P0016
PowertrainCrankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
The crankshaft and bank 1 intake camshaft are out of sync more than the ECU's tolerance allows. The cam is several degrees away from where the crank says it should be.
ⓘ Information only. This page provides general educational information about fault code P0016. We do not assess the urgency or safety implications of any specific fault. That requires in-person diagnosis by a qualified mechanic. Full terms.
Recommended next steps
Whether a fault is urgent, drivable, or routine depends entirely on the cause on a specific vehicle, and that can only be determined by a qualified mechanic with diagnostic equipment. If a warning light is illuminated, the most reliable next step is professional diagnosis.
What does P0016 mean?
P0016 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A).
This is a standardised OBD-II code. The technical definition is the same regardless of the make or model of vehicle, although specific causes and symptoms can vary between vehicles.
Symptoms commonly associated with this code
Symptoms that drivers often report alongside this code. Not all may apply to every case:
- • Engine warning light
- • Rough idle, sometimes with a noticeable rattle on cold start (timing chain stretch)
- • Loss of power, sometimes accompanied by limp mode
- • Hard starting in some cases
- • On chain-driven engines, an audible chain rattle on cold starts is a giveaway
Possible causes
Causes commonly associated with P0016, listed in approximate order of typical investigation. The actual cause on a specific vehicle can only be confirmed by professional diagnosis.
- 1. Stretched timing chain. This is the headline cause. BMW N47 diesels (2008-2014), Ford EcoBoost 1.0/1.6, VAG 1.4 TFSI, Mini N47 diesels — all infamous for this. If your car is in those families and has 80,000+ miles, suspect the chain first
- 2. Failed VVT solenoid or stuck cam phaser
- 3. Low engine oil pressure, the cam phaser doesn't have hydraulic pressure to operate correctly
- 4. Failed crank or cam position sensor
- 5. Timing chain tensioner failed (mechanical or hydraulic)
- 6. On belt-driven engines, slipped or stretched belt (rare but possible)
How mechanics typically diagnose
A typical diagnostic sequence used by mechanics, provided here for educational reference only. Diagnostic work should be performed by a qualified mechanic with the appropriate tools and training.
- 1. Listen for chain rattle on cold start, 5-10 seconds of metallic rattle from the timing case is almost always a stretched chain. This costs nothing to check
- 2. Check engine oil level and condition. Low or contaminated oil starves the cam phaser of hydraulic pressure
- 3. Read live data on cam timing position, the actual vs commanded values tell you whether the system is failing to advance/retard correctly
- 4. Inspect VVT solenoid: clean it (carbon fouling is common), check resistance, swap for a known-good unit if available
- 5. If the car is one of the infamous chain-stretch engines, plan for chain replacement, the diagnostic time saves money long-term
Common questions about P0016
I have a BMW N47 with P0016, is the chain definitely gone? +
Highly likely. The N47 timing chain stretch is one of the most documented engine faults in modern motoring. If the car has 80,000+ miles, has a cold-start rattle, and has thrown P0016, plan on the chain. Driving on a stretched chain risks a chain jump that destroys the engine, the repair bill goes from £1,500 to £6,000+ very quickly.
Will swapping the VVT solenoid fix it? +
Sometimes, on engines without chain issues. Worth a £30 punt as a first move on petrol engines, particularly Toyotas, Hondas, and Mazdas. On chain-stretch-prone engines (BMW N47, Ford EcoBoost, VAG TFSI), a solenoid swap rarely fixes the underlying chain problem.
How do I know if my chain is stretched without taking it apart? +
Three signs. Cold-start rattle from the timing case for 5-10 seconds. P0016/P0017 fault codes that don't clear with VVT solenoid replacement. Live data showing cam timing degrees significantly off commanded values. Two out of three of these on a known-affected engine is a high-confidence diagnosis.
Information only, not professional advice
The information on this page is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or repair advice from a qualified mechanic. Always verify any fault before paying for repairs. carfaultcodes.co.uk accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information. Full terms →