Code P0021
  • DTC: P0025 “B” Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 2) – See Trouble Code P0022

Help Us Help You

Please comment below describing your issue as well as the specifics of your vehicle (make, model, year, miles, and engine). To get a detailed, expedited response from a mechanic, please make a $9.99 donation via the payment button below.