P0016 on RAM: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
1 RAM model · 2 documented issues · 1 critical · $150-$7,000 repair
P0016 on RAM by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
On the RAM 1500, P0011 is overwhelmingly a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) fault on the 5.7L Hemi, and secondarily on the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The Hemi uses a single central cam phaser fed oil pressure through one oil control valve (the VVT solenoid, mounted at the front of the engine near the timing cover). The PCM commands the phaser to a target intake-cam angle and monitors the actual angle via the cam/crank sensors. When the solenoid's fine oil screen clogs with sludge/varnish, or the solenoid sticks, oil flow to the phaser is no longer regulated and the intake cam advances past the commanded position — the PCM flags P0011 (over-advanced, bank 1). The root cause is almost always oil-related: extended oil-change intervals, low level, or off-spec/thick oil that will not flow through the small VVT passages, especially on cold starts. On higher-mileage Hemis, a P0011 (often alongside P0016/P000B) can also be the leading edge of the well-known Hemi cam/lifter wear failure — wear metal contaminating the oil seizes the phaser and solenoid, so P0011 should not be dismissed as 'just a solenoid' on a ticking, high-mileage engine.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with stored P0011
- Rough idle / occasional stumble, especially at cold start
- Slightly reduced fuel economy
- Hesitation or lack of power under acceleration
- Ticking noise (on higher-mileage Hemis where cam/lifter wear is involved)
- Hard start or brief rough running on cold mornings
How to Fix
Start with the cheap, high-yield steps: verify oil level and do a fresh oil-and-filter change using correct-viscosity oil (5W-20 on the Hemi), then clear the code and retest — dirty/degraded oil is the single most common trigger. If P0011 returns, replace the VVT/oil-control solenoid (clean the screen or renew), and perform the required cam/crank relearn afterward. If codes persist after a new solenoid, or the engine ticks and has high mileage, inspect the cam phaser, timing chain/guides and — critically on the Hemi — the camshaft lobes and lifters (MDS lifters), since VVT timing codes frequently accompany the cam/lifter failure. On the 3.6 Pentastar, also confirm the oil-filter-housing/cooler is not leaking and starving oil pressure.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mopar 53022338AB VVT oil control valve
2009-2023 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI within this card as represented by the OE catalog; confirm VIN and current supersession.
- Dorman 916-957 variable valve timing solenoid
5.7L HEMI Ram 1500 applications listed by the live retailer; verify exact year and OE 53022338AB cross-reference.
- Dorman 916-957 variable valve timing solenoid
Listing explicitly covers select 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2013-2020 Ram 1500; confirm 5.7L engine and OE cross-reference.
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Sources for this issue (4)
The 5.7L HEMI (Gen III) with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is well documented for roller-lifter failure that progresses into camshaft lobe damage. The MDS deactivation lifters and the engine's circuitous oiling path (oil routed through the deck, head gasket, and rocker shaft to the lifter bore) leave lifter bores oil-starved at low RPM. Improperly hardened lifter roller/needle assemblies allow needles to breach the surface hardening, spalling the roller and then wiping the cam lobe. It starts as a rhythmic cold-start/idle tick and can end in metal debris throughout the engine and total failure, sometimes at very low mileage. This is the subject of the Petro et al. v. FCA US LLC class action (D. Del., No. 1:22-cv-00621) covering 2014+ 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines. FCA revised the lifter design around 2018 (larger needles) but failures continued to be reported afterward.
Common Symptoms
- Rhythmic ticking/tapping at cold start and idle
- Tick that changes with RPM or comes and goes with MDS engagement
- Loss of power or misfire as cam lobe wears
- Metal debris/glitter in the oil
- Check engine light, eventual rough running or no-start
How to Fix
Diagnose the tick with a stethoscope to rule out exhaust-manifold leaks vs. internal valvetrain. Confirmed lifter/cam failure requires replacing all 16 lifters, the camshaft, and often rockers/pushrods (and inspecting MDS solenoids). Many owners delete MDS during the repair. Stay on top of oil changes with the correct spec and avoid extended oil-change intervals; some run a slightly heavier oil to mask early tick. Document the failure for the class action if eligible.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mopar 53022263AF 5.7L MDS/VVT camshaft
2009-2024 Mopar applications including 2014-2023 Ram 1500 5.7L MDS/VVT; confirm VIN and supersession.
- Genuine Mopar 5038785AD front lifters and yoke
Confirm VIN, production date and quantity—this is not a complete 16-lifter set.
- Genuine Mopar 5038786AD rear lifters and yoke
Confirm VIN, production date and required quantity.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
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 RAM?
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 RAM it is documented across 1 model: 1500.
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 RAM?
Published repair estimates on RAM range from $150 to $7,000 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.