P0016 on Buick: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
4 Buick models · 5 documented issues · 5 critical · $1,500-$6,500 repair
P0016 on Buick by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The GM 3.6L LLT (built 2007-2011) and LFX (built 2012 on) "High Feature" V6 in LaCrosse, Enclave, Acadia, Traverse, CTS, Cadillac SRX, and many others suffers timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-150,000 miles. Root cause is oil-related — original OLM intervals (up to 12,000 miles) starved the chain of fresh oil. Excessive oil consumption (LLT also has a known consumption issue) accelerates wear.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- check engine light
- extended cranking
- misfire
- low oil between changes
How to Fix
Full timing chain kit ($2,000-$4,500 incl. labor) — both primary and secondary chains, all tensioners and guides. Switch to 5,000-7,500 mile oil intervals with full-synthetic dexos1 5W-30. LLT engines may also need PCV valve replacement to reduce oil consumption (TSB 10-06-01-007).
Sources for this issue (2)
Higher-mileage first-generation Enclaves with the 3.6L V6 (worst on the 2008-2010 cars) can burn oil excessively, and in the most severe cases the engine fails outright, including reports of a hole punched in the block. The condition is linked to the same engine's timing-chain/oiling weaknesses, and GM bulletin PI0746 documents PCV-related oil deposits collecting at the throttle body on 2008-2011 3.6L (LY7/LLT) Enclaves. Owners who don't monitor oil level risk progressive engine damage.
Common Symptoms
- Frequent need to add oil between changes
- Blue exhaust smoke
- Low oil pressure / oil light
- Knocking or engine failure in severe cases
How to Fix
Diagnose with GM's oil consumption test and service the PCV system per GM bulletin PI0746; remedies range from PCV/oil-control updates to, in severe consumption or block-failure cases, engine replacement (around $6,500). Check oil frequently between changes as a stopgap.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 3.6L high-feature V6 in 2008-2013 Enclaves is prone to timing chain stretch and worn chain guides/tensioners, sometimes appearing as early as 40,000-60,000 miles. As the chain elongates, valve timing drifts, triggering misfires and a rattle at idle/startup; if a chain jumps a tooth it can bend valves and cause catastrophic engine damage. GM acknowledged premature chain wear under certain driving conditions with the vehicle's original oil change intervals and issued Special Coverage Adjustment #11340C extending the chain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles, but for the Enclave it covers only the 2009 model year.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise at idle or cold startup
- Check engine light
- Engine misfire / rough running
- Reduced engine power message
- Metal shavings in oil
How to Fix
Replace the timing chains, guides, and tensioners (a full front-of-engine job). On a 2009 Enclave, GM Special Coverage #11340C made the chain replacement free up to 10yr/120k mi (or, if the chain did not need replacing, an ECM reprogram); otherwise it is an out-of-pocket repair. Keeping oil changes current and using correct-spec oil slows wear.
Sources for this issue (1)
The Cascada's 1.6L turbo (RPO LWC) can run rough for two documented reasons. The first is carbon on the valves. GM bulletin 16-NA-383 (May 2017) covers GM gasoline engines from 2000 to 2018, which includes 2016-2018 Cascadas. It says heavy carbon on the intake and/or exhaust valves can make valves stick. That causes rough idle, misfires, extended cranking or a crank-no-start, and sets misfire codes P0300 and up (P0300-P0304 on this four-cylinder). GM says these misfires should not appear before about 5,000 miles. With the engine cold, compression can read 0 psi on several cylinders, and some engines end up with damaged valves or cam followers knocked out of position. The second fault affects some 2016 models. GM Special Coverage N192291620 (September 2020) says the diaphragm in the PCV pressure regulator valve, which is built into the camshaft cover, can crack. Extra air then gets drawn into the intake, so the engine runs rough, especially at idle, and may stall. The check engine light comes on with lean code P0171 or another airflow-related code.
Common Symptoms
- rough idle
- stalling at idle
- engine misfire (P0300-P0304)
- extended crank or crank-no-start
- check engine light with lean code P0171 (2016 PCV valve)
How to Fix
Check first: read the stored codes. On a 2016 Cascada with P0171 or another airflow code and a rough or stalling idle, ask a Buick dealer to check the camshaft-cover PCV valve. GM's test: with the engine running, listen for noise from the PCV valve and check for vacuum at its vent. The dealer's warranty system (IVH) shows whether the car is covered by Special Coverage N192291620. That coverage lasts 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first, regardless of ownership. Under it, the dealer replaces the camshaft cover (cam cover with gasket, P/N 19260901) for free. Owners who already paid for this repair can ask for reimbursement. The coverage applies only to a leaking PCV valve, not to oil leaks from the cover. For misfire codes (P0300-P0304), GM bulletin 16-NA-383 says to follow standard diagnosis first. If that points to compression loss from valves that are not sealing, and the valves are not damaged, the fix is GM's upper engine and valve cleaning procedure with GM Top Engine Cleaner, followed by an oil and filter change. If valves are damaged or cam followers are out of position, the engine needs mechanical repair first, then the cleaning. GM warns against aftermarket top-engine cleaners. 16-NA-383 is an information bulletin, not a coverage extension. To help prevent buildup, GM suggests Top Tier gasoline and regular oil changes. We found no published repair-cost range for either fault.
What you need to diagnose it
The repair instructions explicitly call for reading stored codes. Use a scanner that can read the named code families before choosing a repair.The recommended scanner supports these code families; confirm your exact year, model and module coverage before buying.
ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner
Read & clear engine (P) codes
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Reading and clearing the code is DIY work. Module replacement or reprogramming is not — most modules are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (2)
The 2.0L Turbo LHU (2011-2013) and LTG (2014+) in Regal — and shared LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS/CTS — develops timing chain stretch around 80,000-130,000 miles. Symptoms: cold-start rattle, P0008/P0017 codes, eventual loss of cam timing. Aggravated by extended oil intervals and stop-start fleet use.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- misfire
- check engine light
- reduced power
How to Fix
Full timing chain kit including chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets — $1,800-$3,500 at an independent shop. Stick to 5,000-7,500 mile oil intervals with dexos1 full-synthetic 5W-30. Carbon-clean intake valves at the same service ($300-$500) since LHU/LTG are direct-injection.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0016 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0016 mean on a Buick?
P0016 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A." P0016 means the engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on Bank 1 (Sensor A) are not lining up the way they should — the timing 'correlation' between them is out of range. These two sensors tell the computer where the pistons and valves are so it can time fuel injection and spark precisely. When their signals don't agree within tolerance, the computer sets this code. It generally indicates an engine timing issue, which may be a worn timing chain, a sticking variable valve timing component, or a sensor problem, and can cause rough running, hard starting, or potential engine damage if ignored. On Buick it is documented across 4 models: LaCrosse, Enclave, Cascada, Regal.
What are the most common causes of P0016?
The most common causes of P0016 are: Stretched timing chain or worn timing components (guides/tensioner), Faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT actuator, Clogged oil control valve or restricted oil passages, Timing chain/belt installed one tooth off after service, Damaged reluctor/tone ring on the crankshaft or camshaft, Wiring or connector faults at the position sensors. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0016 on a Buick?
Published repair estimates on Buick range from $1,500 to $6,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.