2015 Ram P0016: What It Means & Is It Safe to Drive?
P0016 on the 2015 Ram: Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation – Bank 1, Sensor A. Here's what it means, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and whether it's safe to keep driving.
What this code means
The PCM has detected that the crankshaft and intake camshaft positions on bank 1 are out of expected sync. A serious code that can indicate timing chain wear or jump.
Common causes on the 2015 Ram
- Stretched or jumped timing chain
- Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
- Worn timing chain tensioner or guides
- Incorrect cam phaser position
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Hard starting or no-start
- Rough running, stalling
- Rattling from timing chain area on startup
Typical fixes
- Replace timing chain, tensioner, and guides
- Replace crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
- Inspect and replace cam phaser if locked
Repair cost range
For a 2015 Ram, repairs for P0016 typically fall between $300 and $2500, depending on the root cause and labor rates in your area.
Known issues on Ram
Ram's 3.6L Pentastar triggers P0016 from the same timing chain tensioner failure pattern as Jeep and Dodge. On 5.7L HEMI-equipped Ram trucks, the MDS (cylinder deactivation) system adds cam timing stress; using 0W-40 full synthetic can reduce recurrence.
Most commonly affected models