P0016 and P0017 appearing after a timing-chain replacement point to a possible mismatch between crankshaft and camshaft timing, but the codes alone do not identify the cause or prove that a part has failed. Because they appeared after the repair, have the timing setup and related work reviewed using service information for your exact vehicle. The timing of the codes does not, by itself, prove that the chain was installed incorrectly or that the shop made an error.
Why P0016 and P0017 can appear after a timing-chain replacement
These codes indicate that the crankshaft and camshaft timing relationship is not aligning as expected. That describes the mismatch reported by the codes; it does not diagnose why the mismatch is present. A discussion of P0016 and P0017 describes this general crankshaft/camshaft alignment issue, but it is not a vehicle-specific diagnostic procedure.
Incorrect timing after the repair is one possibility to investigate, particularly when the codes appeared after chain work. A forum user has reported P0016 and P0017 appearing after a timing-chain replacement, but that report is not proof of a universal cause or of what happened on another vehicle.
The codes do not, by themselves, confirm an incorrectly installed chain, a failed sensor, a VVT fault, damaged wiring or any other specific component failure. The cause requires diagnosis of the particular vehicle and engine.
What if the timing chain was set incorrectly?
If engine timing is incorrect, it can produce a crankshaft-to-camshaft timing mismatch consistent with these codes. However, P0016 and P0017 alone cannot confirm that the timing was set incorrectly. The required checks, as well as the possible consequences, depend on the engine. The codes alone do not establish that engine damage has occurred.
Ask a qualified technician to review the repair and timing setup against the service information for your vehicle. Generic timing-mark or chain-reset instructions are not appropriate without the exact engine and its specified procedure.
Does P0016 mean the crankshaft-position sensor is bad?
No conclusion about a failed crankshaft-position sensor follows from the code alone. P0016 and P0017 concern the relationship between crankshaft and camshaft timing; they do not identify a faulty sensor as the cause. Do not replace a crankshaft-position sensor, camshaft-position sensor or another component solely because these codes are stored.
Could a VVT solenoid or an oil issue be responsible?
The codes alone cannot confirm or rule out a VVT-related fault, wiring problem or another cause. They also do not show that an oil change will correct P0017. Follow your vehicle’s maintenance requirements, but have the actual fault diagnosed rather than treating routine maintenance as a confirmed repair.
What should you do next?
- Contact the shop that replaced the chain and explain that both codes appeared after the repair. Ask the shop to review the work rather than assuming a particular part is faulty.
- Have the timing setup checked using the correct service information for the vehicle’s make, model year and engine.
- Ask for a diagnosis before authorising sensor, VVT, wiring or chain replacement. The codes alone do not identify which repair, if any, is needed.
- Keep the exact code numbers and vehicle details available. A general code explanation cannot substitute for a vehicle-specific assessment.
If the car seems to run normally, that alone does not establish that it is safe to keep driving. Seek advice from a qualified technician about your vehicle rather than relying only on how it feels.
Can you identify the sensor location, repair cost or model-specific cause from these codes?
Not without the exact vehicle and engine. Sensor locations depend on the vehicle and engine configuration. Repair costs also cannot be estimated reliably before diagnosis because the required repair, parts and labour time may differ substantially by vehicle and fault.
This general crankshaft/camshaft timing explanation does not establish a Hyundai, Hyundai i20 or GMC Terrain-specific definition, cause or procedure. For any of those vehicles, the model year, engine and applicable manufacturer service information are needed to interpret the codes and assess the recent repair.