Fault Symptoms

The vehicle is a new-generation Chevrolet Cruze equipped with the 2HO engine. After replacing the complete engine assembly, the vehicle exhibits unstable idle speed and triggers fault code P0016.

The OCV solenoid valve has already been replaced, and no faults were found during wiring inspection.

The repair shop spent two days troubleshooting without resolving the issue. Factory technical personnel performed an on-site inspection and identified the root cause of the problem.

Analysis of Causes for Chevrolet Cruze Fault Codes P0016 and P0017

Fault Diagnosis

1.After receiving the vehicle, we confirmed the engine malfunction indicator lamp is illuminated. A scan revealed the following engine fault codes:

P0016-00:

Crankshaft Position – Intake Camshaft Position Correlation Malfunction

P0017-00:

Crankshaft Position – Exhaust Camshaft Position Correlation Malfunction

2. Retrieve VVT System Data Stream

Data Stream of the Faulty Vehicle

Data Stream of a Normal Vehicle

According to the intake and exhaust camshaft position command data showing a value of 0, there is confirmed an issue with the ignition timing phase. The deviation between the crankshaft signal and camshaft signal is excessively large, so the ECU stops making adjustments.

What are the potential causes of this fault?

Causes:

1.Incorrect valve timing, stretched timing chain leading to out-of-time valve operation, or failed timing chain tensioner.

Analysis of Causes for Chevrolet Cruze Fault Codes P0016 and P0017

Remove the valve cover, then use professional tools to inspect the timing marks. Verify that the timing marks are aligned correctly, and check the timing belt and tensioner for normal operation.

2.Sticking fault of intake and exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid valves

Possible causes: Faulty solenoid valve itself, defective control wiring, or ECU control malfunction.

Replace the OCV solenoid valve with a new unit. Turn on the ignition switch and verify the OCV solenoid valve actuates normally, confirming the OCV valve and its circuit are in good condition.

3.Sticking of VVT sprocket:

Excessively dirty engine oil causes heavy carbon buildup inside the VVT sprocket. This leads to insufficient internal oil pressure or mechanical sticking, resulting in sluggish response.

Be sure to distinguish between new and old versions of the VVT sprocket.

Analysis of Causes for Chevrolet Cruze Fault Codes P0016 and P0017

After confirming the engine is equipped with the new-style VVT sprockets and replacing both intake and exhaust VVT sprockets with new ones, the fault still persists.

4.Offset camshaft signal teeth, or incorrect installation of intake and exhaust camshafts.

Analysis of Causes for Chevrolet Cruze Fault Codes P0016 and P0017

After verifying the shape and position of the intake and exhaust camshaft signal teeth are correct and replacing the camshaft assembly with a new one, the fault still exists.

5.Offset locating hole on crankshaft signal teeth, or offset locating hole of the crankshaft magnetic encoder wheel.

Analysis of Causes for Chevrolet Cruze Fault Codes P0016 and P0017

No issues were detected on the locating hole of crankshaft signal teeth. The repair shop said they had replaced the crankshaft magnetic encoder wheel. We told them to fit the original OEM wheel. The fault was cleared after road test, and the car ran normally.

Fault Resolution

After replacing with the original crankshaft magnetic encoder wheel, all fault symptoms vanished.

Iron powder was spread on signal teeth surface. After aligning two locating holes, we found the crankshaft missing tooth was offset by 3 teeth, which lit up the engine fault lamp.

< Previous

Next >