After installing a JDM motor into my 2009 Toyota Prius, I encountered the dreaded P0016 DTC code, which indicates a camshaft-crankshaft timing issue. It all began when I wasn’t aware that a grid charger was needed to keep my high-voltage battery charged. My attempts to turn the car on depleted the battery, leading to moisture buildup in the engine. Eventually, I got the motor running, but when it finally did, the engine oil looked like chocolate milk, indicating moisture in the system.
At first, I thought it was a head gasket issue, but after draining the oil, replacing the filter, and adding fresh oil, I ran the car for a full tank of gas. Then, I added engine cleaner and changed the oil again to 5W-30. However, I kept getting the P0016 error code, which pointed to a camshaft-crankshaft timing issue. Despite checking all the sensors, I couldn’t pinpoint the problem.
I decided to reach out to the company I bought the JDM engine from, and they suggested using thicker oil. After doing some research, I came across a post where a user with a similar issue on an FJ Cruiser recommended switching to 10W-30 oil. So, I added some Lucas Heavy-Duty Oil Stabilizer to the engine along with 5W-30 oil, hoping to fix the problem.
The process wasn’t easy. I cleared the error codes multiple times, let the car idle in ready mode, and revved the engine for about 60 seconds. The P0016 code popped up again, but I was determined to see this through. After clearing the codes, I went for a drive, and this time, the error didn’t come back immediately. This was a small victory, but I wasn’t in the clear just yet.
I ran some diagnostics and collected freeze frame data. Although the P0016 code eventually returned, it took significantly longer for the check engine light to come on compared to before. This tells me that I’m on the right track. My plan now is to add the rest of the Lucas oil stabilizer, check the oil levels, and possibly add a quart of 10W-30 oil to see if that helps with the timing issue.
Next, I’m going to replace the camshaft and crankshaft sensors, along with the spark plugs, to see if these components might be the cause of the problem. After all, faulty sensors could be messing with the timing and triggering the error.
I’ll update with another article once this is resolved to let you know what finally worked. Stay tuned!
