P0016 on GMC: 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 GMC
GMC Acadia, Terrain, and Canyon models with GM's High Feature V6 engines are listed in GM guidance for timing correlation codes, including P0016. 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.
GM's later preliminary information for 2007 to 2016 Acadia, 2010 to 2016 Terrain, and 2015 to 2016 Canyon with these engines says to check for loose chains or tensioners first.
Most likely causes on GMC 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.
GMC specific tips
- Look for other correlation codes such as P0008, P0017, or P0018; several together point to chain stretch.
- Ask the shop to follow GM's bulletin, which says not to replace guides or cam actuators unless they are worn.
- Stay on top of oil level between changes.
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 GMC models may run higher.
Watch a repair video
Search YouTube for “P0016 GMC 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 GMC with torque specs and wiring diagrams:
Haynes manuals for GMC Chilton manuals
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Check GMC recalls
Enter your VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup before paying for repairs.
FAQ
Is P0016 common on the GMC Acadia?
Timing chain stretch on the V6 is one of the better documented problems on older Acadia models.
Can I keep driving my GMC with P0016?
Drive as little as possible and get it checked. Stretched chains can get worse and cause engine damage.
Read the full P0016 guide or more GMC check engine notes.