GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) uses the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor information to monitor the correlation between the crankshaft and camshaft positions. If the PCM detects a deviation between the CMP target and the CKP, DTC P0016 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0335, P0336, P0340, P0341, P0385, P0386, P1372 are not set.
    • The engine is operating for more than 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects a deviation in the relationship between the camshaft and the crankshaft.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the engine for any recent engine mechanical repairs. An incorrectly installed camshaft, crankshaft, or timing chain can cause this DTC to set.
    • For an intermittent condition refer to Intermittent Conditions

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step determines if a condition is present.

  2. The listed DTCs may cause this DTC to set.

  3. This step inspects for any recent engine mechanical repairs. An incorrectly installed camshaft, crankshaft or timing chain can cause this DTC to set.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Allow the engine to reach the normal operating temperature.
  3. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool display DTC P0016 failed this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC .
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  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.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

Observe the DTC Information with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool display that DTC P0335, P0336, P0340, P0341, P0385, or P0386 also failed this ignition?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 5

5

Repair one of the following conditions with the timing chain system:

    • For a timing chain tensioner condition
    • For an incorrectly installed timing chain
    • For excessive play in the timing chain
    • For a timing chain that jumped teeth

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 6

--

6

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  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.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 7

7

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK