p0016 keeps returning

[rhorn]

I recently replaced cam shaft and crank shaft sensors I've also cleaned Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid,
Now a little backround SES light was on I pulled a p0016 code I replaced cam sensor light stayed off for about a week,
light came back on pulled same code. replaced crank sensor again light stayed off for about a week
senors were replaced with echlin units
next I cleaned Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid everything looked normal I also changed the oil
light stayed out for 1 day
another thing that I am starting to think is part of the problem is that I only drive about 1 mile to work each day, I say this because when I drive longer distances the light doesn't come on, also in cold weather lights always on.
Any ideas

 

[The_Roadie]

Welcome! Glad you found us.

All it means is you haven't nailed the root cause of the problem yet. The manual says to suspect the following conditions:

1) An improperly torqued harmonic balancer
2) A misbuilt or mistimed engine
3) A loose or missing crank damper bolt
4) A cam phaser (CPAS) solenoid stuck open
5) The cam phaser stuck in a position other than 0 degrees.

If you had a Tech II you could command the CPAS through its full range of motion, or log the phase angle as you drive to see where the bug is.

Personally, I'd just throw in a new CPAS (AC Delco) and shotgun it. Also, swapping the crank sensor requires a CASE relearn. Did you get that done?

 

[rhorn]

I didn't get case relearn done yet... (didn't know I needed too) just replaced CPAS with one purchased from dealer.. light was out (dealer 5 miles from home). I started it up light was out went in washed up restarted car, lights back on.. went to Advance auto they scanned for codes I still have P0016

 

[rhorn]

I replaced cam shaft, crank shaft, sensors, new camshaft solenoid, drove car around on Sat, light went out, got back in car this morning to go to work lights back on,


Help !!!!!

 

[The_Roadie]

Some problems don't respond to DIY analysis. I'd introduce it to a Tech II tool in the hands of an experienced mechanic. I'm lucky to have an independent shop with a Tech II nearby.

Since you replaced the crank sensor, you definitely need a CASE relearn, and the Tech II can do that also.

 

[rhorn]

​

Some problems don't respond to DIY analysis. I'd introduce it to a Tech II tool in the hands of an experienced mechanic. I'm lucky to have an independent shop with a Tech II nearby.

Since you replaced the crank sensor, you definitely need a CASE relearn, and the Tech II can do that also.

Ok, this is what’s going on, as suggested I took the car and had a case relearn done, the GM mechanic said that the light could be coming on because of too much end play in the crank shaft or a timing chain issue. I’m personally not buying either, l say this because when I drive to work in the morning the light is not on (approximately 1 mile). Get in the car after work lights back on do a few errands which involves starting the car two to three times light goes back out. The car runs good; I’ve had no problems except for this P0016 issue.
Has anyone heard of a temp senor issue setting off this code?

 

[Mooseman]

Not likely. If you changed the CPAS, crank and cam sensors and had a CASE relearn done, then the only thing left is the cam phaser itself. It's located on the end of the exhaust camshaft and looks like a chain gear. It is known to fail with these errors, like mine where I had to replace it. Requires removal of the valve cover and special tools to prevent the chain from falling into the engine.

 

[gmcman]

Going back to your opening post, did you replace the crank sensor before or after the SES light came on? If before you must get a CASE relearn to turn off the light. Also, like Roadie stated, you need it regardless if you remove the crank sensor.

If the light came on before then I would check all the ground leads. I believe there is one near the thermostat, also check all the wiring near the throttle body.

Is there any oil in the CPAS connector.

Anytime I hear of gremlin lights and problems like this, I always think back to the VW Jetta we had and how a plethora of issues, re-adapting the TB, especially a few trips to the dealer, yielded nothing. My buddy who was service writer for VW for awhile told me to make sure all the grounds are clean. There was one small 16ga wire missing from the NEG terminal to the chassis, even though there were 3 other grounding points, this small wire made the difference.

Point is, the grounds may not be the issue, but make sure they are all clean just to cover that base.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

Not likely. If you changed the CPAS, crank and cam sensors and had a CASE relearn done, then the only thing left is the cam phaser itself. It's located on the end of the exhaust camshaft and looks like a chain gear. It is known to fail with these errors, like mine where I had to replace it. Requires removal of the valve cover and special tools to prevent the chain from falling into the engine.

Ahhh yes.... That dang cam phaser.

Replaced mine 2.5 years ago on my 2002 Envoy. Hooked up a TECH II and it was stuck, would not respond. Had to buy the special timing chain tools, was a VERY nerve wracking job.

Anyways, at the same time I replaced my CPAS (WARNING - GM AC DELCO ONLY - do NOT use an aftermarket part!!!!!) I did and my P0016 did not go away until I returned the Dorman CPAS and installed a DELCO part. I also replaced the wiring pigtail as mine was oil saturated.

I didnt see anywhere that the OP said they used a genuine OEM part, but if they bought Dorman I've got a few bucks that might be the problem.

 

[Mooseman]

Had to buy the special timing chain tools, was a VERY nerve wracking job.

I did it and it wasn't that bad. Just have to be careful to not let the chain drop into the engine using those special tools. Took about 4 hours. The thing I was most scared about was to make sure that the phaser was properly setup or preloaded before installing it but if you follow the instructions, it's all good.

 

[cyberpunk]

well poop guess on saturday i will have to go into work and bust out the tech II to do a case relearn.. wish i say this earlier. will post video of process and what not. yaay