Can I keep driving?
Have it checked promptly. If the cause is a stretched timing chain or failing tensioner, a jumped chain can cause severe engine damage.
What it means
The computer compares the crankshaft and camshaft sensors and found them out of sync. P0016 refers to the intake camshaft (sensor A), P0017 to the exhaust camshaft (sensor B), on bank 1.
Common symptoms
- Rattle on cold start that fades after a few seconds
- Rough idle
- Lower power
- Hard starting
- Check engine light
Common causes
- Stretched timing chain
- Worn or leaking chain tensioner
- Worn guides
- Faulty cam/crank sensor or reluctor
- Sticking VVT/VANOS solenoid or adjuster
- Low or dirty oil
How we diagnose it
- Read cam/crank correlation values in live data (many European makes report chain stretch directly)
- Check oil level, condition and pressure
- Inspect tensioner and chain through accessible covers
- Test VVT solenoids and sensor signals
- Verify base timing with the correct locking tools
Where we see it most: VW/Audi 2.0T (EA888), BMW N20/N26/N47, Mercedes-Benz M271/M272/M274, MINI
A code points to the system that reported a problem, not the exact failed part. Replacing parts based on the code alone often wastes money — testing finds the real cause.