Code Definition

P0016 — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A

System: Powertrain  |  Type: Generic (OBD-II Standard)  |  Make: Toyota

About P0016

P0016 is a generic (obd-ii standard) powertrain diagnostic trouble code recorded for Toyota vehicles. It belongs to the P-prefix family of codes, which covers engine, transmission, emissions, or fuel-system faults.

When P0016 is stored, the module has detected a correlation fault — two sensors that should track each other have diverged beyond tolerance; a bank-specific fault, meaning it applies only to one cylinder bank of a multi-bank engine; and a sensor-related fault — the reported value from the named sensor is out of spec.

Scanning & clearing: A generic OBD-II scan tool will usually read and clear powertrain (P) codes. For live data, freeze-frame capture, and bi-directional tests you may need a more capable scan tool that supports the vehicle's ECM protocol.

Because P0016 is a generic OBD-II code, its base definition is shared across manufacturers. The specific diagnostic steps, reference values, and repair procedures can vary by vehicle, and the TaT Diagnostic Assistant includes verified procedures submitted by working technicians.

Code Information

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the relative position of the crankshaft and the Bank 1 intake camshaft by comparing signals from the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor and the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor. DTC P0016 is set when the ECM detects that the angular relationship between these two signals is outside the expected correlation window, indicating that camshaft timing has deviated from the reference value the ECM expects during normal VVT (Variable Valve Timing) operation. On Toyota engines fitted with VVTi, this can be triggered by a stuck or stretched timing chain, a failed VVT...

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