Engine

P0017 — Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)

Severity: high Drive with care, to a shop

What P0017 means

The engine control module constantly compares the crankshaft position sensor signal with the camshaft position sensor signal (Bank 1, sensor B, usually the exhaust cam). If the camshaft position doesn't match what's expected relative to the crankshaft, P0017 is stored. Causes include a stretched or jumped timing chain or belt, a bad sensor, or a problem in the variable valve timing (VVT) system.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Loss of power and sluggish acceleration
  • Higher fuel consumption
  • Rattling from the timing chain, especially on cold start
  • Hard starting, or cranks but won't start
  • Occasional stalling

Possible causes

  1. Stretched or slipped timing chain or belt, worn tensioner and guides
  2. Faulty or misaligned camshaft position sensor
  3. Faulty crankshaft position sensor
  4. Stuck or failed VVT actuator or oil control valve
  5. Low, dirty, or wrong-viscosity engine oil
  6. Damaged sensor wiring or connectors, poor ground
  7. Timing marks set incorrectly during previous repair

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for all codes and freeze frame data, noting any related sensor or VVT codes
  2. Check oil level, condition, and viscosity; change it with the specified oil if needed
  3. Inspect crank and cam sensor wiring and connectors, and check power and ground
  4. Test both sensors and their signals with a scope or scan tool live data
  5. Compare commanded and actual cam angle on a scan tool and test the VVT oil control valve
  6. Listen for chain rattle on a cold start
  7. Check timing marks and chain stretch or belt condition by opening the timing cover
  8. Check the VVT actuator for play or sticking

Common fixes

  • Replace the timing chain or belt along with the tensioner and guides
  • Replace the camshaft and/or crankshaft position sensor
  • Replace the VVT oil control valve or actuator
  • Repair damaged wiring or connectors
  • Change the oil and filter using the manufacturer-specified oil

Questions and answers

What does P0017 mean?

The ECM found that Bank 1 camshaft position (sensor B) doesn't line up with the crankshaft position. Common causes are the timing chain or belt, the sensors, or the VVT system.

Can I drive with P0017?

Only briefly and to a shop. If the cause is a stretched chain or off timing, the engine can be seriously damaged or stall.

Can bad oil cause P0017?

Yes. VVT relies on oil pressure, so low, dirty, or wrong oil can trigger it. Check and change the oil first.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.