Code P0016?

Tiny
NITHINCOBALT
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 2.4L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 191,000 MILES
I replaced the cam and crank sensor but still the code is up. Changed the engine oil as well but still the code is up. The problem I see is hard start and during a cold start there is noise little rattle for a minute and then it goes fine. And noise comes from the engine when there is load on engine like driving uphill. Not when the RPM is high but when there is load on engine. Tried to inspect the timing chain by removing engine cover. It's very hard to see but feel like it jumped a tooth but not sure as it's very close to 10 and 2 timing marks. And during this for a second the timing chain was loose. So my only fix is replacing the timing belt? Please help Engine Oil.

And another thing the car has a 2009 2.4L engine which has a VVT, engine of cobalt and 2008 doesn't have a VVT so the ECM may not know VVT but the code was not showing up earlier I drove 3-4k miles with the code but had no problems except the noise I mentioned.
Friday, November 10th, 2023 AT 7:12 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
The P0016 code in a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt relates to a problem with the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor or Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor, or their synchronization. So, you are correct to think the timing chain has jumped a tooth or more. Here is how to change the timing chain out in the images below. This shows the timing marks as well to help confirm the failure.
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Friday, November 10th, 2023 AT 10:00 AM
Tiny
NITHINCOBALT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Will replacing the timing assembly fix the code or not? And is it not because of intake and exhaust solenoid of VVT or because of any short wiring? And can you please explain what is causing the sound from the engine on cold start and during uphill driving please?
Thank you
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Friday, November 10th, 2023 AT 3:28 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 47,256 POSTS
If you can upload a short video of the noise, I can tell for sure what's going on, but the noise is a bad sign that the timing chain is having problems. This means the tensioner, chain or guide has failed which will give us the code. We can try to remove the VVT oil control solenoid to see if it is clogged. Here is the location. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Saturday, November 11th, 2023 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
NITHINCOBALT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
This is the sound on cold start.
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Sunday, November 12th, 2023 AT 11:33 PM
Tiny
NITHINCOBALT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
This is the sound after running the engine for a while.
Thank you for helping me out.
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Sunday, November 12th, 2023 AT 11:34 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
You are welcome. Thanks for the videos. Yep, it sounds like you have a timing chain or guide that needs to be replaced. To be sure I would remove the serpentine belt when the engine is cold and then start it for a few seconds to see if the noise is still there. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, November 13th, 2023 AT 10:09 AM

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