Stretched, worn or slipped timing chain or belt, or worn tensioner and guides; Low, dirty or incorrect grade engine oil affecting the variable valve timing actuator; Faulty or sticking exhaust camshaft phaser or its control solenoid; Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, or a damaged reluctor or trigger wheel; Wiring or connector fault in the sensor or solenoid circuits, such as chafing, corrosion or high resistance; Timing set incorrectly after previous engine work; Outdated engine control unit calibration where the manufacturer has issued an update for this fault.

P0017

Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
High severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
0: AreaFuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
17: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0017 is the generic code for a crankshaft to camshaft position correlation fault on Bank 1, Sensor B, which is normally the exhaust camshaft. The engine control unit compares the exhaust camshaft signal with the crankshaft signal and has seen the cam timing sit outside the expected range. This usually points to the cam timing being out, a variable valve timing fault or a signal problem.

Symptoms

Engine warning light on
Rough or unstable idle
Hesitation or lack of power
Hard starting or extended cranking
Rattling noise from the timing drive at start-up
Poor fuel economy

Possible causes

Stretched, worn or slipped timing chain or belt, or worn tensioner and guideslikely
Low, dirty or incorrect grade engine oil affecting the variable valve timing actuatorlikely
Faulty or sticking exhaust camshaft phaser or its control solenoidlikely
Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, or a damaged reluctor or trigger wheelpossible
Wiring or connector fault in the sensor or solenoid circuits, such as chafing, corrosion or high resistancepossible
Timing set incorrectly after previous engine workpossible
Outdated engine control unit calibration where the manufacturer has issued an update for this faultrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting engine temperature, load and speed when the fault set
Check the engine oil level, condition and grade against the manufacturer specification
Inspect the wiring and connectors for the camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor and valve timing solenoid for damage, oil contamination or corrosion
Compare live data for commanded and actual exhaust cam position, and look for the actual value failing to follow the command
Test the sensors and solenoid for resistance and supply, using the manufacturer figures for that engine
Check the sensor signals with an oscilloscope for dropouts and correct pattern relative to each other
Check the cam timing against the marks or with a locking tool, as the procedure depends on the engine
Check for any manufacturer service bulletin or calibration update for the vehicle

How to fix

Change the engine oil and filter to the correct grade, and correct the oil level
Replace the timing chain or belt, tensioner and guides as a set if worn, and set the timing correctly
Replace the faulty valve timing solenoid or camshaft phaser
Replace the faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor, or a damaged trigger wheel
Repair damaged wiring or connectors in the affected circuits
Apply a manufacturer calibration update only if one is issued for this fault

Can I keep driving?

High severity

Avoid driving beyond what is needed, as incorrect cam timing can cause engine damage, especially if the timing drive is worn or has jumped. Have it inspected promptly and do not drive if there is rattling, a misfire or a loss of power.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.