P0017 is one of those timing-related codes you don’t want to ignore. It means your engine computer sees the crankshaft and camshaft are out of sync, which can affect power, fuel economy, and even engine longevity. Sometimes it’s as simple as a bad sensor or stretched timing chain; other times it points to more serious internal wear. In this guide, you’ll learn what P0017 actually means, common symptoms and causes, how a mechanic diagnoses it, and what repairs and costs you can realistically expect.
What Does P0017 Mean?
P0017 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code defined as “Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B).” In plain language, your ECU is comparing the position of the crankshaft to the position of the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 and seeing that they don’t line up the way they should.
The engine computer uses these signals to control ignition timing and variable valve timing (VVT). When the correlation is outside the allowed range, the ECU sets P00117 and usually turns on the check engine light. If the error is severe, it may also reduce power to protect the engine.
Quick Reference
- Code: P0017
- Definition: Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation – Bank 1 Sensor B (exhaust cam)
- System: Engine timing / Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
- Severity: Moderate to serious – can lead to engine damage if ignored
- Typical causes: Stretched timing chain, jumped timing, bad cam/crank sensor, VVT issues
Real-World Example / Field Notes
In the shop, I see P0017 a lot on higher-mileage engines with timing chains. A common scenario: you come in with a rough idle, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light. The scan tool shows P0017 and maybe a few misfire codes. After verifying oil level and condition, I’ll scope the cam and crank signals or check cam phaser position with a scan tool. Often we find a stretched timing chain with worn guides, causing the exhaust cam to lag behind the crank. Replace the chain set, reset timing, clear codes, and the engine usually smooths right out.
Symptoms of P0017
- Check engine light on: The MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is usually the first obvious sign.
- Rough idle: Engine may shake or feel unstable at stoplights due to incorrect valve timing.
- Loss of power: Acceleration can feel weak, especially at low RPMs or when climbing hills.
- Poor fuel economy: Incorrect timing can cause the ECU to enrich the mixture, burning more fuel.
- Hard starting or no-start: In more severe cases, the engine may crank longer or fail to start.
- Engine noise: Rattling from the timing cover area, especially on cold start, can indicate chain or tensioner problems.
- Additional codes: You may see related VVT, cam sensor, crank sensor, or misfire codes stored with P0017.
Common Causes of P0017
Most Common Causes
- Stretched timing chain or worn belt: Over time, chains stretch and belts wear, causing the cam to fall out of sync with the crank. This is one of the top causes on high-mileage engines.
- Worn timing chain guides or tensioner: Plastic guides can crack or wear, and hydraulic tensioners can fail, allowing slack in the chain and timing drift.
- Faulty camshaft position sensor (Bank 1, Sensor B): A weak or intermittent cam sensor signal can make the ECU think timing is off when the mechanical timing is actually fine.
- Faulty crankshaft position sensor: If the crank sensor signal is distorted or dropping out, the ECU can’t accurately compare crank and cam positions.
- VVT (variable valve timing) solenoid or phaser issues: A sticking cam phaser or clogged VVT solenoid can leave the exhaust cam advanced or retarded beyond the expected range.
- Low or dirty engine oil: VVT systems rely on clean oil pressure. Sludge, low oil level, or wrong oil viscosity can prevent proper phaser movement and trigger P0017.
Less Common Causes
- Incorrect timing after engine work: If a timing chain or belt was recently replaced and the marks weren’t aligned perfectly, you can get P0017 immediately after the repair.
- Damaged reluctor ring (tone wheel): A cracked, loose, or misaligned tone wheel on the crankshaft or camshaft can throw off the position signal.
- Wiring or connector issues: Corroded, damaged, or oil-soaked connectors at the cam or crank sensors can cause intermittent signals.
- 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 properly diagnose P0017, you’ll want at least a decent scan tool that reads live data, a digital multimeter, and basic hand tools. An oscilloscope and service information (factory timing diagrams, specs) make the job much easier, but aren’t mandatory for a basic check.
- Verify the code and check for companions. Connect a scan tool, confirm P0017, and look for related codes (P0016, P0018, VVT, misfire, or oil pressure codes). Freeze-frame data shows what conditions existed when the code set.
- Inspect oil level and condition. Low, dirty, or sludged oil is a red flag. Correct oil level, and if the oil is thick or very dark, plan on an oil and filter change using the correct viscosity.
- Visual inspection of wiring and connectors. Check cam and crank sensor connectors for broken locks, corrosion, oil saturation, or chafed wiring. Repair or replace as needed.
- Check live data for cam/crank correlation. With the engine idling, look at camshaft actual vs. desired angle (if your scan tool supports it). Large deviations or unstable readings suggest mechanical or VVT problems.
- Test camshaft and crankshaft sensors. Use a multimeter or oscilloscope to verify sensor power, ground, and signal. Compare readings to service manual specs. Replace any sensor with out-of-range or unstable output.
- Evaluate VVT solenoid operation. Command the VVT solenoid on and off with a scan tool (if supported) and watch for corresponding changes in cam angle. Remove the solenoid for inspection if you suspect clogging; look for metal debris or sludge.
- Listen and look for timing chain issues. A rattling noise from the timing cover, especially on startup, suggests chain slack. On some engines you can remove inspection covers to visually check chain tension and guide condition.
- Mechanical timing verification. If data and symptoms point to timing, lock the engine at TDC and verify timing marks on the crank and cam gears or phasers. Any misalignment indicates a jumped chain/belt or incorrect previous installation.
- Check Mode $06 data (if available). Some vehicles store detailed test results for cam/crank correlation and VVT performance. Mode $06 can show marginal components before they fully fail.
- Clear codes and perform a road test. After any repair or adjustment, clear the codes and drive the vehicle through a complete warm-up and a few acceleration cycles to confirm P0017 does not return.
Pro tip: Never replace the timing chain or belt based on the code alone. Always confirm with live data, mechanical inspection, or at least strong supporting symptoms like chain rattle or known timing issues on that specific engine family.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
Repairs for P0017 range from simple sensor replacements to full timing set overhauls. Costs vary widely by vehicle, engine design, and labor rates in your area. On average, you might spend around $150–$350 for sensor or VVT solenoid work, and $800–$2,000+ for timing chain or belt repairs on more complex engines. Luxury or transverse V6/V8 engines can be higher due to extra labor. Oil-related fixes (oil change, cleaning sludge) are on the lower end, while internal timing repairs are at the top of the range.
- Engine oil and filter change: If oil is dirty or incorrect, a proper oil change with the right viscosity can sometimes restore VVT function and clear P0017.
- Repair or replace cam/crank sensors: Fix damaged wiring, clean connectors, or replace faulty sensors. This is often a relatively low-cost repair.
- Clean or replace VVT solenoid: Remove and clean the solenoid screens, or replace the solenoid if it’s sticking or electrically faulty.
- Timing chain or belt replacement: Replace the chain/belt, guides, tensioner, and related hardware if timing is off or components are worn. This is labor-intensive but often the permanent fix.
- Cam phaser replacement: If the exhaust cam phaser is stuck or noisy, replacement may be required along with a timing service.
- ECU reflash or replacement (rare): If all mechanical and sensor issues are ruled out, a software update or in rare cases ECU replacement might be needed.
Can I Still Drive With P0017?
You can usually drive for a short period with P0017, but it’s not something you should put off. If the cause is minor, like a sensor beginning to fail, the car may seem to run almost normally with just a check engine light. However, if the timing chain is stretching or a phaser is sticking, continued driving can let the timing drift further, increasing the risk of misfires, stalling, or even contact between valves and pistons on interference engines. If you notice rough running, loud rattling, or hard starting, limit driving and get it checked immediately.
What Happens If You Ignore P0017?
Ignoring P0017 can turn a manageable repair into a major engine job. As timing drifts, you risk severe misfires, catalytic converter damage, and on many engines, bent valves or piston damage if the chain or belt jumps more teeth. Fuel economy and performance will continue to drop, and you may end up stranded with a no-start condition or catastrophic engine failure.
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
- P0016 – Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A
- P0009 – Engine Position System Performance Bank 2
- 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
- P0017 means the ECU sees the crankshaft and exhaust camshaft on bank 1 out of proper alignment.
- Common causes include stretched timing chains, worn guides/tensioners, bad cam or crank sensors, and VVT system problems.
- Symptoms range from a simple check engine light to rough idle, low power, and hard starting.
- Diagnosis should start with oil condition, wiring checks, and scan tool data before jumping into major repairs.
- Repairs can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars for sensors or VVT solenoids to well over a thousand for timing chain or belt service.
- Driving long-term with P0017 is risky; addressing it early can save your engine and your wallet.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0017
P0017 shows up across many makes, but some engine families are more prone to it. You’ll often see this code on GM vehicles (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac) with 2.4L, 3.6L, and other timing-chain engines. It’s also common on certain Hyundai and Kia 4-cylinders, as well as some Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and VW/Audi models with advanced VVT systems. Many modern SUVs, crossovers, and sedans that use timing chains instead of belts can develop chain stretch or phaser issues over time, especially with extended oil change intervals.
FAQ
Can P0017 go away on its own?
Sometimes P0017 may clear temporarily if the condition is borderline, such as a slightly sticky VVT solenoid or marginal oil quality. However, if the root cause is mechanical wear or a failing sensor, the code will almost always return. It’s best to treat P0017 as a real issue that needs diagnosis, not a glitch.
Is P0017 serious enough to damage my engine?
Yes, it can be. If P0017 is caused by a stretched chain, failed tensioner, or mis-timed belt, continued driving can eventually lead to valve and piston contact on interference engines, which is catastrophic. Even if it doesn’t get that far, long-term incorrect timing can damage the catalytic converter and reduce engine life.
Can low oil cause P0017?
Low or dirty oil is a very common contributor to P0017, especially on engines that rely heavily on VVT. Without proper oil pressure and flow, the cam phasers can’t move correctly, and the ECU will see the cam out of position. Always verify oil level and condition early in the diagnosis.
How is P0017 different from P0016?
P0016 and P0017 are closely related. P0016 usually refers to the correlation between the crankshaft and the intake camshaft on bank 1 (Sensor A), while P0017 refers to the crankshaft and exhaust camshaft on bank 1 (Sensor B). The diagnosis process is similar, but you’re focusing on a different cam and sometimes a different sensor or phaser.
Can I fix P0017 myself at home?
If the cause is a bad sensor, dirty VVT solenoid, or oil-related issue, a skilled DIYer with a good scan tool and basic tools can often handle it. However, timing chain or belt repairs require more advanced skills, special tools, and precise procedures. If you’re not comfortable locking the engine at TDC and setting timing marks, it’s safer to leave that part to a professional.