P0016 on Chevrolet: 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 Chevrolet
P0016 is well documented on GM's High Feature V6 engines (2.8, 3.0, and 3.6 liter) used in many Chevrolet models, including Equinox, Traverse, Malibu, Impala, Camaro, and Colorado in various years. GM bulletin 12-06-01-009F covers stretched timing chains on 2007 to 2012 versions that set P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018, or P0019, and supplies updated chain kits.
A later GM preliminary information note for these engines says to check for loose chains or tensioners, and if normal diagnosis finds nothing, to check whether the crankshaft reluctor wheel has moved.
Most likely causes on Chevrolet 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.
Chevrolet specific tips
- Two or more of P0008, P0016, P0017, P0018, and P0019 together on these V6 engines strongly suggests chain stretch.
- GM's bulletin says idler sprockets, cam actuators, and chain guides should not be replaced unless they are actually worn, which keeps the bill down.
- Keep the oil full and changed on time; these engines depend on it for chain and phaser health.
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 Chevrolet models may run higher.
Watch a repair video
Search YouTube for “P0016 Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet with torque specs and wiring diagrams:
Haynes manuals for Chevrolet Chilton manuals
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Check Chevrolet recalls
Enter your VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup before paying for repairs.
FAQ
Why does my Chevy 3.6 have P0016?
On these engines the most documented cause is timing chain stretch, often with other correlation codes. Get it diagnosed promptly.
Is a Chevy timing chain job expensive?
Yes. It is a long job on most of these V6 models. Get a written quote and ask whether the shop is following GM's bulletin parts list.
Read the full P0016 guide or more Chevrolet check engine notes.