What do P0300 and P0016 together mean?

In the cited Ford documents, P0300 is “Random Misfire Detected,” while P0016 describes a crankshaft/camshaft position correlation concern for Bank 1 Sensor A [S1][S2]. Together, the codes report two detected conditions. They do not establish whether one caused the other, identify a failed part, or determine a repair.

Those definitions come from older Ford documents, so they are not a universal interpretation for every vehicle. Ask a qualified technician to confirm the applicable definitions and service information for your exact vehicle. Don’t treat the codes as instructions to attempt mechanical timing work.

Note the year, make, model, and engine, if known. Copy each code exactly as displayed, including the scanner’s description and status, and list any other codes. If freeze-frame information is available, save or share it with the technician. Mark anything you don’t know as unknown rather than guessing.

Describe what you observed and when—for example, whether the engine felt rough, when a warning appeared, and whether the behavior was present during the scan. Keep observations separate from guesses about the cause. The cited Ford documents don’t diagnose your vehicle or establish its urgency; that requires its applicable service information and assessment of its actual symptoms [S1][S2].

You can copy and complete this template:

“Please assess codes reported by my scanner: P0300 [scanner description and status] and P0016 [scanner description and status]. Vehicle: [year], [make], [model], [engine]. Other codes: [list or ‘none shown’]. Available freeze-frame information: [attach or list it]. Observed behavior: [what happened, when, and whether it was happening during the scan]. Please confirm the applicable manufacturer definitions and explain what vehicle-specific diagnostic checks are appropriate before recommending a repair.”

If a field is unknown, say so. This helps keep reported information separate from possible explanations.

The code pair alone does not establish how urgent the situation is or whether it is safe to continue using the vehicle. Tell a qualified professional about any symptoms you are experiencing, and consult the vehicle’s manual for instructions related to its warning indicators. If you are unsure what to do next, ask a professional before driving further. Don’t attempt hazardous tests or disable emissions or warning systems.

Before approving a repair, ask which findings support the proposed work, how those findings relate to both codes, and what vehicle-specific service information applies. If the findings do not yet point to a cause, ask what additional diagnosis is needed. A code is a clue, not proof that a particular component has failed [S1][S2].