Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Intake)
The P0016 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Intake). This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $1,500-$3,600 for full timing chain kit replacement (the GM 3.6L V6 is a 9+ hour labor job; simpler engines run less); $50-$200 for a position sensor
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Hard starting or no-start
- Rough running
- Rattling noise from timing area
- Reduced power
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Stretched or jumped timing chain Very High
- Worn timing chain tensioner or guides High
- Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor Moderate
- Damaged or slipped reluctor wheel on cam or crank Moderate
- VVT actuator locked in wrong position Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Check for a rattling or slapping noise at startup, which strongly suggests a stretched timing chain.
-
Use a scan tool to compare crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals. They should align to spec at idle.
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Inspect timing chain slack through the oil filler cap or timing cover inspection plug if available.
-
Check the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor wiring for damage or poor connections.
-
If chain appears OK, test both sensors: compare reluctor ring count and signal pattern.
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0016 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler/Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar Advanced DIY
Crankshaft to intake camshaft correlation is out of spec. On the Pentastar 3.6L, timing chain stretch is the primary cause after 100K miles. TSB 09-002-14 REV.A. Replace the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and cam phasers as a complete kit. Also replace both cam position sensors and the crank sensor while the front of the engine is apart.
Labor: 6-10 hours2012-2019 Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain 2.4L Advanced DIY
Cam-crank correlation error on the Ecotec 2.4L means the timing chain has jumped or stretched significantly. GM TSB #14-06-01-002A. Do not drive the vehicle -- engine damage can result. Replace the timing chain kit including guides, tensioner, and VVT solenoids. Check the engine for bent valves if the chain jumped timing.
Labor: 4-6 hours2011-2020 Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima 2.4L Theta II Advanced DIY
Cam-crank timing correlation is off. Often caused by a jumped timing chain due to oil starvation on the Theta II. Check oil level immediately -- these engines burn oil excessively. If oil was low, top off and clear code. If code returns, the timing chain and VVT actuator need replacement. Check for engine damage before investing in repairs.
Labor: 5-7 hours2009-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Advanced DIY
Cam-crank correlation code on EcoBoost usually means a cam phaser has lost position. Ford TSB 19-2346. The cam phaser lockout pins wear and fail to hold timing at startup. Replace both intake cam phasers, timing chains, tensioners, and guides. Use only Motorcraft 5W-30 synthetic blend and do not exceed 7,500-mile oil change intervals.
Labor: 8-12 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
Is P0016 serious?
Yes. A timing chain that has jumped even one tooth can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all. If the chain jumps further, valve-to-piston contact may occur on interference engines, causing severe internal damage.
How do I know if the timing chain is stretched?
A metallic rattling on cold startup that quiets as oil pressure builds is the classic sign. Confirm with a scan tool by checking actual versus target cam timing at idle.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
P0016 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
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