P0016 means the relationship between the crankshaft and camshaft positions doesn’t match what the engine expects — the two sensors are each reporting plausible individual values, but compared against each other, they’re out of the correct alignment. This comparison-based code is often one of the earliest and most reliable indicators of timing chain stretch, since a worn chain gradually shifts this relationship before causing any other noticeable symptom.
What Does P0016 Mean?
The crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor each report their own values independently, but the ECU also checks whether the relationship between them stays within the correct range as the engine turns — since the camshaft should always maintain a very specific timed relationship to crankshaft rotation. P0016 sets when that relationship drifts outside the expected tolerance, even if each individual sensor is reporting a value that looks reasonable on its own.
A timing chain physically maintains the crank-to-cam relationship, and as it wears and stretches with age, that relationship gradually shifts — exactly the kind of drift this correlation-based code is designed to catch. This is why P0016 is often one of the earliest reliable signs of chain wear, sometimes appearing before any noise, rattling, or performance symptom becomes noticeable.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light on, sometimes the only symptom in early-stage cases.
- A rattling noise from the timing cover, especially at startup, as chain wear progresses.
- Rough idle or misfires — see our P0300 guide if a misfire code accompanies this one.
- Reduced power or hesitation as the timing discrepancy affects combustion efficiency.
- Difficulty starting in more advanced cases.
Common Causes
- Timing chain stretch — the single most concerning and, on higher-mileage engines, the most likely cause.
- A worn timing chain tensioner, allowing the chain slack that produces the same correlation drift even if the chain itself isn’t badly stretched yet.
- A VVT solenoid or phaser fault — see our P0011 guide, since a stuck or malfunctioning phaser can also throw off this relationship.
- A failing crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, less commonly, giving an inaccurate reading that only appears wrong in comparison to the other sensor.
- Low or dirty engine oil affecting VVT operation, per our P0011 guide.
How to Diagnose It
- Check oil level and condition first, an easy and relevant step given how often oil affects VVT-adjacent faults.
- Listen for a rattle at cold start, a meaningful clue pointing toward chain or tensioner wear specifically.
- Have timing chain stretch measured — many manufacturers publish a specification for acceptable variance, checkable with the right diagnostic procedure.
- Test crankshaft and camshaft sensors individually to rule out a sensor-side fault before assuming mechanical chain wear.
Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use axle stands on firm, level ground, chock the wheels that stay down, and leave the car in gear or Park with the handbrake on. A jack lifts; stands hold.
Possible Fixes
| Cause | Fix | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Low/dirty oil | Oil and filter change | $40 – $100 |
| Faulty position sensor | Replace the sensor | $100 – $300 |
| VVT solenoid/phaser fault | Replace the affected component | $150 – $700 |
| Worn tensioner | Replace the tensioner | $200 – $600 |
| Stretched timing chain | Replace the full timing chain kit | $700 – $1,500 |
Can I Drive With P0016?
For short trips only, and with real caution — if timing chain stretch is the actual cause, continued driving risks the chain skipping a tooth or, in a worst case, failing outright, which can cause serious engine damage on many interference engine designs. Get this diagnosed promptly rather than treating it as a code to live with, in a similar spirit to our crankshaft position sensor guide‘s urgency around fundamental timing faults.
When to See a Mechanic
Promptly — ask specifically whether timing chain stretch has been measured and ruled in or out, since that distinction changes the urgency and cost dramatically. More in our engine problems section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0016 mean?
The relationship between the crankshaft and camshaft positions is outside the expected range, even though each sensor individually may be reporting a plausible value on its own.
Does P0016 mean my timing chain is bad?
It’s one of the most common causes, and often one of the earliest reliable signs of timing chain stretch — but a worn tensioner, a VVT fault, or a sensor issue can also produce this same code.
Is it safe to drive with a P0016 code?
Only for short trips with real caution — if timing chain stretch is the actual cause, continued driving risks the chain skipping a tooth, which can cause serious engine damage on many engine designs.
Can low oil cause P0016?
Yes, indirectly, if it’s affecting variable valve timing operation — checking oil level and condition is a reasonable first step before assuming mechanical chain wear.
How much does it cost to fix P0016?
It varies enormously by cause — from $40 for an oil change to $700–$1,500 if a full timing chain replacement turns out to be necessary.
