P0016 Code on a Cadillac: Crankshaft–Intake Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 (Cadillac Guide)

P0016 is GM's "Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 Sensor A." In plain terms, the bank 1 intake camshaft is not where the engine computer expects it relative to the crankshaft. On a Cadillac that one code covers very different engines and very different fixes: stretched timing chains on a 2007–2012 CTS, SRX or STS 3.6L, sticking park lock valves on an XT5 or CT6, a crank reluctor that has slipped on a 2012–2013 Escalade, or loose actuator screws on a CT4-V 2.7L. The surprise is how many GM documents for Cadillac describe P0016 on an engine whose timing chain is fine — and one where the fix is a whole new engine.

What Does P0016 Mean on a Cadillac?

The engine computer reads a toothed reluctor wheel on the crankshaft and a target wheel on each camshaft. A timing chain ties them together, so every intake cam pulse should arrive at a known crankshaft angle. GM's 2015 OBD summary tables — the group that covers the 3.6L LFX and LF3 in the ATS, CTS, SRX and XTS — describe the test: P0016 fails when bank 1 intake cam pulses arrive more than 9 crank degrees early or 12 crank degrees late, two failed tests out of three, as a two-trip code.

The key condition in that table: the test runs only while the cam phaser is "parked." So P0016 is a check of base mechanical timing — chain, sprockets and reluctor wheels — not of the phaser's control. But a phaser that will not return to park still puts the cam in the wrong place, which is why a stuck valve can set this "timing" code on an engine whose chain is fine.

"Sensor A" is the intake cam. On a Cadillac V6, bank 1 is the bank with cylinder 1 — the right bank viewed from the flywheel end. On the longitudinal CTS, STS, ATS, CT6 and first-generation SRX that is the passenger side; on the transverse 2010–2016 SRX, XTS, XT5 and XT6 it is the rear bank, toward the firewall. On the Escalade's pushrod V8 there is one camshaft, so P0016 simply means "cam-to-crank correlation."

Which Cadillacs Set P0016

The Cadillac engines GM has written about for P0016:

• 2.8L/3.0L/3.6L High Feature V6, first generation (LP1, LAU, LF1, LFW, LY7, LLT, LFX, LF3): CTS, STS, SRX, ATS and XTS from 2004 on.
• 3.6L/3.0TT second generation (LGX, LGW, LGY): 2016-on ATS, CTS and CT6, XT5, XT6, and the CT5 3.0TT.
• V8s: the 2012–2013 Escalade and CTS-V, the 2015–2019 Escalade 6.2L L86, the 2016–2019 CTS-V LT4, and the 2021–2024 Escalade.
• 2.7L turbo (L3B): the CT4 and CT4-V.
• 4.6L Northstar: GM's tables carry P0016 from 2004 on (the LD8/L37 in the DeVille and DTS, the LH2/LC3 in the STS, SRX and XLR).

CTS, SRX and STS 3.6L: Timing Chain Stretch

On the first-generation 3.6L, P0016 usually arrives with P0008, P0017, P0018 or P0019. That cluster is the classic sign of stretched chains, and GM's bulletin 12-06-01-009F names the 2007–2011 STS, 2007–2012 SRX and 2008–2012 CTS directly — including the 2.8L LP1 and the SRX's 2.8L turbo LAU.

The bulletin's most useful instruction: GM's chain kits deliberately leave out the idler sprockets, cam actuator gears, crankshaft gear and guides, because those parts "are being replaced unnecessarily and are not worn." Guides are replaced only when the wear block is worn through into the base material. GM's kits for Cadillac:

• 12650230 — 2007 CTS, SRX and STS (LP1, LY7).
• 12650231 — 2008–2009 CTS LP1/LY7, 2008–2009 SRX LY7 and 2010–2011 SRX LAU.
• 12651450 — 2008–2011 CTS and STS LLT, 2010–2011 CTS and SRX LF1, 2012 CTS and SRX LFX/LFW.

GM's labor allowances in the bulletin: 6.2 hours on a 2008–2011 STS, 6.9 hours on a 2008–2012 CTS (and 2007 STS and SRX), 7.2 hours on a 2010–2012 SRX and 7.5 hours with the LAU. The bulletin also adds cam thrust washers on heads built before June 5, 2009, and an Oil Life Monitor calibration update — GM's acknowledgment that oil change intervals were part of the cause. GM's Special Coverage 11340C covered timing chain wear on the 2007–2009 CTS, SRX and STS (LP1, LY7, LLT) for 10 years or 120,000 miles. That term has passed for practical purposes; a dealer VIN check is free.

Before anyone commits to chains, GM's PIP3423P adds a warning for the same engines (it lists the 2004–2019 CTS, 2004–2016 SRX, 2004–2011 STS, 2013–2019 ATS and XTS): if the chains and tensioners are tight, the crankshaft reluctor pressed onto the back of the crank may have moved. GM gives 25–26 mm from the end of the machined crank throw to the gap in the reluctor, and says it can sometimes be seen with a borescope through the crank sensor hole. If it has slipped, the fix is a crankshaft — a chain kit will not clear the code.

XT5, XT6, CT6, CTS and ATS: The Gen 2 V6

The second-generation V6 has a different P0016 story. GM's PIP5730B covers the 2016–2019 ATS and CTS, 2016–2020 CT6 (3.6L LGX and 3.0TT LGW), 2017–2021 XT5, 2020–2021 XT6 and 2020–2021 CT5 3.0TT, and describes P0011, P0016, P0018 or P0021 with usually no drivability complaint. GM's cause: the intake camshaft position actuator park lock solenoid valves sticking or coming apart inside the actuator. The procedure is to remove and inspect them; if only one bank sets codes and nothing is damaged, swap them bank to bank. If they are bad, replace both.

Two more GM documents matter on these engines:

• 23-NA-091 (2016–2019 ATS and CTS, 2016–2020 CT6, 2017–2023 XT5, 2020–2023 XT6 with the LGX): a hard P0016 and/or P0018 with a rough idle right after engine wiring harness work. The bank 1 intake actuator solenoid connector and the bank 1 park lock solenoid connector are identical and can be swapped; only wire color tells them apart.
• 17-NA-272 (specific 2016–2017 CT6 and 2017 XT5 VINs with the LGX or LGW): a loud noise, check engine light and/or no start with P0016–P0019, caused by a broken crank sprocket from incomplete machining. GM's correction is engine replacement. It applies only to the VINs the bulletin lists.

Escalade and CTS-V V8s

On a Cadillac V8, P0016 has its own set of GM documents:

• PIP5102 — 2012–2013 Escalade and CTS-V built between 2/1/2012 and 2/12/2013: P0016 and/or a crank no start with no phaser or wiring fault. GM says to check whether the crankshaft reluctor has moved, and if so, replace the crankshaft.
• PIP5554A — 2015–2019 Escalade 6.2L L86 and 2016–2019 CTS-V LT4: P0016 after internal engine repair because base timing was not set correctly.
• N252510321 — 2021–2024 Escalade and Escalade ESV: an ECM software update that adds a Driver Information Center warning message when P0016 sets, on top of the check engine light. It is delivered over the air or by a dealer. The bulletin does not explain why GM wanted the extra warning; treat a P0016 on these trucks as something to have checked promptly.

CT4-V 2.7L and the Northstar

CT4 and CT4-V 2.7L turbo (L3B). GM's PIP5855 (2021–2022) covers any combination of P0011, P0014, P0016 and P0017: check wiring and terminal tension, then replace the camshaft position actuator magnet for the code that set. GM's PIP5921B (2020–2023 CT4-V) is more serious: a ticking or rattling intake cam actuator, P0011 and P0016, and in some cases a no start with no compression. The actuator cover plate screws can back out and contact the cam carrier. If the carrier face is damaged, GM recommends replacing the engine and turbocharger because of metal debris; if not, replace the actuator and change the oil and filter.

Northstar. GM's 2004-and-later tables carry P0016 on both the non-VVT LD8/L37 and the variable-timing LH2/LC3. GM's 2007 tables use a −10/+11 crank-degree window. We found no GM bulletin naming P0016 on a Northstar, so diagnosis follows service information.

Symptoms of P0016 on a Cadillac

• Check engine light, often with no running complaint (LGX park lock valves)
• Rattle for the first seconds after a cold start (first-gen 3.6L chains, CT4-V actuator)
• Crank no start (moved reluctor, broken sprocket, damaged timing parts)
• P0008, P0017, P0018 or P0019 alongside it on the first-generation 3.6L

Causes and How to Confirm Each

How Is P0016 Diagnosed on a Cadillac?

1. Identify the engine RPO code. LY7, LLT, LGX, L86, L3B and the Northstar each have different GM documents.
2. Record every cam and crank code.
3. Ask about recent work. GM has Cadillac documents for P0016 after harness repairs and after internal engine repairs.
4. Read cam/crank variation data with a GM-capable scan tool and compare it with the service limit.
5. Check the engine-specific GM item: park lock valves on the LGX, actuator magnet or screws on the L3B, the 17-NA-272 VIN list on a CT6 or XT5.
6. If chains are replaced on a first-gen 3.6L, follow 12-06-01-009F — kit only, guides only if worn through — and confirm the Oil Life Monitor update.
7. If the chains are tight and the code persists, check the crank reluctor per PIP3423P.

Parts and Cost

GM Documents That Name P0016 on Cadillac Models

Have a dealer check your VIN against current bulletins and coverages rather than relying on any article, including this one.

What Other P0016 Pages Get Wrong

• "Replace the cam sensor." P0016 is a correlation code. A failed sensor normally sets P0340 or P0341, and GM's P0016 test does not run while crank or cam sensor codes are active.
• "P0016 means timing chain." GM has Cadillac documents for park lock valves, swapped connectors, slipped reluctors, a broken sprocket and loose actuator screws — all setting P0016 without a stretched chain.
• "Replace every guide and sprocket." GM's 3.6L bulletin says those parts are being replaced unnecessarily.

For the same code on other GM brands, see our P0016 Buick guide and P0016 Chevy Equinox guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is P0016 serious on a Cadillac?

It can be. On a first-generation 3.6L it usually means chain wear that keeps getting worse, and on some engines GM documents conditions that end in a no start. Get the cam/crank data checked rather than driving on it indefinitely.

Does P0016 on my CTS or SRX mean timing chains?

Often, especially on 2007–2012 models with P0008, P0017, P0018 or P0019 too. But GM's PIP3423P covers a slipped crank reluctor on the same engines with tight chains, so confirm before buying a kit.

My XT5 has P0016 and runs fine. What should be checked?

GM's PIP5730B points at the intake park lock solenoid valves on the LGX, usually with no drivability complaint. If the code appeared right after engine harness work, 23-NA-091 says check for swapped connectors.

Is there still a GM warranty for Cadillac timing chains?

Special Coverage 11340C covered the 2007–2009 CTS, SRX and STS for 10 years or 120,000 miles. That term has passed for practical purposes. A dealer VIN check for any open campaign is free.

Why does my 2021–2024 Escalade show a message for P0016?

GM's update N252510321 adds a Driver Information Center warning when P0016 sets. The message means the code is present; have it diagnosed promptly.

What is Sensor A?

The intake cam. P0016 is bank 1 intake; P0017 is bank 1 exhaust.