DTC code
P0016
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1)
Technical guide
Symptoms
- Rough idle
- timing chain rattle
- reduced power
- check engine light
- hard start
Probable causes
- Timing chain stretched or jumped a tooth
- worn timing chain tensioner
- faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
- oil sludge blocking VVT system
Diagnostic steps
- Check for timing chain noise on cold start.
- Verify cam/crank correlation with diagnostic tool.
- Check engine oil level and quality.
- Replace timing chain, tensioner and guides if stretched/jumped.
Brand-specific notes (Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz · C/E/S Class · M271/M272/M273
Symptoms
- Rough idle
- loss of power
- timing chain rattle
- check engine light
Probable causes
- Timing chain stretched or jumped
- worn timing chain tensioner
- faulty camshaft position sensor
- engine oil sludge blocking timing guides
Diagnostic steps
- Check for timing chain noise on cold start.
- Verify timing marks with STAR diagnostic.
- Change oil and use low viscosity oil.
- Replace timing chain and tensioner if stretched. M271 engine is known for this.
Cross-checked technical synthesis (QA). It does not replace the manufacturer's procedure.
Models most reported with this code (NHTSA)
Count of distinct owner complaints mentioning the code. US data — same engines, same failures.
AI here is a librarian: this page shows only what mechanics confirmed, or says “unknown”. It never suggests a diagnosis — MECCANIC interprets the code, never your car.
0 confirmed cases on P0016
Nothing confirmed yet for this code. No guess is offered on purpose.
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