Found an LR3 on craigslist I was thinking about buying. Only issue with it seems to be a check engine light on which comes back with a code of P0016:Crankshaft position/camshaft position, bank 1 sensor A


Searching google came up with no LR3 specific results so I figured I'd ask here. What is the likelihood that the issue is just the actual sensor? Doesn't sound like too many people have had this issue. If the problem is just the sensor I'll make an offer on it but if it's something more serious like a timing chain I'll probably pass on it. The LR3 in question has 135xxx miles on it.

 

It could just be one of the sensors, crankshaft or a camshaft sensor or as you have already found out any one of;

The cam or crank circuit is open or shorted
The timing belt/chain is out of time
The cam or crank tone ring is slipped/broken
A problem in the VVT system
The PCM is faulty

What ever it is it will need more than a guess and just throwing new parts at it. There are to many variables that needs a systematic approach to trace the real fault.

 

Is there anyway I can narrow down what the issue may be?

 

Not very sure there really is, but if it was me I'd first clear the faults and do a hard reset to see if that helps. If no change then, again clear faults and check all the electrical connections to the cam and crank sensors and the variable camshaft timing ( VCT) oil solenoid at the front of both valve covers. Lastly I'd remove the sensors and test each of them with a multi-meter. Hopefully you'll find a faulty sensor that just needs replaced, otherwise it's off to your nearest V8 specialist for help.

 

Personally....I'd move on from this one and find one to buy that isn't already broken. Unless you think it's a great deal and you can feel good about the value even if you sink $1500 into a repair.

 

Sight unseen, I would assume the worst: timing chain.

For diagnostics, I would clear the fault and see how fast it comes back. If it comes back instantly, it has likely jumped time. If it takes days or weeks to return, it could be a faulty VVT solenoid.

Old dirty oil and low oil level can also contribute, but I'd like to think that stuff would have already been checked before unloading it on craigslist.

 

Did you end up buying it? If it's the one up near Sacramento, I just saw that and was asking the guy, and he said he had sold it.

Let us know what you find, as I'm curious if it is just the sensor as well.

To everyone else, it was a super clean looking LR3 for around $5k, so if it's just the sensor, he got a steal