In a Mercedes-Benz M272 V6 engine, the P0016 code signifies a correlation error between the crankshaft and the intake camshaft on Bank 1 (passenger side). This means the timing signals from these two sensors are not synchronized as required by the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
How to Check Correlation
To confirm if the issue is a simple sensor or a major mechanical failure:
- Remove Camshaft Hall Sensors: There are four sensors on the front of the cylinder heads. Removing them allows you to see the timing "pulse wheels" inside.
- Align Crankshaft to 305°: Rotate the engine by hand until the crankshaft pulley marker aligns with the 305° mark.
- Inspect Pulse Wheel Alignment: Look through the sensor holes. The timing marks on the pulse wheels should be perfectly centered in the hole. If they are offset, the timing is physically out of sync, often indicating a worn balance shaft gear or stretched chain.
Error code P0016 in vehicles refers to a “Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A).” P0016 is an engine warning code that indicates that the camshaft rotation is not in time with the rotation of the crankshaft.
