Code PO0016

Tiny
MARK CUMMINGS
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE STRATUS
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 119,000 MILES
I just swapped the engine in my car, it starts and idles just fine but when it hits about 2,500 rpm's it runs badly until I let the gas off a little then it goes just fine. I am also getting a code PO0016. I was wondering if it could just be plug wires, because I do not think that it is out of time.
Sunday, May 20th, 2018 AT 7:08 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,763 POSTS
Nope. That code refers to a mismatch in camshaft and crankshaft timing. On many of these engines, it starts and runs on the crankshaft position sensor up to 2,500 rpm's, then it switches to the camshaft position sensor. Your dandy observation of 2,500 rpm's is the glaring clue. A lot of people also report getting a code 340 when they use aftermarket camshaft position sensors, so keep that in mind if you need to replace it.

The way to approach this is with a scanner so you can view what is happening with the signals from these two sensors. If one is erratic, you should get a fault code related to that. Code p0016 is also solved quite often with new sensors, so consider that first before tearing the front of the engine apart to check the belt.

If it does come to looking at the timing belt, there is a problem to be aware of that only affects the single cam engine, not the dual cam version. If the timing marks are perfect, but code P0016 keeps setting, remove the camshaft sprocket from the end of the camshaft and look at the dowel pin between them to see if it is sheared off. That will allow the camshaft to gradually become retarded even though the timing mark on the sprocket is okay.
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Sunday, May 20th, 2018 AT 10:53 AM

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