⏱️ Engine Timing & Cam/Crank Sensor Codes

Code family System: Engine
These codes involve engine timing — the precise synchronisation of the crankshaft and camshaft. They come from the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, or from the variable valve timing (VVT) system that advances and retards the cams. A timing fault causes hard starting, stalling, rough running and lost power.

TL;DR

Engine-timing codes cover VVT/cam-timing faults (P0011, P0012, P0014, P0021), the cam/crank correlation (P0016), and the position sensors (P0335 crank, P0340/P0341 cam). Severity: medium–high. Top causes: dirty oil clogging a VVT solenoid, a failing cam/crank sensor, or a stretched timing chain. Keep the oil clean.

Codes in this family

P0011 — "A" Camshaft Position — Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)P0012 — "A" Camshaft Position — Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)P0014 — "B" Camshaft Position — Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)P0016 — Crankshaft / Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1, Sensor A)P0021 — "A" Camshaft Position — Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2)P0335 — Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit MalfunctionP0340 — Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit MalfunctionP0341 — Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1)

Shared causes

  • Dirty or low oil clogging a VVT (oil control) solenoid
  • A failing camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
  • A stretched timing chain or worn timing belt (cam/crank out of correlation)
  • Wiring or connector fault to a sensor or solenoid
  • A worn VVT cam phaser

Parts commonly involved

VVT Solenoid (Oil Control Valve)Camshaft Position SensorCrankshaft Position Sensor

Related symptoms

Hard StartingEngine StallingCold-Start Stalling

Frequently asked questions

Can dirty oil cause a timing code?

Yes — the VVT system relies on clean oil flow, so sludge and missed oil changes clog the solenoid and cam phaser and set P0011-type codes. Cleaning the solenoid screen and changing the oil fixes many cases.

What is the difference between P0011 and P0016?

P0011 means the cam timing is over-advanced (often the VVT solenoid or oil flow), while P0016 means the cam and crank sensors are out of correlation, which can be VVT, a stretched timing chain, or a sensor. P0016 needs more careful diagnosis.

Can a crankshaft sensor cause a no-start?

Yes. The computer needs the crank signal to fire spark and fuel, so a fully failed crankshaft position sensor (P0335) usually means the engine cranks but will not start — and a classic symptom is stalling only when hot.

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