Buick Regal: DTC P0016 or P0017

Diagnostic Instructions

• Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
• Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
• Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0016

Crankshaft Position - Intake Camshaft Position Not Plausible

DTC P0017

Crankshaft Position - Exhaust Camshaft Position Not Plausible

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) uses the crankshaft position sensor, intake camshaft position sensor, and exhaust camshaft position sensor information to monitor the correlation between the crankshaft, intake camshaft, and exhaust camshaft position.

Conditions for Running the DTC

• DTC P0335, P0336, P0340, P0341, P0365, P0366, P0641, and P0651 are not set.
• The engine is cranking or running.
• The crankshaft and camshaft position signals are synchronized.
• The camshaft position actuator solenoid valves are in the parked position.

The DTCs run continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects a camshaft that is greater than 8 degrees advanced or 9 degrees retarded in relationship to the crankshaft.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0016 and P0017 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0016 and P0017 are Type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

• Inspect the engine for any recent engine mechanical repairs. An incorrectly installed timing chain can cause this DTC to set.
• A camshaft position actuator solenoid valve that is in the full advance or retard position can cause this DTC to set.

Reference Information

Description and Operation

Camshaft Actuator System Description

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON.

2. Verify DTC P0010, P0013, P0335, P0336, P0340, P0341, P0365, or P0366 is not set.

• If any of the DTCs are set

Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.

• Go to next step: If none of the DTCs are set

3. Engine Running at normal operating temperature.

4. Verify DTC P0016 or P0017 is not set.

• If the DTC is set

Inspect for the following and repair as necessary:

• A Q6 Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve that is stuck in the full advance or retard position.
• The correct installation of the Q6 Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valves.
• The correct installation of the B23 Camshaft Position Sensors.
• The correct installation of the B26 Crankshaft Position Sensor.
• A timing chain tensioner condition.
• An incorrectly installed timing chain.
• Excessive play in the timing chain.
• A timing chain that jumped teeth.
• A crankshaft reluctor wheel that has moved in relationship to top dead center (TDC) on the crankshaft.
• Go to next step: If the DTC is not set

5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

6. Verify the DTC does not set.

• If the DTC sets

A mechanical condition listed above still exists.

• Go to next step: If the DTC does not set

7. All OK.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

• Camshaft Position Actuator Exhaust Solenoid Valve Replacement
• Camshaft Position Actuator Intake Solenoid Valve Replacement
• Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Exhaust
• Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Intake
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
• Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement

READ NEXT: