If your OBD-II scanner displays P0017, your vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected that the crankshaft and Bank 1 “B” camshaft are no longer properly synchronized.
On most dual-overhead-cam engines, Sensor B refers to the exhaust camshaft, while Bank 1 is the side of the engine containing cylinder number one. The crankshaft controls piston movement, while the exhaust camshaft controls when the exhaust valves open and close. These components must remain precisely synchronized for the engine to operate correctly.
P0017 is commonly caused by:
- A stretched timing chain
- A jumped or incorrectly installed timing chain
- A slipped timing belt
- A failed timing-chain tensioner
- Worn or broken timing guides
- A faulty exhaust camshaft phaser
- Low or dirty engine oil
- Low engine oil pressure
- A sticking exhaust VVT solenoid
- A faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
- A shifted or damaged reluctor wheel
- Incorrect mechanical timing
P0017 should be treated seriously. Although a failed sensor or damaged wire can trigger the code, it frequently points to a mechanical timing or variable valve timing problem that may lead to severe engine damage if ignored.
Looking for more diagnostic resources? Browse our complete OBD-II libraries:
- Complete OBD-II Code Library: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-obdii/
- Body (B) Codes: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-doctor/b-code-obd-ii-codes/
- Chassis (C) Codes: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-doctor/c-code-obd-ii-codes/
P0017 Quick Facts
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| OBD-II code | P0017 |
| Official description | Crankshaft Position–Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B |
| Category | Powertrain |
| System | Mechanical engine timing and variable valve timing |
| Code type | Generic SAE powertrain code |
| Severity | High |
| Safe to drive? | Limited driving only; diagnose immediately |
| Most common causes | Stretched timing chain, failed tensioner, exhaust VVT fault |
| Typical repair cost | $150–$4,000+ |
What Does the P0017 Code Mean?
P0017 means “Crankshaft Position–Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B.”
The ECM continuously compares the electrical signals produced by the crankshaft position sensor and the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor.
The crankshaft position sensor helps the ECM determine:
- Crankshaft speed
- Engine RPM
- Piston position
- Top-dead-center reference
- Fuel-injection timing
- Ignition timing
The camshaft position sensor helps the ECM determine:
- Exhaust camshaft position
- Valve-timing position
- Which cylinder is in a particular stroke
- Variable valve timing response
- Camshaft synchronization
The ECM expects the crankshaft and exhaust camshaft signals to maintain a precise relationship. When the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft signal appears too early, too late or inconsistent relative to the crankshaft signal, the ECM stores P0017.
The timing difference may be caused by:
- Mechanical timing-chain or belt movement
- Exhaust variable valve timing failure
- Sensor signal distortion
- Reluctor-wheel movement
- Incorrect engine assembly
- Low engine-oil pressure
P0017 is closely related to:
- P0016: Crankshaft Position–Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A
- P0018: Crankshaft Position–Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor A
- P0019: Crankshaft Position–Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor B
- P0013: “B” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Bank 1
- P0014: “B” Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
- P0015: “B” Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1
- P0008: Engine Position System Performance Bank 1
What Does Sensor B Mean?
On most dual-overhead-cam engines:
- Sensor A monitors the intake camshaft.
- Sensor B monitors the exhaust camshaft.
P0017 therefore usually refers to the relationship between the crankshaft and the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft.
On some engine designs, the manufacturer may use different naming conventions. Always verify the sensor and camshaft designation using vehicle-specific service information.
Do not replace a camshaft sensor based solely on its physical position or connector location.
What Is Bank 1?
Bank 1 is the side of the engine containing cylinder number one.
On an inline four-cylinder or inline six-cylinder engine, the entire engine is Bank 1 because there is only one cylinder bank.
On V6, V8, V10 and horizontally opposed engines, Bank 1 may be located on either side.
Never assume Bank 1 is always the driver side or passenger side.
Confirm it using:
- Manufacturer service information
- A firing-order diagram
- Cylinder-numbering labels
- A professional repair database
- An engine service manual
How Crankshaft and Exhaust Camshaft Timing Works
The crankshaft converts the pistons’ up-and-down motion into rotational force.
The exhaust camshaft opens and closes the exhaust valves, allowing burned gases to leave each cylinder.
The crankshaft and camshaft are connected by a:
- Timing chain
- Timing belt
- Gear drive
- Combination of chains and gears
During normal operation:
- The intake valve opens.
- Air and fuel enter the cylinder.
- The piston compresses the mixture.
- Combustion forces the piston downward.
- The exhaust valve opens.
- The piston pushes exhaust gases out.
The exhaust valves must open and close at exactly the correct time.
If the exhaust camshaft moves too far relative to the crankshaft, the engine may experience:
- Poor combustion
- Reduced power
- Increased emissions
- Misfires
- Hard starting
- Internal engine damage
How the ECM Detects P0017
The camshaft and crankshaft position sensors monitor toothed or patterned reluctor wheels.
As each reluctor tooth or target passes the sensor, the sensor creates an electrical signal. The ECM compares the timing of these signals with a programmed reference pattern.
The ECM may store P0017 when:
- The exhaust camshaft signal is too advanced.
- The exhaust camshaft signal is too retarded.
- The correlation error exceeds a programmed limit.
- The camshaft position changes unexpectedly.
- Signal edges no longer align properly.
- The exhaust camshaft phaser cannot return to its base position.
- The sensor signal is missing or distorted.
A professional oscilloscope can display both signals simultaneously. This is commonly called a cam and crank correlation waveform.
Symptoms of the P0017 Code
Symptoms depend on how far the timing has shifted and whether the fault is mechanical, hydraulic or electrical.
Common symptoms include:
- Illuminated Check Engine Light
- Rough idle
- Engine misfires
- Poor acceleration
- Reduced engine power
- Engine hesitation
- Hard starting
- Extended cranking
- Engine stalling
- Poor fuel economy
- Increased exhaust emissions
- Timing-chain rattle
- Metallic startup noise
- Limp mode
- Failed emissions inspection
- Engine cranks but will not start
- Backfiring through the intake or exhaust
- Uneven engine operation
- Strong exhaust odor
A minor timing deviation may produce only a warning light.
A severely stretched or jumped timing chain may cause:
- Very low compression
- Severe misfires
- A no-start condition
- Bent valves
- Piston damage
- Cylinder-head damage
Common Causes of P0017
1. Stretched Timing Chain
A stretched timing chain is one of the most common causes of P0017.
The chain does not usually stretch like rubber. Instead, wear develops at the:
- Chain pins
- Bushings
- Links
- Sprocket teeth
This accumulated wear increases the chain’s effective length and changes the relationship between the crankshaft and exhaust camshaft.
Common signs include:
- Startup rattling
- Poor acceleration
- Multiple camshaft timing codes
- Extended cranking
- Excessive camshaft phase error
- Misaligned timing marks
- Excessive tensioner extension
Timing-chain wear is more likely with:
- High mileage
- Long oil-change intervals
- Low engine-oil levels
- Sludge buildup
- Incorrect oil viscosity
- Known timing-system weaknesses
2. Failed Timing-Chain Tensioner
The timing-chain tensioner keeps the chain tight.
Many tensioners use:
- Spring pressure
- Engine-oil pressure
- A mechanical locking or ratcheting system
A failed tensioner can allow the chain to become loose and alter camshaft timing.
Possible tensioner failures include:
- Weak internal spring
- Hydraulic leakage
- Internal wear
- Sludge restriction
- Mechanical collapse
- Loss of pressure after shutdown
A tensioner that loses pressure overnight often causes a brief rattling noise when the engine starts.
3. Worn or Broken Timing Guides
Timing-chain guides keep the chain aligned and prevent excessive movement.
The guides can:
- Crack
- Wear through
- Break apart
- Separate from their mounts
- Allow chain slapping
Broken guide material may fall into the oil pan and restrict the oil pickup.
This can create both a timing problem and a low-oil-pressure condition.
4. Jumped Timing Chain
A loose timing chain may jump one or more teeth on a sprocket.
This can happen because of:
- Severe chain stretch
- Failed tensioner
- Broken guides
- Low oil pressure
- Engine kickback during starting
- Improper timing-system repair
A chain that jumps one tooth may cause rough running and P0017.
A chain that jumps several teeth may cause:
- A no-start condition
- Bent exhaust valves
- Piston damage
- Cylinder-head damage
- Complete engine failure
5. Slipped or Damaged Timing Belt
On engines using a timing belt, P0017 may be caused by:
- Missing belt teeth
- Belt wear
- Failed tensioner
- Seized idler pulley
- Oil contamination
- Incorrect belt installation
- Excessive belt slack
Timing belts must be replaced at the manufacturer’s recommended interval.
A timing-belt failure on an interference engine may cause immediate internal damage.
6. Incorrect Mechanical Timing
P0017 may appear immediately after:
- Timing-chain replacement
- Timing-belt replacement
- Camshaft replacement
- Cylinder-head repair
- Camshaft phaser replacement
- Engine rebuilding
Possible installation mistakes include:
- Exhaust camshaft timing one tooth off
- Crankshaft timing mark misaligned
- Incorrect marked chain links
- Phaser installed incorrectly
- Tensioner released improperly
- Wrong locking-tool procedure
- Incorrect replacement components
- Engine rotated before timing was secured
If P0017 appears after engine work, verify mechanical timing before replacing sensors.
7. Faulty Exhaust Camshaft Phaser
The exhaust camshaft phaser changes camshaft timing using engine-oil pressure.
A failed phaser may:
- Stick advanced
- Stick retarded
- Move slowly
- Fail to return to its base position
- Leak internally
- Rattle during startup
- Develop excessive mechanical play
A phaser that does not return to the expected position may trigger P0017 even if the timing chain is correctly installed.
Related codes may include:
- P0013
- P0014
- P0015
- P0008
8. Faulty Exhaust VVT Solenoid
The exhaust VVT solenoid controls oil flow to the camshaft phaser.
A sticking or failed solenoid may cause the exhaust camshaft to remain in the wrong position.
Possible causes include:
- Sludge contamination
- Metal debris
- Clogged filter screen
- Internal electrical failure
- Sticking valve mechanism
- Restricted oil passages
- Damaged connector
An electrical actuator fault may also store P0013.
A timing-performance problem may store P0014 or P0015.
9. Low Engine Oil Level
Variable valve timing systems and hydraulic chain tensioners depend on engine oil.
Low oil may cause:
- Weak chain tension
- Delayed phaser movement
- Inconsistent camshaft position
- Startup rattling
- Low oil pressure
- Multiple VVT codes
Always check the oil level before beginning advanced diagnosis.
10. Dirty or Incorrect Engine Oil
Dirty or incorrect oil can interfere with both VVT operation and timing-chain tensioner performance.
Possible problems include:
- Sludge
- Varnish
- Carbon contamination
- Incorrect viscosity
- Fuel dilution
- Coolant contamination
- Metal particles
Oil that is too thick may move slowly through the phaser and solenoid during cold starts.
Oil that is too thin may not maintain adequate pressure in worn components.
11. Low Engine Oil Pressure
The engine-oil level may be correct while actual pressure is too low.
Possible causes include:
- Worn oil pump
- Restricted oil pickup
- Excessive bearing clearance
- Internal oil leakage
- Clogged oil passages
- Failed pressure-control valve
- Damaged oil-pump drive
Low pressure can affect:
- Timing-chain tensioners
- Exhaust camshaft phaser
- VVT solenoid operation
- Camshaft position stability
A mechanical oil-pressure test may be required.
12. Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
The Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor may produce:
- A weak signal
- Intermittent dropout
- Distorted waveform
- Incorrect switching
- No signal
Possible causes include:
- Internal sensor failure
- Connector corrosion
- Broken wiring
- Metal debris on the sensor
- Incorrect sensor clearance
- Heat damage
However, the sensor may be operating correctly and reporting a real mechanical timing fault.
Do not replace the sensor based only on P0017.
13. Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor provides the ECM’s primary engine-position reference.
A faulty crankshaft signal may be caused by:
- Internal sensor failure
- Damaged wiring
- Connector corrosion
- Incorrect air gap
- Heat damage
- Metal debris
- Excessive crankshaft movement
A crankshaft sensor fault may also cause:
- Engine stalling
- Tachometer dropout
- Extended cranking
- A no-start condition
- Additional sensor codes
14. Shifted Exhaust Camshaft Reluctor Wheel
The exhaust camshaft sensor reads a reluctor or trigger wheel mounted on the camshaft or phaser.
The reluctor may become:
- Loose
- Bent
- Cracked
- Misaligned
- Shifted on the camshaft
- Damaged during previous repairs
A shifted reluctor changes the sensor signal even if the actual valve timing remains correct.
15. Shifted Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel
A crankshaft reluctor may also move out of position.
Possible causes include:
- Loose press fit
- Crankshaft damage
- Improper assembly
- Harmonic balancer failure
- Collision damage
- Excessive crankshaft end play
A shifted crankshaft reluctor may affect several camshaft correlation codes at the same time.
16. Damaged Sensor Wiring or Connectors
Inspect the camshaft and crankshaft position sensor circuits for:
- Broken wires
- Loose connectors
- Corrosion
- Bent terminals
- Oil contamination
- Heat damage
- Harness abrasion
- Rodent damage
- Poor previous repairs
Intermittent wiring faults may appear only when the engine is hot or moving under load.
17. Faulty ECM or PCM
A failed ECM is possible but uncommon.
Before replacing the module, verify:
- Mechanical timing
- Camshaft and crankshaft signals
- Reluctor alignment
- Engine-oil pressure
- VVT operation
- Wiring continuity
- Module power and ground circuits
A replacement ECM may require:
- Programming
- VIN configuration
- Immobilizer relearning
- Camshaft variation relearning
How Serious Is the P0017 Code?
P0017 is a serious diagnostic trouble code.
It may indicate that the engine’s mechanical timing is no longer correct.
Ignoring it can lead to:
- Poor engine performance
- Increased fuel consumption
- Engine stalling
- Timing-chain failure
- Timing-belt failure
- Valve-to-piston contact
- Bent valves
- Damaged pistons
- Cylinder-head damage
- Complete engine failure
The risk is particularly high on an interference engine.
In an interference engine, the pistons and valves occupy the same physical area at different times. If timing shifts far enough, they may collide.
Can You Drive With P0017?
Limited driving may be possible if:
- The engine runs smoothly.
- No timing-system noise is present.
- Engine-oil pressure is normal.
- The Check Engine Light remains steady.
- The vehicle does not stall.
- Power remains normal.
However, continued driving is not recommended.
Stop driving immediately if you notice:
- Loud rattling from the timing cover
- Repeated startup clatter
- Severe misfires
- A flashing Check Engine Light
- Sudden power loss
- Backfiring
- Low-oil-pressure warning
- Engine stalling
- A no-start condition
If the timing chain or belt has moved, continued operation may cause catastrophic engine damage.
How to Diagnose P0017
Step 1: Scan for Additional Codes
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for related codes.
Common companion codes include:
- P0008
- P0009
- P0013
- P0014
- P0015
- P0016
- P0018
- P0019
- Camshaft sensor codes
- Crankshaft sensor codes
- Misfire codes
- Oil-pressure codes
Record:
- Freeze-frame data
- Engine speed
- Engine load
- Coolant temperature
- Oil temperature
- Commanded exhaust camshaft angle
- Actual exhaust camshaft position
- Battery voltage
Do not clear the codes before recording this information.
Step 2: Check the Engine Oil
Inspect:
- Oil level
- Oil condition
- Oil viscosity
- Sludge
- Metal particles
- Fuel contamination
- Coolant contamination
Correct low or incorrect oil before proceeding.
Fresh oil may improve a sticking VVT system, but it cannot repair a stretched chain or jumped timing belt.
Step 3: Review Maintenance and Repair History
Determine:
- When the oil was last changed
- Whether the oil level has been low
- Whether timing work was recently performed
- Whether the engine has a startup rattle
- Whether the timing belt is overdue
- Whether the engine was recently rebuilt
- Whether the exhaust camshaft phaser was replaced
A code appearing immediately after timing work strongly suggests an installation problem.
Step 4: Listen for Timing-System Noise
Start the engine when cold and listen near the timing cover.
Warning sounds include:
- Brief startup rattle
- Continuous chain slapping
- Metallic ticking
- Scraping
- Noise that increases with RPM
Cold-start rattling often points toward:
- Timing-chain slack
- Tensioner drain-down
- Worn guides
- Exhaust camshaft phaser failure
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from moving engine components.
Step 5: Inspect Sensor Wiring and Connectors
Inspect the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft and crankshaft sensor circuits.
Look for:
- Broken wires
- Loose connectors
- Corrosion
- Bent pins
- Oil contamination
- Heat damage
- Harness abrasion
- Previous repairs
Repair electrical faults before disassembling the timing system.
Step 6: Test the Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor
Depending on the sensor design, test:
- Power supply
- Ground
- Signal voltage
- Signal frequency
- Signal waveform
- Circuit continuity
Hall-effect sensors typically require:
- A reference voltage
- Ground
- A digital signal circuit
Magnetic sensors may generate their own AC voltage.
Use vehicle-specific specifications.
Step 7: Test the Crankshaft Position Sensor
Perform similar testing on the crankshaft position sensor.
Inspect:
- Sensor resistance when applicable
- Signal voltage
- Signal waveform
- Power and ground
- Connector condition
- Sensor air gap
An oscilloscope is often the best tool for finding intermittent signal dropout.
Step 8: Compare Camshaft and Crankshaft Waveforms
Connect an oscilloscope to the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor.
Compare the signals with a known-good waveform.
This may identify:
- Stretched timing chain
- Incorrect mechanical timing
- Shifted reluctor
- Sensor dropout
- Excessive camshaft movement
- Wiring interference
Waveform correlation can sometimes confirm a mechanical timing fault without removing the timing cover.
Step 9: Monitor Exhaust Camshaft Position Data
Use a capable scan tool to compare:
- Commanded exhaust camshaft angle
- Actual exhaust camshaft angle
- Camshaft phase error
- Exhaust VVT solenoid duty cycle
- Camshaft response time
An exhaust camshaft that remains consistently advanced or retarded may indicate:
- Mechanical timing error
- Chain stretch
- Sticking phaser
- Restricted oil passage
- Low engine-oil pressure
Step 10: Test the Exhaust VVT Solenoid
Inspect and test the Bank 1 exhaust VVT solenoid.
Testing may include:
- Resistance measurement
- Power-supply testing
- ECM control testing
- Current measurement
- Bidirectional scan-tool activation
- Inspection for sludge or debris
If the electrical circuit works but the camshaft does not move correctly, suspect a hydraulic or mechanical problem.
Step 11: Remove and Inspect the VVT Solenoid
Remove the solenoid according to the service procedure.
Inspect for:
- Sludge
- Metal debris
- Clogged screens
- Varnish
- Damaged O-rings
- Sticking valve movement
- Physical damage
Heavy metal contamination may indicate timing-chain, phaser or internal engine wear.
Cleaning may help a lightly contaminated solenoid, but replacement is often more reliable.
Step 12: Check Engine Oil Pressure
Install a mechanical oil-pressure gauge if low pressure is suspected.
Measure pressure at:
- Cold idle
- Warm idle
- Increased engine speed
Compare the readings with factory specifications.
Do not assume oil pressure is normal simply because the dashboard warning light remains off.
Step 13: Verify Mechanical Timing
If scan data or waveform testing suggests a timing fault, inspect the mechanical timing system.
This may require removing:
- Valve covers
- Timing covers
- Front-engine accessories
- Engine mounts
- Camshaft access plugs
Position the engine at top dead center and compare all timing marks with factory specifications.
Inspect:
- Timing-chain slack
- Timing-belt alignment
- Chain tensioner extension
- Guide condition
- Sprocket wear
- Exhaust camshaft phaser position
- Crankshaft alignment
- Camshaft alignment
Special camshaft and crankshaft locking tools may be required.
Step 14: Inspect the Reluctor Wheels
If mechanical timing is correct but correlation remains wrong, inspect the camshaft and crankshaft reluctors.
Look for:
- Shifted position
- Cracks
- Bent teeth
- Missing segments
- Loose mounting
- Damage from previous repairs
Some reluctors are press-fit and may require replacement of the camshaft, phaser or crankshaft if they move.
Step 15: Check Technical Service Bulletins
Some engines have known problems involving:
- Timing-chain stretch
- Revised tensioners
- Updated exhaust camshaft phasers
- Reluctor-wheel movement
- Updated engine-oil specifications
- ECM software
- Extended warranty coverage
- Revised diagnostic procedures
Review manufacturer service information before beginning major repairs.
Step 16: Verify the Repair
After repairs:
- Clear all stored codes.
- Start the engine from cold.
- Listen for abnormal timing-system noise.
- Monitor camshaft and crankshaft synchronization.
- Compare commanded and actual exhaust camshaft position.
- Complete the manufacturer’s drive cycle.
- Rescan for pending codes.
- Restart the engine several times.
A successful repair should restore proper correlation and prevent P0017 from returning.
Common P0017 Repairs and Costs
| Repair | Estimated cost |
| Diagnostic inspection | $100–$300 |
| Engine oil and filter change | $60–$180 |
| Repair sensor wiring | $100–$500 |
| Replace exhaust camshaft position sensor | $150–$450 |
| Replace crankshaft position sensor | $175–$500 |
| Replace exhaust VVT solenoid | $150–$500 |
| Replace exhaust camshaft phaser | $600–$1,800 |
| Replace timing-belt kit | $700–$2,000 |
| Replace timing-chain tensioner | $500–$1,500 |
| Replace timing chain, guides and tensioners | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Repair cylinder-head damage | $2,500–$6,000+ |
| Replace engine | $4,000–$12,000+ |
| ECM software update | $100–$300 |
| Replace and program ECM | $1,000–$2,500+ |
Repair cost depends on:
- Engine design
- Component accessibility
- Number of timing chains
- Whether valve damage occurred
- Whether additional timing components require replacement
A relatively inexpensive sensor fault should never be assumed until the mechanical timing system has been evaluated.
Common Diagnostic Mistakes
Replacing the Exhaust Camshaft Sensor Immediately
P0017 does not automatically mean the exhaust camshaft position sensor has failed.
The sensor may be accurately reporting that the camshaft is out of time.
Replacing the Crankshaft Sensor Without Testing It
Replacing the crankshaft sensor without checking timing correlation may waste time and money.
Ignoring Timing-Chain Noise
Startup rattle is an important diagnostic clue.
It may indicate:
- Chain stretch
- Tensioner failure
- Guide wear
- Exhaust phaser failure
Ignoring the noise can lead to severe engine damage.
Assuming Fresh Oil Will Repair Mechanical Wear
An oil change may improve a sticking VVT solenoid or hydraulic phaser.
It cannot repair:
- A stretched timing chain
- Missing timing-belt teeth
- Broken timing guides
- A failed tensioner
- A shifted reluctor
- Incorrect mechanical timing
Confusing Sensor A and Sensor B
Sensor A usually refers to the intake camshaft.
Sensor B usually refers to the exhaust camshaft.
Always confirm manufacturer terminology.
Confusing Bank 1 and Bank 2
Bank 1 is the side containing cylinder number one.
It is not always located on the same side of every engine.
Ignoring Recent Timing Repairs
If P0017 appears immediately after timing-chain, timing-belt, camshaft phaser or cylinder-head work, verify the installation first.
Skipping Oil-Pressure Testing
Low oil pressure can affect both the exhaust camshaft phaser and timing-chain tensioner.
A correct oil level does not guarantee adequate oil pressure.
Failing to Inspect the Reluctor Wheel
A shifted reluctor may create a persistent correlation code even when the mechanical timing marks align.
Replacing the ECM Too Early
ECM failure is far less common than:
- Timing-chain wear
- Incorrect mechanical timing
- VVT faults
- Sensor problems
- Wiring damage
- Reluctor movement
Test the complete system before replacing the ECM.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0017
P0017 can appear on nearly any OBD-II vehicle equipped with separate camshaft and crankshaft position sensors.
Potentially affected manufacturers include:
- Chevrolet
- GMC
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Ford
- Lincoln
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Jeep
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Honda
- Acura
- Nissan
- Infiniti
- Hyundai
- Kia
- BMW
- Mini
- Mercedes-Benz
- Volkswagen
- Audi
- Mazda
- Subaru
- Volvo
- Mitsubishi
- Suzuki
P0017 is commonly associated with engines using:
- Timing chains
- Hydraulic chain tensioners
- Dual-overhead camshafts
- Exhaust variable valve timing
- Oil-controlled camshaft phasers
- Press-fit reluctor wheels
The code alone does not prove that a specific model has a known defect.
Diagnosis must be based on the exact year, make, model, engine and maintenance history.
How to Prevent P0017
Helpful preventive measures include:
- Check the engine oil regularly.
- Use the manufacturer-specified oil viscosity.
- Change the oil and filter on schedule.
- Avoid extended oil-change intervals.
- Use a quality oil filter.
- Repair oil leaks promptly.
- Investigate excessive oil consumption.
- Replace timing belts at the required interval.
- Address startup rattles immediately.
- Diagnose low-oil-pressure warnings promptly.
- Use complete timing-component kits when appropriate.
- Follow exact mechanical timing procedures.
- Use required camshaft and crankshaft locking tools.
- Replace one-time-use bolts and seals.
- Verify timing marks before starting the engine after repairs.
- Investigate camshaft actuator codes before chain wear worsens.
Good oil maintenance is particularly important on engines using hydraulic tensioners and oil-controlled exhaust camshaft phasers.
Frequently Asked Questions About P0017
What does code P0017 mean?
P0017 means the ECM has detected that the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft and crankshaft are not properly synchronized.
Is Sensor B the exhaust camshaft?
On most engines, yes.
Sensor B usually refers to the exhaust camshaft, while Sensor A usually refers to the intake camshaft.
Which side is Bank 1?
Bank 1 is the side of the engine containing cylinder number one.
On an inline engine, the entire engine is Bank 1.
Is P0017 usually caused by a timing chain?
A stretched or jumped timing chain is one of the most common causes.
However, the code may also be caused by:
- A damaged timing belt
- Exhaust VVT problems
- Sensor faults
- Wiring damage
- A shifted reluctor wheel
Can low oil cause P0017?
Yes. Low oil can reduce pressure to the timing-chain tensioner and exhaust camshaft phaser.
Can dirty oil cause P0017?
Yes. Dirty oil may restrict the exhaust VVT solenoid, camshaft phaser or timing-chain tensioner.
Can the wrong oil viscosity cause P0017?
Yes. Incorrect oil viscosity can affect VVT response and hydraulic timing-chain tensioner operation.
Can a bad exhaust camshaft sensor cause P0017?
Yes, but the sensor should be tested before replacement.
It may be accurately reporting an actual mechanical timing problem.
Can a bad crankshaft sensor cause P0017?
Yes. A distorted or intermittent crankshaft signal may cause an incorrect correlation reading.
Can a bad exhaust VVT solenoid cause P0017?
Yes. A sticking solenoid may prevent the exhaust camshaft from reaching its expected position.
Can a bad camshaft phaser cause P0017?
Yes. A worn or sticking exhaust camshaft phaser may remain advanced or retarded and trigger a correlation fault.
Can a shifted reluctor wheel cause P0017?
Yes. A shifted camshaft or crankshaft reluctor can alter the sensor signal even when mechanical timing appears correct.
Can I drive with P0017?
Limited driving may be possible if the engine runs normally and makes no unusual noise.
However, continued driving is risky because the code may indicate a loose or jumped timing chain.
Can P0017 cause rough idle?
Yes. Incorrect exhaust camshaft timing can cause rough idle, misfires and reduced performance.
Can P0017 cause a no-start condition?
Yes. If the timing chain or belt moves far enough, the engine may crank but fail to start.
Will an oil change fix P0017?
It may help if the problem is caused by dirty oil or a sticking exhaust VVT component.
It will not repair a stretched chain, damaged belt, broken guide, failed tensioner or shifted reluctor.
Does P0017 mean the engine is damaged?
Not necessarily.
However, continuing to operate the engine with incorrect timing may lead to internal damage, especially on an interference engine.
How much does it cost to fix P0017?
A sensor, wiring or VVT solenoid repair may cost a few hundred dollars.
A timing-chain repair may cost approximately $1,200 to $4,000 or more.
If valves or pistons are damaged, repairs can exceed $5,000.
Will clearing P0017 fix the vehicle?
No. Clearing the code only removes the warning temporarily.
The code will return if the correlation fault remains.
Will P0017 fail an emissions test?
Yes. An active Check Engine Light or emissions-related powertrain code will generally cause an OBD-based emissions inspection failure.
Final Thoughts
The P0017 code means the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft and crankshaft are no longer properly synchronized.
The most common causes include:
- A stretched or jumped timing chain
- A damaged or incorrectly installed timing belt
- A failed timing-chain tensioner
- Worn timing guides
- Low or dirty engine oil
- Low engine-oil pressure
- A sticking exhaust VVT solenoid
- A failed exhaust camshaft phaser
- A faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor
- A shifted reluctor wheel
- Incorrect mechanical timing
Begin diagnosis by checking the engine-oil level and condition, scanning for related codes and listening carefully for timing-chain noise.
Inspect the sensor wiring and compare the camshaft and crankshaft signals. If the signals indicate a genuine correlation error, verify oil pressure, exhaust VVT operation and mechanical timing before replacing sensors or the ECM.
P0017 should be diagnosed promptly. Addressing it early may prevent a manageable VVT or timing-system repair from becoming a complete engine replacement.
For more diagnostic guides, browse our growing OBD-II libraries:
- Complete OBD-II Code Library: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-obdii/
- Body (B) Codes: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-doctor/b-code-obd-ii-codes/
- Chassis (C) Codes: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-doctor/c-code-obd-ii-codes/
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