GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0016: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Camshaft Position (CMP) Correlation.

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) monitors the crankshaft position (CKP) and the camshaft position (CMP) signals to determine if they are synchronized. If both signals are not observed by the ECM within a narrow time window, the ECM will determine that an error has occurred.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0335 and P0336 are not set.
    • The engine speed is more than 50 RPM.
    • DTC P0016 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The difference between the actual and expected CKP position as calculated by the CKP sensor and CMP sensor is more than 6 degrees of crank angle or more than 12 degrees of cam angle.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0016 is a Type A DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0016 is a Type A DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect for any recent engine mechanical repairs. An incorrectly installed camshaft or crankshaft will cause this DTC to set.
    • If P0016 sets the fuel injectors will be commanded OFF and the engine will not start.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Circuit/System Verification

  1. If DTCs P0335, P0336, P0340, P0341, P0699 are set, test and repair those DTCs first.
  2. The engine starts and runs.
  3. Engine running, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTC P0016 should not set.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

Inspect for the following conditions:

  1. If the CKP or CMP sensor is loose and cannot be tightened replace the sensor.
  2. Remove the CKP or CMP sensor and replace if the sensor casing is broken, or rattles when shaken.
  3. Remove the front engine cover and inspect for, excessive camshaft endplay, timing gear misalignment or damage, camshaft reluctor or crankshaft reluctor damage, or for front engine cover damage.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Camshaft Position Sensor Exciter Ring Replacement
    •  Camshaft Replacement
    •  Engine Front Cover Replacement