If you're searching for how to fix the P0016 code, confirm that the error code exists using an OBDII scanner. After confirming that your car registered the error, your next step is to try one of the very common DIYs: perform an oil change, inspect the camshaft oil control valve, check the camshaft position sensor, and finally inspect or replace the crankshaft position sensor. If none of the mentioned DIYs helped fix the P0016 code, you must take your car to the nearest repair shop to perform specific manufacturer inspections.
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In any combustion system, the crankshaft and the camshaft move at certain speeds to control and monitor the timing and supply of fuel and spark. Both components must move and rotate within a specific frequency as specified in the vehicle’s manual.
Your vehicle's internal computer communicates with two sensors associated with each component to determine whether they are moving within the rights range or not.
Over time of use, these sensors might get damaged and require replacement, which triggers some check engine light error codes. One of the very common error codes is the P0016 code.
This article provides you with only the need to know to understand what the P0016 code is? And how to fix it? It also highlights the main causes and the different symptoms that you need to keep an eye for. Finally, it provides you with a rough estimate of how much it will cost you to fix a P0016 code.
What is the P0016 code definition?
The formal definition of code P0016 is Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor ‘A.’ obviously, this invention might not be very intuitive to inexperienced drivers.
Therefore, we will provide you with some basic details about the positioning of both camshaft and crankshaft, which helps you understand the severity of the P0016 code.
What does the P0016 code mean?
Both the crankshaft and camshaft work in harmony, and the way they move and the timing they move controls the frequency of spark plug and fuel supply. Your vehicle's internal computer is responsible for ensuring that both the crankshaft and camshaft move and rotate based on the manufacturer's recommendations.
For the computer to communicate with both components, two sensors send signals to the vehicle’s computer regarding the position of the crankshaft and the camshaft. If the computer notices that the camshaft and crankshaft are not rotating and moving with the right frequency, the computer will trigger a check engine light associated with the P0016 code and is only associated with bank one, which is the side of the engine next to the cylinder 1. It also has to do with sensor one only.
Unfortunately, when your check engine light triggers a P0016 code, your vehicle might not be drivable, and you should take care of the problem immediately to prevent dealing with hard or no start issues.
What are the primary causes for the P0016 code?
Although there are a variety of causes to trigger a P0016 code, here is the common list of causes that you might need to keep an eye out for:
- Issues with a bad timing chain
- Troubles with low or contaminated oil
- Issues with a joint timing
- Problems with the reluctor ring
- Issues with the timing chain tensioner
How do I know if it’s the P0016 code? Symptoms of the P0016 code
Since the P0016 code is linked to a sensitive issue, it is crucial for you as a driver to keep an eye for any symptoms indicating that you're dealing with this error.
Here are some of the common symptoms of code P0016:
- Definitely, a check engine light
- Production in the vehicle’s overall performance
- Issues with difficulty starting a
- Troubles with no starting
- Very loud chain noises
- Problems with a rough engine
How to fix the P0016 code?
Although the P0016 code might sound scary to many drivers, the good news is that there are some DIY's you can implement at home without needing a professional mechanic to fix this code. Keep in mind that these DIYs do not work 100% of the time because the problem might be linked to something else associated with your own vehicle.
Our team conducted an in-depth review of all available DIYs to fix the P0016 code. These DIY's are listed below:
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Confirm that your car registered a P0016 code
Before you search for ways to fix the P0016 code, it is important as a first step to making sure that the code exists in the 1st place. Many drivers might notice the general symptoms and just assume it's a P0016 code when it's not the case.
The best and most accurate way to confirm that your car has a certain error is by using an OBDII scanner. This scanner is responsible for scanning all internal error codes associated with the check engine light.
When looking at the scanner screen, you might see previous inactive codes, and you will also see the current codes. If you saw on the screen the P0016 code, then that's the issue, and you can move forward with addressing it.
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Perform oil change
According to automotive experts, performing an oil change can help resolve the P0016 code. If you are comfortable enough, you can perform the oil change yourself and at home without visiting their shop and waiting for a longer time.
All you need to do is remove the oil plug and have a bucket under the oil plug to collect all the old oil. Once the oil is drained, change the oil plug if necessary and dispose of the old oil properly and according to environmental regulations.
Then, pour the required amount of oil into the right reservoir. If you don't have good information about how much oil you should pour, you can always refer to your vehicle's owner’s manual, which should have exact details.
You will also need to change the oil filter for the best results.
If the oil change did not resolve the issue, you could move forward with the next suggested DIY.
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Inspect the camshaft oil control valve
The next thing you can try to fix the P0016 code is to inspect the camshaft oil control valve. To do so, you need to know where this valve is located by referring to your vehicle's owner’s manual.
Once locating this valve, take a closer look at this valve and see any signs of damages. You also need to use a multimeter to check the valve's resistance and see if it's within the specified range in the manual.
If the valve is damaged or does not have the right resistance, you need to replace it. Other mechanics might advise cleaning the camshaft oil control valve and solution to fix the P0016 code. Keep in mind that cleaning the camshaft oil control valve should be using a certain cleaning product, and as you spraying this product, you need to hold the valve vertically, so the product drops vertically on the ground to prevent damaging it.
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Check the crankshaft position sensor
If cleaning or inspecting the camshaft oil control valve did not help fix the P0016 code, your next step is to inspect the camshaft position sensor.
Again, you have to locate the sensor by referring to your vehicle's owner’s manual. Once you find it, remove it carefully and use a multimeter to test its resistance. If the camshaft position sensor resistance is not within the specified range in the manual, you need to replace it to fix the problem.
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Inspect the camshaft position sensor
If fixing the crankshaft position sensor did not help get rid of the P0016 code, that final step you can try is inspecting the camshaft position sensor.
Again, you need to also look for the location of this sensor by referring to the vehicle's owner’s manual. Then, remove it slowly and carefully without breaking it. Using a multimeter, just the camshaft position sensor resistance and see if it's within a specified range in the manual for this sensor.
If the issue was not related to the camshaft position sensor, then you're dealing with a very specific problem associated with your vehicle only, which means that the only option you will be left off with is taking your car to the nearest repair shop.
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Clear the error
When performing any DIY to fix the P0016 code, keep in mind that it's your job to manually clear this code out by yourself using an OBDII scanner. In other words, after trying a DIY, connect the scanner to the vehicle's computer and requested deleting the inactive codes. Then, perform a second scan to make sure that the code has gone completely.
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Visit the nearest repair shop
As we indicated before, if none of the mentioned DIY's helped resolve the P0016 codes, the mechanic should be able to perform certain manufacturer tests to get over the root of the problem or at least determine what's really triggering the P006 code.
Common P0016 code diagnosis mistakes
Based on our automotive experience, we realized that sometimes the P0016 code might be linked to issues with the manufacturer itself.
That's why we recommend that the first step in inspecting for a P0016 code is to check the technical service bulletin for certain manufacturers. Some of these manufacturers might provide information about issues with a stretched timing chain, triggering the P0016 code.
Can I drive my car with a P0016 code?
According to automotive experts, when your vehicle registers a P006 code, the issue is very sensitive, and your vehicle might not even be drivable.
Therefore, you must take your car to a professional mechanic if none of the mentioned DIY's in this article help you fix this code.
Ignoring the P0016 code can introduce major damages that might cost you thousands of dollars down the road. Thus, do not delay it and take care of the problem immediately.
How much does it cost to resolve the P0016 code?
Depending on the root of the problem, fixing a P0016 code costs might differ significantly. For example, if the problem is coming from a bad timing chain, repair costs can range from $600 to $1200.
On the other hand, if the issue has to do with the Reluctor ring, expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $600. Finally, if the only issue you're dealing with can be resolved with a simple oil change, all you must pay is somewhere between $20 and $60.
Conclusion
It's important for you as a driver to keep an eye on any error code associated with the check engine light. Some codes might be simple, and others can be linked to major internal issues.
The P0016 code is one of those error codes you must take care of immediately because your vehicle might not be drivable.
This article provides you with four simple DIY's that you can try at home to fix the P0016 code without needing a mechanic. However, if the issue is more complicated and you could not resolve it with the mentioned DIY, the only option is to take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
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