GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check 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 Descriptors

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

Circuit/System Description

The camshaft position (CMP) sensor correlates the crankshaft to camshaft position so that the engine control module (ECM) can determine which cylinder is ready to be fueled by an injector. As the camshaft rotates, the reluctor wheel interrupts a magnetic field produced by the sensor which creates a signal that is sent the ECM on the signal circuit. The CMP sensor circuits are directly connected to the ECM.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0335, P0336, P0340, P0341, P0641, or P0651 are not set.
    • The engine is cranking or running.
    • The engine speed is less than 1,200 RPM.
    • The DTC runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The cam signal falling edge is less than minus 11 degrees or greater than plus 14 degrees from the corresponding crank signal falling edge. This condition is equal to the camshaft gear being either advanced or retarded by one tooth.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0016 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0016 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions could also set the DTC:

    • Physical damage to the CMP sensor or the reluctor wheel
    • Excessive play or looseness of the CMP sensor or the reluctor wheel
    • Improper installation of the CMP sensor or the reluctor wheel
    • Foreign material passing between the CMP sensor and the reluctor wheel
    • Excessive air gap between the CMP sensor and the reluctor wheel

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

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

DTC Type Reference

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Engine Control Module Scan Tool Information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Start the engine, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTC P0016 should not set.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Inspect the engine front cover area, or review the service history of the vehicle for any recent repairs involving the timing chain, timing chain tensioner, camshaft, crankshaft, or sprockets.
  2. If recent repairs were made, remove the engine front cover, in order to inspect the timing chain, timing chain tensioner, and both sprockets for proper timing alignment.
  3. Remove the engine front cover, in order to inspect the timing chain, timing chain tensioner, and both sprockets for proper timing alignment, wear or damage.
  4. If any components are misaligned, worn or damaged, repair as necessary.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.