P0016 on Buick: Crankshaft Position and Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
Severity: 3 of 4
Park it and get it diagnosed if you hear a rattle from the front of the engine, the engine runs rough, or it is slow to start. A chain or belt that has stretched or jumped can slip further and cause major engine damage. If it runs normally, drive only the minimum distance needed to reach a shop, gently.
Estimate range covers the repairs listed below; see the cost breakdown. A flashing check engine light, a hot temperature gauge, or brakes that feel different mean stop driving and get help.
What P0016 usually means on a Buick
Buick Enclave and LaCrosse models with GM's High Feature V6 engines appear in GM guidance for timing correlation codes. GM bulletin 12-06-01-009F covers stretched timing chains on 2007 to 2012 versions of these engines that set P0008 or P0016 through P0019, and later GM preliminary information lists 2007 to 2016 Enclave.
As on the related Chevrolet and GMC models, GM says to check for loose chains or tensioners first.
Most likely causes on Buick vehicles
- Stretched timing chains
- Loose or worn tensioner
- Low or degraded engine oil
- Moved crankshaft reluctor wheel (less common)
Order reflects cost and likelihood in general; your vehicle may differ. Confirm with testing before buying parts.
Buick specific tips
- Several correlation codes together on an Enclave or LaCrosse V6 point to the timing chains.
- Ask for a written estimate that follows GM's bulletin parts list.
- Keep oil changes on schedule.
Estimated repair cost
This is an estimate, built from typical parts price ranges plus labor hours times an assumed shop rate of $110 to $190 per hour. Actual prices vary by vehicle, region, and shop. Diagnosis fees are often extra.
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Estimate (low / high) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cam or crank position sensor | $20 to $150 | 0.3 to 1.5 h | $20 + 0.3 × $110 = $53 $150 + 1.5 × $190 = $435 |
| Oil control valve (VVT solenoid) | $30 to $200 | 0.5 to 2.0 h | $30 + 0.5 × $110 = $85 $200 + 2.0 × $190 = $580 |
| Timing belt kit | $80 to $350 | 2.5 to 6.0 h | $80 + 2.5 × $110 = $355 $350 + 6.0 × $190 = $1,490 |
| Timing chain, tensioner, and guide kit | $150 to $600 | 4.0 to 12.0 h | $150 + 4.0 × $110 = $590 $600 + 12.0 × $190 = $2,880 |
Costs are generic for this code; parts and labor on some Buick models may run higher.
Watch a repair video
Search YouTube for “P0016 Buick fix” videos. Pick a recent video that matches your engine, and confirm the diagnosis before buying parts.
Repair manuals
Step-by-step service manuals for Buick with torque specs and wiring diagrams:
Haynes manuals for Buick Chilton manuals
Affiliate disclosure: links in this box may earn FixOrPark a commission at no extra cost to you.
Check Buick recalls
Enter your VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup before paying for repairs.
FAQ
Does the Buick Enclave have timing chain problems?
Timing chain stretch is documented in GM bulletins for the V6 used in older Enclave models.
Should I replace the cam sensor first?
Test it first, but if several correlation codes are present, chain stretch is more likely than a sensor.
Read the full P0016 guide or more Buick check engine notes.