P0016 on Cadillac
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
P0016 on Cadillac vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor a. Au7o has documented this code across 7 Cadillac models — most commonly on CTS, SRX, STS. P0016 means the engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on Bank 1 (Sensor A) are not lining up the way they should — the timing 'correlation' between them is out of range. These two sensors tell the computer where the pistons and valves are so it can time fuel injection and spark precisely. When their signals don't agree within tolerance, the computer sets this code. It generally indicates an engine timing issue, which may be a worn timing chain, a sticking variable valve timing component, or a sensor problem, and can cause rough running, hard starting, or potential engine damage if ignored. Typical repair costs on Cadillac range from $1,800 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0016
- •Stretched timing chain or worn timing components (guides/tensioner)
- •Faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor
- •Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid
- •Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT actuator
- •Clogged oil control valve or restricted oil passages
- •Timing chain/belt installed one tooth off after service
- •Damaged reluctor/tone ring on the crankshaft or camshaft
- •Wiring or connector faults at the position sensors
P0016 on Cadillac by Model
Cadillac CTS(1 issue)
- 3.6L LLT Direct-Injection Timing Chain Stretch Sets Cam-Correlation Codes2007-2011
The 3.6L LLT direct-injection V6 used in the 2008-2011 CTS (and the 2007 gen-1 3.6L LY7) is among the best-documented GM V6 failures: the primary and secondary timing chains elongate well before 100,000 miles, throwing off intake/exhaust cam correlation. Chain wear is strongly accelerated by extended oil-change intervals and low oil level, which starve the hydraulic chain tensioners. GM acknowledged the defect with Special Coverage bulletin 11340 (revisions A/B/C) extending timing-chain coverage to 10 years / 120,000 miles on affected models including the 2007-2009 CTS, and with service bulletin 12-06-01-009F describing the updated chain/tensioner/guide kit. This is an LLT/LY7 direct-injection-era issue and should not be attributed to the later LFX or to the 2.0L LTG four.
Cadillac SRX(1 issue)
- High-Feature V6 Timing-Chain DTCs Require Exact Kit Identification2010-2012
GM bulletin 12-06-01-009E covers listed 2010-2012 SRX High Feature V6 applications when worn timing chains set P0008, P0009 or P0016-P0019. It identifies application-specific service kits and warns that sprockets, actuators and guides should not be replaced automatically; guides are replaced only when wear reaches the base friction material.
Cadillac STS(1 issue)
- 3.6L V6 Timing-Chain DTCs Require Exact Kit and Guide Inspection2007-2011
GM bulletin 12-06-01-009E covers listed 2007-2011 STS 3.6L High Feature V6 applications when worn timing chains set P0008, P0009 or P0016-P0019. It identifies application-specific service kits and warns that sprockets, actuators and guides should not be replaced automatically; guides are replaced only when wear reaches the base friction material.
Cadillac XT4(1 issue)
- Front-Engine Rattle May Require Timing-Chain Tensioner Inspection2019
GM PIP5652A covers the 2019 XT4 with the 2.0L LSY engine when a front-engine rattle is present, with or without P0011, P0014, P0016 or P0017. A stuck or collapsed timing-chain tensioner can damage camshaft actuator valve hardware, so GM directs inspection of the actuator snap rings, tensioner and guides rather than automatic replacement of a generic timing kit.
Cadillac XT5(1 issue)
- 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Issues (XT5 V6 models)2017-2025
The XT5 V6 models use the GM 3.6L V6 (LGX) which has improved timing chains over earlier versions but is not immune to timing chain stretch at higher mileage. The LGX is better than the earlier LFX but still uses three timing chains with plastic guides. Issues typically appear later (100,000-150,000 miles) compared to earlier 3.6L variants. The 2020+ XT5 2.0T models use a different engine (LSY) and are not affected by this issue.
Cadillac XT6(1 issue)
- 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Concern (XT6)2020-2025
The XT6 uses the GM 3.6L V6 (LGX) which has a documented history of timing chain stretch across the GM lineup. While the LGX generation is improved over earlier 3.6L variants, the three-chain design with plastic guides remains a long-term reliability concern. Most XT6s are still too new for widespread timing chain failures, but owners should monitor for early signs and plan for preventive replacement around 100,000-120,000 miles based on the engine's history in other models.
Cadillac XTS(1 issue)
- Multiple Cam/Crank Correlation DTCs Require Chain, Tensioner and Reluctor Diagnosis2013-2019
GM PIP3423P covers 2013-2019 XTS vehicles with the 3.6L LFX or LF3 engine when two or more of P0008, P0009 and P0016-P0019 are present. GM directs technicians to check for loose chains or tensioners and, if normal SI diagnosis does not find the cause, inspect whether the crankshaft-sensor reluctor moved. The bulletin does not establish automatic chain replacement.
Looking for P0016 on a different make?
View P0016 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0016 mean on Cadillac?▼
P0016 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A." P0016 means the engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on Bank 1 (Sensor A) are not lining up the way they should — the timing 'correlation' between them is out of range. These two sensors tell the computer where the pistons and valves are so it can time fuel injection and spark precisely. When their signals don't agree within tolerance, the computer sets this code. It generally indicates an engine timing issue, which may be a worn timing chain, a sticking variable valve timing component, or a sensor problem, and can cause rough running, hard starting, or potential engine damage if ignored. On Cadillac specifically, this code is documented across 7 models.
What causes P0016 on Cadillac vehicles?▼
Common causes on Cadillac: Stretched timing chain or worn timing components (guides/tensioner), Faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT actuator, Clogged oil control valve or restricted oil passages. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0016 on a Cadillac?▼
Repair costs on Cadillac range from $1,800 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Cadillac models have P0016 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0016 on 7 Cadillac models: CTS, SRX, STS, XT4, XT5, XT6, XTS.