P0016 Fault Code — Crankshaft / Camshaft Position Correlation Fault — Bank 1

The crankshaft and camshaft positions are not in the correct relationship. Often indicates a timing chain, timing belt or variable valve timing fault — can be serious.

Is It Safe to Drive With a P0016 Code?

Common Symptoms of a P0016 Fault

Rough idle and vibration

Hard starting

Loss of power

EML on

Rattling noise on start-up in some cases

Limp mode on some vehicles

Possible Causes of P0016

A P0016 code can be triggered by faults in several different vehicle systems. Identifying the specific root cause requires proper diagnostic equipment and live data analysis — not just reading the code itself.

⚙️

Timing Chain / Belt Fault

Timing chain stretch or belt slip causing cam/crank misalignment.

🛢️

VVT / Cam Phaser Fault

Variable valve timing actuator or solenoid not responding correctly.

🔌

Sensor Fault

One of the timing sensors giving an incorrect reading.

🛢️

Low Oil Pressure

Insufficient oil pressure to the VVT system causing timing drift.

Why we don't list the exact part: A P0016 code tells you what's happening but not why. Replacing parts based on the code alone without proper diagnosis is the most common way drivers waste money. A proper diagnosis identifies the exact cause first.

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Causing Your P0016 — £1.99

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Most likely specific cause for your exact vehicle

UK repair cost estimate (parts + labour)

MOT pass/fail risk assessment

Whether it's safe to continue driving

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P0016 and Your MOT

A stored P0016 fault code will cause your car to fail its MOT. The engine management light will be illuminated during the test, which is an automatic failure under current MOT testing standards. Even if the light clears temporarily, the code remains in the ECU memory and can be read by the tester's equipment.

Get the fault properly diagnosed and repaired first — then have the code cleared and confirm the light doesn't return before booking your test.

Related Fault Codes

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Summary

P0016 — crankshaft / camshaft position correlation fault — bank 1 — is a fault that requires proper diagnosis before any parts are replaced. The code indicates what system is affected but not which specific component has failed. A MotorLoom diagnostic report for £1.99 gives you the most likely specific cause for your exact vehicle, UK repair cost estimate and MOT risk instantly.