What is the reason for the unreasonable position of the P0016 intake camshaft?
4 Answers
The reason for the unreasonable position of the P0016 intake camshaft is a malfunction in the CVVT control mechanism, such as insufficient lubricating oil pressure, a dirty or clogged CVVT controller filter, or faults in the CVVT controller circuit or the controller itself. Below is an introduction to the intake camshaft: 1. Installation position: The intake camshaft is a component in a piston engine, installed within the engine. 2. Function of the camshaft: It controls the opening and closing actions of the valves. 3. Material requirements: Typically, camshafts rotate at high speeds and must withstand significant torque, so they require high strength and support. They are usually made of high-quality alloy steel.
Last time my car showed the P0016 trouble code, it really gave me a hard time. The mechanic found that the main issue was with the timing system. If the timing chain is worn and stretched or the tensioner is broken, the positions of the camshaft and crankshaft won't align. Also, if the camshaft position sensor is dirty, faulty, or has poor wiring contact, the computer will misjudge the position. The most troublesome issue is when the VVT solenoid valve gets stuck; dirty oil blocking the oil passages or the actuator itself getting stuck can affect the intake timing. In my case, it was because I didn't change the oil on time for a long time, and sludge clogged the VVT oil passages. It was only resolved after disassembly and cleaning. Remember to start with the simplest checks during inspection—sensors, oil passage conditions—and then move on to the mechanical parts.
The P0016 code is quite common when I work on cars, and it usually boils down to a few scenarios. Chain skipping teeth is the worst; last time, a friend's car had a rattling sound from the chain slipping teeth during a cold start. The camshaft position sensor is actually prone to failure—moisture causing a short circuit or metal shavings on the magnetic ring can mislead the ECU. I've also seen cases where the engine control module miscalculates, which can be fixed with a reprogram. The most overlooked issue is oil problems—if the viscosity is too high or the oil is too dirty, the VVT system responds sluggishly. If the oil change interval is too long and the oil passages get clogged, the solenoid valve can't move the actuator at all. Focus on these three areas: sensor signals, oil passage cleanliness, and mechanical timing alignment.
This trouble code is mainly caused by issues with the timing system and VVT coordination. If the chain stretches by more than 3%, it will cause the camshaft signal to lag. Clogged solenoid valve screens are very common, often a consequence of not replacing the filter during an oil change. I encounter stuck actuator pistons every week, especially in Japanese cars which are more prone to this issue. Sensor signal problems are relatively rare, occurring in at most two out of ten cases. Once, I came across a bizarre case where the crankshaft signal plate was installed backward, leading to a false P0016 code. It's recommended to first read the dynamic data stream to see the actual deviation in camshaft position. If the deviation is too large, check the mechanical components; if there's significant fluctuation, inspect the oil pressure.
