Code 0016 Camshaft Sensor
Thread Starter
Joined: 08-27-2021
Posts: 1
From: Dartmouth, NS
Code 0016 Camshaft Sensor
I have a 2011 HHR LT with a 2.4 engine, automatic. My engine light keeps coming on with code P0016 which I am told is for the Cam Shaft Sensor. I have replaced it 3 times and the light stays off for a couple of days and then it comes on again with the same code. Is there another problem that could cause the sensor to go so quickly?
Last edited by Oldblue; Aug 28, 2021 at 06:55 AM.
Moderator
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,511
From: California
Hi Bruce, 
to the forums!
Unfortunately, that code almost always points to a timing chain issue.
You can remove the valve cover and inspect the timing chain and guides. The chain should be tight. Not just pretty tight, but tight.
to the forums!Unfortunately, that code almost always points to a timing chain issue.
You can remove the valve cover and inspect the timing chain and guides. The chain should be tight. Not just pretty tight, but tight.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,083
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Another case of … don’t throw parts at your HHR because of the code title!
as we see in the causes section, the timing chain I most likely the culprit, in my case it was off one tooth, or link depending on your point of view
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0016
For future readers, research is good! Driving the car or even starting the engine isn’t, because the pistons and valves are so close together, even being off this little bit can cause a very expensive amount of damage to the engine!
as we see in the causes section, the timing chain I most likely the culprit, in my case it was off one tooth, or link depending on your point of view
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0016
For future readers, research is good! Driving the car or even starting the engine isn’t, because the pistons and valves are so close together, even being off this little bit can cause a very expensive amount of damage to the engine!
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,368
From: Northern Ohio
I had a P0017 and replacing the exhaust solenoid valve assembly fixed it. I surmise the valve section was gummed up and failing to send the phaser where it should go. I was lucky, coulda been the chains jumped a few teeth I guess, but with P0016/17, it’s worth trying the respective solenoid valve first. (edit - unless there was chain noise, in which case I would panic and just do the chains.)
The way I understand the system, it seem P0016/17 is unlikely to caused by a bad sensor. Unfortunately, a LARGE part of the Ecotec community insists on calling the solenoid valves “the sensors” and every time I read “It’s the sensors” when I know perfectly well they’re talking about the solenoid valves, I wanna scream. Endless confusion results.
With P0016/17, it is reasonable to change both, since if one is gummed up, the other could be, too. I wouldn’t. Some recommend alway changing both, but especially with P0010/13 (a likely solenoid problem) nah.
P0016 Crankshaft Position (CKP)-Camshaft Position (CMP) Correlation
P0017 Crankshaft Position (CKP)-Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) Correlation
The way I understand the system, it seem P0016/17 is unlikely to caused by a bad sensor. Unfortunately, a LARGE part of the Ecotec community insists on calling the solenoid valves “the sensors” and every time I read “It’s the sensors” when I know perfectly well they’re talking about the solenoid valves, I wanna scream. Endless confusion results.
With P0016/17, it is reasonable to change both, since if one is gummed up, the other could be, too. I wouldn’t. Some recommend alway changing both, but especially with P0010/13 (a likely solenoid problem) nah.
P0016 Crankshaft Position (CKP)-Camshaft Position (CMP) Correlation
P0017 Crankshaft Position (CKP)-Exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) Correlation
Last edited by PulpFriction; Sep 2, 2021 at 04:21 AM.
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