P0016
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A): the value does not correlate with the related sensor or expected pattern. This relates to engine timing; a fault can cause rough running, a no-start, or timing errors.
- Check engine light: Yes
- Emissions related: Yes
- Repair difficulty: hard
What we see in the workshop
ON FORD ECOBOOST
Cam and crank correlation faults on Ti-VCT engines are usually timing chain stretch, a worn phaser or oil that is overdue. We inspect chain guides rather than simply resetting the code — this one gets worse, not better.
ON ALFA ROMEO
On MultiAir engines this often accompanies a rattle on cold start and points at chain stretch or variator wear. Worth catching early.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Power loss especially in mid-rpm range
- Possible rough idle or stalling
- Increased fuel consumption
Common causes
Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.
- Timing chain stretchedCommon
- Chain tensioner worn or stuckPossible
- Cam phaser internally failedPossible
Parts involved
- Timing Chain
- Timing Chain Tensioner
- Camshaft Position Sensor
- Crankshaft Position Sensor
P0016 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.