Threshold for code – Diagnostic Network (2024)

AiDN AI Assistant

This is a reply from an experimental AI-powered advisor. It is important to exercise caution, verify information from multiple sources, and make informed decisions based on the prevailing circ*mstances.

For the 2015 Ford Explorer with the 3.5L engine, the DTC P0016 is set when the ECM detects that the crankshaft and camshaft position correlation for Bank 1 Sensor A is out of the specified range. The threshold for setting this code is typically around a 6-degree variance in cam timing relative to crankshaft position. However, this can vary slightly depending on the specific engine calibration…

Paul Mechanic

Never actually counted, but crank to cam is a two/one ratio. Crank gear usually have 60 teeth minus two for sync. 360÷60=6 °per tooth on crank so a cam would be 12° per tooth relative to crank?

Philip Educator

I've got an example of the same engine that varies cam timing only on the intake cam; I think it was in an Edge, maybe 2011. It was off by 7 degrees and set a correlation code. I know what the Ford spec says but essentially the PCM decides when it's appropriate. Hence my doubts about so many requests here for a known good crank/cam waveform. What do you do with it?

Randall Technician

Phillip,Exactly what I was concerned about. Obviously…Mechanical timing is governed by physics. Electrical/Electronics is governed by ohms law.Software…anything goes.AiDN points out 6 degrees as the threshold.Your example of 7 degrees reinforces that.The software could potentially vary so much that trying to find a rule of thumb for scan data might be a challenge. Or not…Thank you!

Timothy Owner/Technician

I also agree with you Phil. It's almost impossible to tell, from a simple ‘frozen’ CMP CKP shot whether that is what it should be all the time, unless the solenoids are disabled on a known good. But, that's not much good for anything when the solenoids are working, and you've no idea whether what you're seeing is outside what the PCM is looking for at any given time.I've had scope shots that…

John Mobile Technician

Randall,720 crank degrees/58 teeth on the cam sprocket = 12.4 crank degrees/tooth

Glenn Owner/Technician

It's not just about chain(s) wear. Guides and gear teeth… all moving parts and nylon guides' wear. If this is a chain driven water pump design, that is a sure problem. I think 8000 miles on oil change intervals is a bit excessive. Synthetic oil does not give a person and excuse to neglect service.You and your customer might want to read up on “synthetic oil” a little more. It is more of an…

Bruce Owner/Technician

AM tooling doesn't refresh fast enough to see the real time cam error/s. We use IDS, it refreshes fast enough for proper diagnostics. AM tooling on the last one showed 12 deg peeks while IDS showed 28 deg.

Chris Owner/Technician

What aftermarket tool were you using?

Bruce Owner/Technician

If you used IDS you'd realize the brand of AM doesn't matter. I have many. Last one we had was low milage, extended oil changes like you. The additive package can only so long, F150 3.5, the entire engine as all varnished and the solenoids started to stick, cam error was all over the place, 10-12deg but when checked with IDS that samples much faster showed the error jumping clear put to 28.

Chris Owner/Technician

In my experience brand of scan tool does matter. I think the rest of your response is meant for Randall.

Chris Technical Support Specialist

If you think about the way the chain is pulled by the crank, the crank is closer to bank 2 than it is to bank 1. When you see issues with bank 1 cam timing almost double bank 2, it lends to chain wear or stretch being the most likely cause. During tear down you can count the links and see if it had actually jumped, but more likely chain wear is the issue. if it were a phaser or solenoid issue, I…

Mark Manager

I believe cam bolts are as well, just redid one for a bolt coming loose after a water pump timing pain job. Ouch.

Randall Technician

Thanks to all who replied! Some really great advice. I am still convinced that it has a worn chain…not jumped.Chris, I like your phaser test, and I will make sure that cam and crank bolts will be replaced.Bruce, I agree that the IDS is superior.