P0016 on Citroen
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
P0016 on Citroen vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor a. Au7o has documented this code across 3 Citroen models — most commonly on C3, C4, DS3. 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 Citroen range from $500 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 Citroen by Model
Citroen C3(1 issue)
- PureTech 1.2 Wet Timing Belt Delamination2014-2026
PSA/Stellantis PureTech 1.2 (EB2) engines run an oil-immersed ("wet") timing belt instead of a chain. The belt's outer rubber layer can delaminate and shed particles into the oil pickup, clogging the strainer and starving the engine of oil. Stellantis revised the belt material and shortened the service interval (now 60,000 mi or 6 years, whichever first) but earlier-spec belts still in service are at risk.
Citroen C4(2 issues)
- 1.6 THP (EP6) Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure2008-2015
The EP6 'Prince' 1.6 THP turbo petrol engine (co-developed with BMW) fitted to the C4 from 2008 suffers from timing chain stretch combined with a weak hydraulic tensioner — on pre-2016 engines the chain frequently shows stretch by 60,000-100,000 km. Once stretched, the tensioner can reach its travel limit; if oil pressure drops at idle the chain can jump teeth, throwing cam timing out and in severe cases causing valve-to-piston contact and major engine damage.
- 1.2 PureTech Wet Timing Belt Premature Degradation2015-2023
The EB2 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine uses a timing belt that runs inside the engine immersed in oil (a 'wet belt'). Oil contamination from fuel dilution and long service intervals degrades the belt prematurely, and shed rubber debris clogs the oil pump pickup strainer and the brake vacuum pump, causing low oil pressure, loss of brake assistance and, in the worst cases, complete engine failure. PSA/Stellantis issued recalls for 2017-2018 builds and in 2024 opened a compensation scheme that explicitly lists the Citroen C4 among affected models.
Citroen DS3(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure2010-2019
The DS3 uses the PSA/BMW Prince engine family, which has the well-documented timing chain tensioner failure. The hydraulic tensioner loses pressure, allowing chain slack that leads to timing skip and potential engine destruction.
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View P0016 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0016 mean on Citroen?▼
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 Citroen specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0016 on Citroen vehicles?▼
Common causes on Citroen: 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 Citroen?▼
Repair costs on Citroen range from $500 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Citroen models have P0016 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0016 on 3 Citroen models: C3, C4, DS3.