P0009 is one of those timing codes that can make any driver nervous, and for good reason. It points to a problem with how your engine’s crankshaft and camshaft timing line up, which directly affects power, fuel economy, and long-term engine health. In this guide, you’ll learn what P0009 actually means, the most common causes, what symptoms to watch for, and how a mechanic would diagnose and repair it. You’ll also get realistic repair cost ranges and tips to help you decide whether you should keep driving or park it.
What Does P0009 Mean?
P0009 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that stands for “Engine Position System Performance Bank 2.” In plain language, your engine computer (ECU) has detected that the relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft on bank 2 is not where it should be. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder 1 on V6 and V8 engines.
This code is most often associated with engines that use a timing chain and variable valve timing (VVT). When the ECU compares the crankshaft and camshaft sensor signals and they’re out of the expected range, it sets P0009 and usually turns on the check engine light.
Quick Reference
- Code: P0009 – Engine Position System Performance Bank 2
- Type: Timing / correlation fault (crank vs. cam on bank 2)
- Severity: Moderate to severe – can lead to engine damage if ignored
- Common on: GM/Holden V6, some Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Isuzu, and other chain-driven engines
- Typical causes: Stretched timing chain, worn guides, faulty cam/crank sensor, VVT issues
Real-World Example / Field Notes
In the shop, I most often see P0009 on higher-mileage V6 engines that use a timing chain, especially GM 3.6L engines. A typical case: the customer complains of rough idle, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light. Scan tool shows P0009 along with a couple of camshaft position codes. On teardown, the timing chain is stretched, guides are worn, and the chain tensioner is near its limit. Once the timing set is replaced and the phasers are verified, the code and drivability issues are gone. The key pattern: lack of oil changes or using the wrong oil often shows up in the history.
Symptoms of P0009
- Check engine light – P0009 usually sets a MIL and may store related timing codes.
- Rough idle – The engine may shake or feel unstable at stoplights due to incorrect valve timing.
- Loss of power – Sluggish acceleration, especially at low RPM, as the ECU pulls timing to protect the engine.
- Poor fuel economy – Incorrect cam timing reduces efficiency and can increase fuel consumption.
- Hard starting – Extended crank time or intermittent no-start when timing correlation is far off.
- Engine noise – Rattling or clattering from the timing chain area, especially on cold start.
- Stalling or hesitation – The engine may stumble, surge, or even stall at idle or low speeds.
- Other timing codes – Codes like P0008, P0016–P0019 often appear along with P0009.
Common Causes of P0009
Most Common Causes
- Stretched timing chain – Over time, especially with poor oil maintenance, the timing chain can stretch. This changes the relationship between the crankshaft and camshaft, triggering P0009.
- Worn timing chain guides or tensioner – Plastic guides can wear or break, and hydraulic tensioners can stick or lose pressure, allowing the chain to slack and jump out of spec.
- Variable valve timing (VVT) phaser issues – A sticking or worn cam phaser on bank 2 can cause the camshaft to be advanced or retarded beyond the expected range.
- Low or dirty engine oil – VVT systems and chain tensioners rely on clean oil at the proper pressure. Old, sludged, or low oil can cause timing components to malfunction.
- Incorrect timing after engine work – If the timing chain was removed and reinstalled incorrectly (off a tooth or more), the ECU will see the misalignment and set P0009.
Less Common Causes
- Faulty camshaft position sensor (bank 2) – A failing sensor can send incorrect timing signals to the ECU, mimicking a real mechanical timing issue.
- Faulty crankshaft position sensor – If the crank signal is unstable or inaccurate, the ECU cannot correctly compare crank and cam positions.
- Damaged tone ring/reluctor wheel – Bent, cracked, or misaligned reluctor wheels on the crank or cam can distort the sensor signal.
- Wiring or connector problems – Corroded connectors, damaged harnesses, or poor grounds for the cam/crank sensors can create intermittent timing correlation faults.
- ECU software or internal fault – Rare, but sometimes a reflash or, in extreme cases, ECU replacement is needed after all mechanical and sensor issues are ruled out.
Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide
To diagnose P0009 correctly, you’ll want a quality scan tool with live data, a digital multimeter, basic hand tools, and ideally access to factory service information. A mechanic may also use an oscilloscope and Mode $06 data to see detailed sensor performance and correlation values.
- Confirm the code and check for companions
Connect a scan tool and read all stored and pending codes. Note if P0008, P0016–P0019, or oil pressure codes are present. Freeze-frame data (RPM, load, temperature) helps you see when the fault occurred. - Inspect oil level and condition
Check the dipstick. If oil is low, thick, or very dark with sludge, that’s a red flag for VVT and chain problems. Correct the oil level and consider an oil and filter change with the correct viscosity. - Listen for timing chain noise
Start the engine and listen near the front timing cover. Rattling on cold start that quiets down warm is often a sign of a stretched chain or weak tensioner. - Check live data for cam/crank correlation
Use the scan tool to monitor camshaft angle for bank 2 and compare it to bank 1 and the specified value. Large deviations, especially at idle, suggest a mechanical timing issue or phaser problem. - Inspect cam and crank sensors and wiring
Visually inspect connectors for corrosion, broken locks, or oil intrusion. Check harness routing for chafing. Use a multimeter to verify reference voltage, ground, and signal where applicable. - Review Mode $06 data if available
Some ECUs store detailed timing correlation test results in Mode $06. Reviewing these can confirm whether the ECU is seeing out-of-range timing on bank 2 consistently. - Perform mechanical timing verification
If data points to a mechanical issue, the timing cover may need to be removed. Rotate the engine to TDC and verify that timing marks on the crank and cam sprockets align to factory specs. Any misalignment indicates chain stretch, jumped timing, or incorrect installation. - Test VVT solenoids and oil passages
On engines with VVT solenoids for each bank, test the bank 2 solenoid for proper resistance and operation. Check for oil sludge blocking screens or passages. Some solenoids can be commanded on/off with a scan tool to see if the cam angle responds. - Recheck after repairs
Once any repairs are made, clear the codes, perform a cold start, and road test under similar conditions to the freeze-frame data. Watch live cam/crank data to confirm the timing stays within spec and that P0009 does not return.
Pro tip: Don’t throw cam or crank sensors at P0009 without confirming timing. On many engines, the root cause is a worn timing chain set, not the sensors. Replacing sensors alone may temporarily mask the issue but won’t fix the underlying mechanical problem.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
The repair for P0009 depends on whether the issue is mechanical (timing components) or electrical (sensors, wiring). In many real-world cases, especially on high-mileage chain-driven engines, you’re looking at timing chain replacement.
- Oil and filter change, cleaning VVT solenoids: $80–$250, if the problem is minor oil-related sticking and caught early.
- Replace camshaft or crankshaft position sensor: $150–$450 parts and labor, depending on access and vehicle type.
- Replace VVT solenoid or cam phaser (bank 2): $250–$900, higher if the phaser requires significant disassembly.
- Timing chain set replacement (chains, guides, tensioners): $900–$2,500 or more, depending on engine layout and labor hours. Some transverse V6 engines are especially labor-intensive.
- ECU reflash or replacement: $150–$1,000+, but this is rare and usually only after all mechanical causes are ruled out.
Typical repair cost ranges for P0009 run from a few hundred dollars for sensor or solenoid issues up to a couple of thousand dollars for full timing chain service. Factors that affect cost include engine design (V6 vs. V8, transverse vs. longitudinal), labor rates in your area, parts quality (OEM vs. aftermarket), and whether additional components like water pump or seals are replaced while the engine is open.
Can I Still Drive With P0009?
You can often still drive with P0009 for a short period, but it’s not a good idea to ignore it. If the cause is a slightly stretched chain or a sticky VVT system, the ECU may compensate to a point, but you’ll notice reduced performance and fuel economy. If the chain jumps further or a guide fails, you risk serious internal damage, especially on interference engines where valves can contact pistons. If you hear rattling from the timing area, avoid hard acceleration and long trips, and schedule diagnosis as soon as possible.
What Happens If You Ignore P0009?
Ignoring P0009 can turn a manageable repair into a major engine failure. Continued driving with incorrect timing can cause misfires, overheating, and in severe cases, bent valves or damaged pistons if the timing chain jumps. You’ll also burn more fuel and may fail emissions testing. Addressing the issue early usually costs less than waiting until the engine starts making loud noises or loses compression.
Related Codes
- P0027 – Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1
- P0026 – Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1
- P0019 – Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor B
- P0018 – Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor A
- P0017 – Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B
- P0016 – Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A
- P0008 – Engine Position System Performance Bank 1
- P0007 – Fuel Shutoff Valve “A” Control Circuit High
- P0006 – Fuel Shutoff Valve “A” Control Circuit Low
- P0005 – Fuel Shutoff Valve “A” Control Circuit/Open
Key Takeaways
- P0009 means the ECU has detected incorrect crank-to-cam timing on bank 2, usually on a chain-driven, VVT-equipped engine.
- Common causes include stretched timing chains, worn guides or tensioners, VVT phaser issues, and poor oil maintenance.
- Symptoms range from a simple check engine light to rough idle, rattling noises, hard starting, and noticeable loss of power.
- Diagnosis requires more than just reading the code – live data, oil inspection, and sometimes mechanical timing verification are essential.
- Repairs can cost from a few hundred dollars (sensors/solenoids) to a couple thousand (full timing chain service).
- Driving long-term with P0009 risks serious engine damage; early diagnosis saves money and protects your engine.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0009
P0009 is most frequently seen on vehicles with chain-driven V6 and V8 engines, especially those with variable valve timing. It’s particularly common on:
- GM / Chevrolet / GMC / Cadillac 3.6L V6 and some V8 engines (Acadia, Traverse, Equinox, CTS, SRX, Colorado, etc.).
- Holden / Opel variants using the same GM V6 architecture.
- Isuzu and Suzuki models that share GM-sourced engines.
- Other manufacturers using complex timing chain and VVT systems, though less frequently than GM-family engines.
High mileage, extended oil change intervals, and heavy city driving tend to increase the likelihood of P0009 on these platforms.
FAQ
Can I clear P0009 and keep driving if the car seems fine?
You can clear the code, but if the underlying issue isn’t fixed, P0009 will usually return. The car might feel fine now, but timing problems often get worse with time. Use clearing the code only as part of diagnosis or to verify a repair, not as a long-term solution.
Is P0009 always caused by a bad timing chain?
No. While a stretched or worn timing chain is a very common cause, P0009 can also be triggered by faulty cam or crank sensors, VVT solenoid or phaser problems, low oil pressure, or wiring issues. A proper diagnosis is important before replacing major components.
How serious is P0009 compared to other check engine light codes?
P0009 is more serious than many emissions-only codes. It directly involves engine timing, which affects performance and internal engine safety. It might not require a tow immediately in all cases, but it should be diagnosed and repaired sooner rather than later to avoid costly damage.
Can low oil cause P0009?
Yes, low or dirty oil can absolutely contribute to P0009. VVT phasers, chain tensioners, and solenoids rely on proper oil pressure and cleanliness. If oil is neglected, these parts can stick or fail, leading to timing correlation issues. Always verify oil level and condition early in the diagnostic process.
Do I need to replace both banks’ timing components if only P0009 is set?
On high-mileage engines, it’s usually smart to replace the full timing set on both banks, even if only bank 2 is setting a code. The parts wear together, and doing everything at once saves labor and reduces the chance you’ll be back in there soon for the other side. Your mechanic can advise based on engine condition and budget.