Audi
Crank and intake cam timing do not line up on an Audi engine. On chain TSI/TFSI engines this usually means the timing chain has stretched or the tensioner has slackened.
P0016 fault code: what it means
P0016: Crank and bank 1 intake cam signals are out of step, meaning the cam timing has drifted. Often a stretched timing chain or jumped belt.
Usual causes, most likely first
- stretched timing chain or worn tensioner
- low or degraded engine oil affecting VVT
- faulty VVT oil control solenoid
- faulty cam or crank sensor
P0016 by make
BMW
Crank and intake cam positions do not line up (bank 1). On BMW four-cylinders (N20, N47 diesel) a stretched chain or broken chain guide is a real worry; on others often VANOS or a sensor.
Haval
Crank and cam position do not line up.
Holden
Crank/cam correlation, bank 1 intake. On VZ/VE Commodore 3.6 Alloytec and Captiva V6 almost always stretched timing chains; on Captiva 2.4 a slipped cam reluctor can also cause it.
Hyundai
Crank and intake cam signals don't line up. On Nu and Theta engines often oil/OCV related, but can be timing chain stretch.
Jeep
Crank and cam position (bank 1 sensor A) do not line up. On Pentastar/2.4 Jeeps usually a cam phaser or timing chain issue.
Kia
Crank and intake cam signals don't line up. On Nu engines often comes with a cold-start chain rattle.
Lexus
Crank and intake cam position do not agree (bank 1). On 2GR V6 Lexus (RX350, ES350, IS350, GS350) usually a VVT-i oil problem.
Mazda
Crank and cam signals out of step. Check cam and crank sensors and plugs first; a jumped or badly fitted timing chain or damaged sprocket also sets it (SkyActiv-D chain stretch is P1336).
Mercedes-Benz
Crank and intake cam signals out of step. On Mercedes V6 petrols (M272) and OM651 diesels this usually points to a stretched timing chain or worn guides/tensioner.
MG
Crank and cam position do not line up.
Mini
Crank and cam positions do not line up. On 2007-13 Mini Cooper / Cooper S (N12-N18) the known timing chain and tensioner wear is the first thing to rule out; a rattle on cold start backs it up.
Nissan
Crank and cam position signals out of step. On YD25 Navara D40 / Pathfinder R51 the timing chain is known to stretch.
Skoda
Crank and intake cam timing do not line up on a Skoda engine. On chain TSI/TFSI engines this usually means the timing chain has stretched or the tensioner has slackened.
Subaru
Crank and bank 1 cam positions do not line up as expected. On chain engines (FB/FA) usually chain stretch or oil; on EJ belt engines check belt timing.
Suzuki
Crank and cam position do not line up. On Swift/Vitara/Jimny check the timing chain.
Toyota
Crank and intake cam position do not agree (bank 1). On 2GR V6 Toyotas this is usually a VVT-i oil supply problem.
Volkswagen
Crank and intake cam timing do not line up on a Volkswagen engine. On chain TSI/TFSI engines this usually means the timing chain has stretched or the tensioner has slackened.
Volvo
Crank and cam position do not line up.
What the repair usually costs
- A/C compressor replace incl. drier and flush (European)NZ$1,560–NZ$3,200 · A$1,490–A$3,050
- Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor replaceNZ$100–NZ$590 · A$100–A$580
- Water pump with timing belt kit (timing-belt-driven pump)NZ$770–NZ$1,970 · A$780–A$1,970
- Timing chain, tensioner and guides (4-cylinder)NZ$1,120–NZ$2,530 · A$1,160–A$2,570
Not sure what P0016 means on your car? Ask Credov.
Before you clear it
Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.