Starting this thread to document my experience with the P0016 and P0018 codes. There isn't much information out there on this code combo, or at least resolved cases. Found a few threads where people had issues but the final fix was never posted. I'll follow up on the diagnosis and eventual fix once it's been resolved (hopefully sooner than later!).
Vehicle info:
-2005 4Runner Sport V8 (VVTi)
-135k miles, oil change @ approx 133k, timing belt done @ 100k, all other maintenance up to date
-Truck has never had any sort of engine issues or check engine lights except for the 'air injection system'.
CEL event info:
-Out running weekend errands, had been to a couple places and was pulling onto highway when dash lit up.
-CEL, VSC off all popped on SOLID.
-Pulled over on shoulder and turned off truck. Hooked up the scan tool and got:
P0016-(Bank 1 Sensor 'A')
Crankshaft Position-Camshaft Position Correlation
P0018-(Bank 2 Sensor 'A')
Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation
I did a quick search and found out what the codes were. I fired the truck back up and listened for any irregularities in sound, checked RPMs, etc. The truck was idling as normal, no performance lags or limited power. Luckily I was within a mile of my mechanic who also did my timing belt job so I drove it straight there. There was zero change in the way the truck drives and no power loss. As he was busy on Saturday I dropped if off later that day after picking up my girlfriend's car and he'll be checking it out this morning.
I should mention I also erased the codes using the scantool and they did not come back on until about 5 seconds after I fired up the truck the second time AFTER the reset. In other words: I erased the codes. Turned truck on and drove it - zero lights on dash. I then shut off the truck and turned it back on and after 5 seconds, dash lit up.
Here are the other threads I found on this issue:
P0016
P0016 on V6
V8
The only thing I didn't do which I probably should have was to pull the battery cable and reset the truck (not 100% sure if this is different than resetting the codes but I feel like it is). The fact that I have an interference engine AND both banks threw the code lead me to believe it's not just a sensor issue but it was running normally hence my confusion. Either way those factors led me to play it safe so I'll hopefully have some more info and a happy conclusion soon.
**
Update:
Taking the truck over to High Tech
@
Scott@Hightech
as I really trust their mechanics and their ability to diagnose potential VVTi issues. I'm leaning towards it being the mechanical timing since it seems to be running just fine and both banks are registering faults. I had the mechanic who did the timing belt at least do an oil change to rule out oil or sludge issues (even though I highly doubt that was the cause)
**High Tech UPDATE**
Looks like timing belt skipped a tooth or two due to faulty/failing belt tensioner. Serpentine belt (unrelated) was also in pretty rough shape so replacing that as well. Another unrelated item is very worn SPC (light racing) UCA ball joints have a lot of play. Not too happy about this but I ordered 2 new ones from Wheelers and will swap them in when they arrive. I only had about 6000 miles and 6 months on them...VERY disappointed. I'll give them one last shot and see how these ones fare...otherwise I'll upgrade to some uniballs down the road.
**FINAL FIX UPDATE**
High Tech came through and set the timing back up. Timing belt had skipped a tooth. Scott replaced the belt tensioner and put on a new serpentine belt (old one was showing some wear).
Big thanks to Scott and Matt at High Tech. Truck is running better than ever!
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HokieRunner 2005 4Runner Sport Edition V8 4x4 Silver
Build Thread
Radflo 2.5 F 700#/R 220# / Desert Racing Uniball UCA / 285/70/17 Duratrac on 17x8 Konig Six Shooter / RCI Full Skids / BAMF LCA Skid / Shrockworks 3 Hoop Bumper / Custom WhiteKnuckle Sliders / Custom WMW Roof rack / CVJ Reman'd Axles / 06+ Facelift / Custom sound system / AIP Bypass / LED Gauges,Dash,Interior / Wiring, aux. lighting, dual battery, custom cargo box in progress...