2004 Dodge Neon 2.0L - P0016 Fault After Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
My 2004 Dodge Neon 2.0L has recently developed a P0016 diagnostic trouble code. One month ago, I replaced the timing belt and tensioner as part of routine maintenance. The vehicle ran smoothly at that time. A few days later, a crankshaft position sensor (CKP) fault was detected — specifically code P0340 — which prompted me to replace the CKP with an aftermarket unit from NAPA. After the replacement, the car ran fine for one full day. The next day, the check engine light came back on and the P0016 code reappeared. The vehicle is stock with no modifications. No other diagnostic codes are present at this time. I'm now concerned that replacing the CKP (a crankshaft sensor) may have triggered or exacerbated a timing-related issue, as P0016 indicates a correlation problem between the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors — specifically a mismatch in their signals. I suspect an intermittent signal from either the CMP (camshaft position) or CKP sensor, possibly due to wiring issues or sensor compatibility. Could the aftermarket CKP be causing this? Is there a known issue with non-OEM crank sensors on 2004 Dodge Neon models?
The P0016 code indicates a mismatch between the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors — essentially, the CMP and CKP are out of sync. This typically requires a diagnostic scanner to capture freeze frame data and assess signal integrity. Key questions: Did you replace the CKP recently? Was it an OEM or aftermarket part? Could this be contributing to the issue? Additional details needed: Are there any other codes present? Is the vehicle stock configuration? Possible causes include intermittent sensor signals, wiring faults, or sensor incompatibility.