Code P0016: crankshaft and camshaft out of sync

Original definition (SAE J2012): Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)^[1][2][3]

• P0016Crankshaft position and camshaft position: correlation (bank 1, sensor A).
• P0017Crankshaft position and camshaft position: correlation (bank 1, sensor B).^[4][7][8]

1. 1Stretched timing chain or one that has jumped a tooth. Carista considers it very common on high-mileage engines with variable valve timing (VVT), especially petrol direct-injection ones. Mitchell1 reports the case of a 2014 Audi allroad 2.0 with this code and starting problems whose cause turned out to be a stretched chain.^[2][3][5]
2. 2Worn or stuck camshaft phaser (VVT actuator), for example in the fully advanced or fully retarded position.^[2][4][5]
3. 3Stuck VVT oil control solenoid valve, with its screen clogged by sludge, an electrical fault, or a restriction in its filter.^[1][2][5]
4. 4Oil in poor condition: low level, dirty oil with sludge or the wrong viscosity, which prevent the phaser from receiving the pressure it needs.^[2][5]
5. 5Worn or misaligned timing belt, or one with a damaged tensioner.^[1][2]
6. 6Incorrect fitting of the chain or the timing in a recent repair, or of other related parts: camshaft, phaser or sensors.^[2][4]
7. 7Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, or damaged wiring. Rick's considers it the least likely cause.^[1][2][5]
8. 8ECU fault (rarely).^[1][2]

• Engine warning light on.^[1][5]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
• The engine cranks for longer than normal before starting and, in severe cases, does not start.^[1][5]Hard to start: faults that cause it
• Rattling from the timing cover area, especially on a cold start; Rick's also attributes it to a failing phaser.^[2][5]Chain noise: faults that cause it
• Rough idle and very unstable revs.^[1][5]Vibrations: faults that cause it
• Hesitation when accelerating, because ignition and injection end up poorly timed.^[5]Jerking: faults that cause it
• Loss of power.^[1][5]Less power: faults that cause it
• In severe cases, the engine stalls.^[5]Engine stalls: faults that cause it

1. 1Check the oil first, as it is the quickest thing to check: level, condition and viscosity. If it is low, top it up; if it has gone too long without being changed or is not the right viscosity, change it (with the filter), clear the code and see whether it comes back.^[2][5]
2. 2Read the other codes: according to Rick's, a P0017, P0011 or P0014 alongside P0016 can indicate a bigger problem in the timing system.^[2]
3. 3With the scan tool, watch the camshaft and crankshaft positions in live data while the engine cranks: an offset of more than a few degrees confirms a mechanical misalignment.^[5]
4. 4Use the scan tool to command the VVT solenoid valve (on and off) and check that it responds. Check its connector (corrosion), its power supply, its earth and its resistance, and remove it to see whether its screen is clogged with sludge or debris.^[2][5]
5. 5Listen to the phaser with a mechanic's stethoscope during start-up: a metallic rattle usually gives away a failing phaser.^[2]
6. 6If the oil, solenoid valve and phaser are fine, check the timing chain or belt: stretch, tensioner, guides and timing, especially if work has recently been done on the timing. Carista states that, on the affected engines, the chain, tensioner and guides are replaced as a set.^[1][2][4][5]
7. 7In the case published by Mitchell1 (an Audi 2.0), a technician in its community pointed out that chain stretch can be seen in the scan tool data or by looking at the tensioner plunger through the plug in the lower cover: if it is extended a long way, the chain must be replaced. This is a method described for that engine.^[3]
8. 8Leave the crankshaft and camshaft sensors and their wiring until last: Rick's considers them the least likely cause and Carista advises replacing them last.^[1][2][5]

Faults in which this code appears

• High severityFrequency: Rare1.2 PureTechTiming misalignment from the camshaft sprocket bolts (chain-driven generation)On the third-generation 1.2 (chain-driven) built up to 17 February 2024, the camshaft sprocket bolts could be incorrectly fitted and throw the timing out: engine warning light, loss of power and, in the worst case, contact between pistons and valves.
• High severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi 3.0 TFSI V6Timing chain stretch and tensioner wearA German workshop describes chain stretch and marginal tensioners in the first supercharged 3.0 TFSI engines (2011-2014), with noise on cold starts and codes P0016-P0018; other guides consider it rare in this V6. There are no reliable statistics.
• Medium severityFrequency: Rare2.0 and 3.0 Ingenium gasolinaTiming chain and VCT unit noise on the 2.0 petrolSome 2.0 Ingenium petrol engines have shown a rattle around the timing chain, linked according to manufacturer technical information to the variable valve timing unit. It is a little-documented problem and far less widespread than on the diesel.
• Critical severityFrequency: CommonM272/M273Wear of the balance shaft gear and the timing sprocketsEarly-series M272 and M273 engines (up to mid-2006, according to German sources) can wear the balance shaft gear (V6) or the chain's intermediate gears (V8), with a risk of the timing jumping and damaging the engine.
• High severityFrequency: CommonPorsche V8 and V6 (Cayenne and Panamera)Timing chain stretch on the Cayenne VR6 V6 enginesAutoScout24 says the 250 hp 3.2 VR6 often suffers from defective chains, and Gebrauchtwagenberater warns that the smaller V6 engines have problems too. A French report describes a displaced chain on a 3.6 that forced a crankshaft replacement.
• High severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche V8 and V6 (Cayenne and Panamera)Timing chain and tensioner wear on the 4.8 V8A German workshop and several guides cite chain stretch and wear of the tensioners and guides in the Cayenne and Panamera V8 engines; the workshop recommends replacing the kit preventively between 120,000 and 180,000 km. There are no failure statistics.

• P0016 on Mercedes-Benz11