2007 Prius with recurring p0016 code. Could use advice

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Jesse Goldman, Nov 16, 2025 at 2:18 PM.

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  1. Jesse Goldman

    Jesse Goldman Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Springfield MA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Prius 2007, 170k mi

    So i was getting this p0016 code since the beginning of this year, i took it to a hybrid shop who seem to know Prius very well, and I believe what they did was they replaced my VVT valve, cleaned the throttle plate and the mass airflow sensor. The code went away for a while, and now its come back. Its possible that if I clear it, it will go away again, but idk. Now the engine is making a strange noise that i've never heard before -- as if its revving up to high rpm for short bursts even when at really low speed / cruising.

    I know that this code indicates something with crankshaft / timing chain or something, but I guess this mechanic didn't seem to think that was the issue. I attached a few texts from this shop and I'm curious if you guys think this is sound advice. They seem pretty good and I'd like to take the car back to them, as I dont know any other hybrid mechanics in my area.

    Could definitely use some advice on this one. I've been doing some simple maintenance and repairs on this car as a beginner (oil changes, coolant change, swapped my AC compressor) but I'm definitely not equipped to do any engine work. So thats why I'm looking to have a specialist figure this code out. I really just have no idea what is going on when it comes to the engine, "crankcase," etc.

    Photos attached below:

    upload_2025-11-16_14-16-57.jpeg

    upload_2025-11-16_14-17-26.jpeg
     
    #1 Jesse Goldman, Nov 16, 2025 at 2:18 PM
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    If I were working on it I'd follow up with an engine flush product while doing the next oil change and use a camera to decide if there's any basis to a dirty engine claim. Did car go long periods of time without an oil change?

    Then I'd study up on how often swapping the sensors associated with those error codes solves the problem / confirm the sensors are not the problem.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Nov 16, 2025 at 5:29 PM
  3. highmilesgarage

    highmilesgarage Active Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Touring
    I got this same code (P0016) on the very first Prius I've owned (still alive and kicking today) That's the code for stretched timing chain which is a common issue for Prius. The cloyes kit is around $100 in RockAuto. The vvt solenoid will trigger a different code (not P0016) and sometimes cleaning them will work. Typically the stretched timing chain is caused by not changing oil at the proper interval. If the shop replaced the vvt solenoid due to p0016 then they're shooting in the dark (and wasted your money)
     
    #3 highmilesgarage, Nov 16, 2025 at 8:57 PM
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2025 at 9:06 PM
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  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Two
    Can a timing chain stretch so much from lack of oil changes / loss of oil to cause a misfire code? I got someone who could potentially have that problem...
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Nov 16, 2025 at 10:34 PM
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