P0016 on Cadillac: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
7 Cadillac models · 7 documented issues · 2 critical · $1,800-$4,500 repair
P0016 on Cadillac by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
GM bulletin 12-06-01-009E covers listed 2007-2011 STS 3.6L High Feature V6 applications when worn timing chains set P0008, P0009 or P0016-P0019. It identifies application-specific service kits and warns that sprockets, actuators and guides should not be replaced automatically; guides are replaced only when wear reaches the base friction material.
Common Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- P0008 or P0009
- P0016 through P0019
How to Fix
Have a qualified technician confirm the 3.6L engine RPO, DTCs, build information and chain wear through current service information. For a 2007 vehicle, use the current 07-06-01-013 early-build identification instructions where directed. If 12-06-01-009E applies, use the GM kit mapped to the exact application, inspect guides using the bulletin criterion and inspect pre-June 5, 2009 cylinder-head hardware when applicable. Do not order a generic timing kit or oil from this card; the ShowMeTheParts lookup returned no candidate.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 3.6L LLT direct-injection V6 used in the 2008-2011 CTS (and the 2007 gen-1 3.6L LY7) is among the best-documented GM V6 failures: the primary and secondary timing chains elongate well before 100,000 miles, throwing off intake/exhaust cam correlation. Chain wear is strongly accelerated by extended oil-change intervals and low oil level, which starve the hydraulic chain tensioners. GM acknowledged the defect with Special Coverage bulletin 11340 (revisions A/B/C) extending timing-chain coverage to 10 years / 120,000 miles on affected models including the 2007-2009 CTS, and with service bulletin 12-06-01-009F describing the updated chain/tensioner/guide kit. This is an LLT/LY7 direct-injection-era issue and should not be attributed to the later LFX or to the 2.0L LTG four.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle or chirp from the front of the engine on cold start
- Check engine light with camshaft position correlation codes
- Rough idle and hesitation under load
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine may crank but not start in advanced cases
How to Fix
Confirm with a scan tool that cam-correlation codes (P0008/P0009/P0016/P0017) are present and check for a rattle on cold start. The repair is the full updated GM timing-chain kit - all three chains, tensioners, guides, and usually the cam actuators - not just the stretched chain. Verify eligibility for GM Special Coverage 11340C (10yr/120k) at a Cadillac dealer before paying out of pocket; many owners had this done free. Afterward, run 5,000-mile oil changes with dexos-spec oil and check level monthly, since tensioner health depends entirely on oil condition.
Sources for this issue (3)
GM PIP5652A covers the 2019 XT4 with the 2.0L LSY engine when a front-engine rattle is present, with or without P0011, P0014, P0016 or P0017. A stuck or collapsed timing-chain tensioner can damage camshaft actuator valve hardware, so GM directs inspection of the actuator snap rings, tensioner and guides rather than automatic replacement of a generic timing kit.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle from the front of the engine
- Check-engine light may be present
- P0011, P0014, P0016 or P0017
How to Fix
Have a qualified technician verify the engine RPO and DTCs, inspect both camshaft actuator valve snap rings, then inspect the timing-chain tensioner and guides using current Cadillac service information. Replace only the failed or damaged components identified by that inspection. The exact ShowMeTheParts lookup returned no timing-chain candidate, so the former aftermarket kit and water-pump links were removed.
Sources for this issue (1)
GM bulletin 12-06-01-009E covers listed 2010-2012 SRX High Feature V6 applications when worn timing chains set P0008, P0009 or P0016-P0019. It identifies application-specific service kits and warns that sprockets, actuators and guides should not be replaced automatically; guides are replaced only when wear reaches the base friction material.
Common Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- P0008 or P0009
- P0016 through P0019
How to Fix
Have a qualified technician confirm the DTCs, engine RPO, build information and chain wear through current service information. If the bulletin applies, use the GM kit mapped to the exact application, inspect guides using the bulletin criterion and inspect pre-June 5, 2009 cylinder-head hardware when applicable. Do not order the frozen aftermarket kit or water pump from this card; the ShowMeTheParts lookup returned no candidate.
Sources for this issue (1)
GM PIP3423P covers 2013-2019 XTS vehicles with the 3.6L LFX or LF3 engine when two or more of P0008, P0009 and P0016-P0019 are present. GM directs technicians to check for loose chains or tensioners and, if normal SI diagnosis does not find the cause, inspect whether the crankshaft-sensor reluctor moved. The bulletin does not establish automatic chain replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Check-engine light with two or more correlation DTCs
- P0008 or P0009
- P0016 through P0019
How to Fix
Have a qualified technician confirm that at least two listed correlation DTCs are present, then follow current SI diagnosis for chains and tensioners. If the cause remains unresolved, inspect the crankshaft reluctor as directed by PIP3423P. Do not order the former generic timing kit or water pump from this card; the exact ShowMeTheParts lookup returned no timing-chain candidate.
Sources for this issue (1)
The XT5 V6 models use the GM 3.6L V6 (LGX) which has improved timing chains over earlier versions but is not immune to timing chain stretch at higher mileage. The LGX is better than the earlier LFX but still uses three timing chains with plastic guides. Issues typically appear later (100,000-150,000 miles) compared to earlier 3.6L variants. The 2020+ XT5 2.0T models use a different engine (LSY) and are not affected by this issue.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes
- Rattling on cold start
- Rough idle or misfires at high mileage
- Reduced engine power warning
How to Fix
Same timing chain replacement as SRX/CTS 3.6L. Cloyes 9-0753S kit, replace water pump simultaneously. The LGX timing chain typically lasts longer than the LFX, so preventive replacement at 100,000+ miles is recommended rather than the 80,000-mile interval for earlier engines.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Timing chain kit (complete) — GM 3.6L LGXOEM12713649Cross-refACDelco (GM OE) 12713649, Cloyes 9-0753S — DOES NOT FIT, see note$280–$360
This is the correct complete timing chain kit for the XT5's 3.6L V6 (LGX), sold as ACDelco/GM OE kit 12713649 and cataloged for 2017-2025 Cadillac XT5 3.6L. IMPORTANT CORRECTION TO THE DOCUMENTED FIX: Cloyes 9-0753S is NOT an XT5 part.
- Water pump (with gasket) — 3.6L V6OEM12707180Cross-refACDelco GM OE 12707180, supersedes GM 12672035, ACDelco Professional 252-1038$110–$140
Replace with the timing chains — the water pump is behind/at the timing cover on the LGX, so doing it at the same time saves the whole teardown later. 12707180 is the current GM part and supersedes 12672035.
Sources for this issue (1)
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 Cadillac?
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 Cadillac it is documented across 7 models: STS, CTS, XT4, SRX, XTS, XT5, XT6.
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 Cadillac?
Published repair estimates on Cadillac range from $1,800 to $4,500 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.
Looking for P0016 on a different make?
View P0016 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.