The module sees a higher voltage on the control circuit of engine mount A than it should for the commanded state, usually a short to a supply line or a failed actuator input. The mount can then no longer be switched or driven as intended. Ford lists P0A16 in its 2020 to 2023 gasoline OBD summary under the active mount circuit check, matured after about 5 seconds once the driver reports the fault; mount B uses P0AB8. On Honda's active control engine mounts, such as the 2008 Pilot V6, P0A16 belongs to the front mount actuator and P0AB8 to the rear one. A Ford patent shows the mounts are toggled between soft and firm, so a fault means either harsh idle or more movement. See P0A14 and P0A15.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
Symptoms
- Harsh idle or more engine movement on take-off
- Warning light, depending on manufacturer
- Vibration during cylinder deactivation
Most likely causes
- Control wire shorted to a battery or ignition supply
- Mount actuator or solenoid failed with an open low side
- Driver stage in the engine or mount control unit damaged
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
What each character of P0A16 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- A: Hybrid or air and fuel
- 16: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0A16?
If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
What causes code P0A16?
The most common causes are: control wire shorted to a battery or ignition supply; mount actuator or solenoid failed with an open low side; driver stage in the engine or mount control unit damaged.
Related codes
- P0A14Engine Mount A Control Circuit/Open
- P0A15Engine Mount A Control Circuit Low
- P0AB8Engine Mount B Control Circuit High
- P0AB6Engine Mount B Control Circuit/Open
Sources
- fordservicecontent.com: OBD Operations Summary Gasoline 2020 2023
- fenderbender.com: dont believe everything you think
- patents.google.com: en
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.