P0016 on a Ford Explorer

What P0016 usually means on a Explorer

P0016 flags a crankshaft-to-camshaft correlation error on bank 1, meaning the cam and crank are out of their expected relationship. On the 4.0L SOHC Explorer this is a direct symptom of the worn timing chains and guides that plague that engine: as the chain stretches and the guides break down, cam timing physically slips relative to the crank. On the 3.5L engines it can point to chain wear or a stuck variable-cam phaser. This is a code that should not be cleared and ignored, because a slipping chain can eventually jump time.

Most likely causes on this model

1. Stretched timing chain / worn guides (4.0L SOHC)

   The defining P0016 cause on the 4.0 SOHC Explorer. The rear chain and plastic guides wear, retarding cam timing until the correlation error sets. A start-up rattle usually accompanies it.

2. Worn timing chain on the 3.5L V6

   The newer V6s can also stretch their chains at high mileage, slipping cam timing enough to set the correlation code.

3. Stuck variable-cam phaser (3.5L Ti-VCT)

   A sludge-bound phaser or solenoid can hold cam timing off its target, producing P0016 before the chain is fully worn.

4. Low oil pressure / poor oil condition

   Insufficient clean oil pressure prevents proper cam-timing control on the variable-cam engines, throwing off cam-to-crank timing.

What it costs on a Explorer

P0016 on a 4.0L SOHC rarely ends cheaply because it usually means the timing components are worn, and reaching the rear-mounted chain on that engine is one of the most labor-heavy jobs it has, commonly well into four figures. On the 3.5L engines the chain job is more conventional but still significant. Either way, it is worth doing the full timing kit once rather than chasing single parts.

Fixing it

Do not just clear P0016 and keep driving, since a worn chain can jump time and cause damage. Have the timing components inspected as a set and replace the complete kit if the chain or guides are worn.

For the full step-by-step diagnosis order (any vehicle), see the main P0016 guide.

Other codes we cover on the Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer problems & recalls by year