Engine code
P0016: Crankshaft and camshaft not lining up (bank 1)
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $250 | $700 |
| Labor: 8 to 12 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $1,000 | $2,100 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $10 | $40 |
| Total, rounded | $1,250 | $2,850 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, timing chain replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The computer compares signals from the crankshaft sensor and the camshaft sensor to confirm the engine's valves are opening in step with the pistons. On the bank with cylinder 1, those two signals do not line up. The timing may have shifted slightly, or one sensor is sending a bad signal.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Stretched timing chain or belt
Drive only if it runs smoothly; a stretched timing chain can skip a tooth, so stop if it runs rough or rattles.
What you may notice
- Hard starting
- Rough running
- Check-engine light on
- Rattle on startup
Common causes, most likely first
- Stretched timing chain or belt
- Worn tensioner or guide
- Failing crankshaft or camshaft sensor
- Timing marks off after past repair
- Dirty oil affecting the phaser
Check this first
Ask when the timing belt or chain was last serviced and whether the engine makes a rattle at cold start.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0016
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Timing belt replacement | $500 to $1,725 |
| Camshaft position sensor replacement | $110 to $370 |
| Crankshaft position sensor replacement | $120 to $400 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0016 questions
Is this serious?
It can be, because timing that is off can let valves hit pistons on some engines. If the car runs rough, rattles or has trouble starting, limit driving and get it checked soon.
How do I know chain or belt?
Your owner manual lists it. A belt sits behind a cover on the outside of the engine and needs replacement on a set schedule, while a chain lives inside the engine and often lasts much longer, but can stretch.
Could it just be a sensor?
Yes, and testing both sensors is a smart first step because it costs far less than opening the engine. A shop can compare the sensor signals on a scan tool to see whether the timing really moved.
How much does it cost to fix P0016?
The most common fix, timing chain replacement, has a typical range of $1,250 to $2,850 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
P0016 repair cost by city
Related codes
- P0017: Crankshaft and exhaust camshaft not lining up (bank 1)
- P0011: Intake camshaft timing too far advanced (bank 1)
- P0335: Crankshaft position sensor circuit fault
- P0340: Camshaft position sensor circuit fault
More engine codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.