P0017 Code - Meaning, Causes, Symptoms (& How To Fix)

When the Check Engine Light comes on, it’s natural for your heart to skip a beat. You are curious about what is going wrong, so you check the codes with your OBDII scanner. If you see the P0017 code, you need to know what to do next.

In this guide, I review the meaning of the P0017 trouble code. I also evaluate the causes, symptoms, and give you some tips on fixing the problem.

Table Of Contents show

Code Definition

P0017 – Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)

What Does the P0017 Code Mean?

The P0017 code indicates that there’s a misalignment between the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. Bank 1 indicates the issue occurs on the engine side with cylinder 1, while the B shows the exhaust camshaft side. The code is generic, meaning it occurs with multiple manufacturers.

A few car manufacturers will use their own version of a P0017 code, including GM and Chevrolet. On these cars, it could mean Crankshaft Position – Exhaust Camshaft Position Not Plausible. P0009, P0016, P0018, and P0019 are some related trouble codes you may see together with the P0017 error code.

P0017 Trouble Code Symptoms

The most obvious sign of the P0017 trouble code is that the Check Engine Light comes on. However, you should also notice significant trouble starting and running the engine, as performance is often decreased.

Here are a few of the symptoms that could occur:

Check Engine Light
No-start condition, but engine cranks
Rough starts after several attempts
Poor engine performance
Rough idle
Engine rattling

Causes of the P0017 Code

There are several issues that can lead to the error code P0017, most of which are dealing with the timing chain or belt. Here are a few to consider:

Stretched timing chain
Jumped timing belt
Damaged timing chain/belt tensioner
Stuck CMP actuator solenoid / Oil control valve
Broken crankshaft tone ring
Broken camshaft tone ring
Defective crankshaft position sensor
Malfunctioning camshaft position sensor
Wrong oil viscosity
Defective wiring

How Serious is the P0017 Code?

High – Not only will there be performance issues with this trouble code but leaving it unresolved can cause further issues. It can lead to a complete engine failure. Carbon can also build up in the engine, leading to fouled spark plugs.

Additionally, the timing chain must follow the guide to keep it from jumping. If it starts to jump, the valves and pistons could strike each other, creating serious engine damage. What started as a minor fix could turn into a major engine repair.

What Repairs Can Fix the P0017 Code?

Before you replace any parts, you should complete an in-depth diagnosis. I have listed some steps below that can help you identify the problem. Here are a few of the possible repairs:

Check/Replace timing chain/belt
Replace timing chain/belt tensioner
Replace CMP actuator / Oil control valve / VVT solenoid
Replace crankshaft/camshaft tone ring
Replace crank/cam sensor
Repair wiring

Common P0017 Diagnosis Mistakes

The biggest mistake is trying to diagnose something that would be covered under the powertrain warranty. Many of today’s vehicles have extensive powertrain warranties that cover the majority of these faults.

If the vehicle is still covered by this warranty, it might be best to have the dealership look at it and repair it. Otherwise, you could be looking at an expensive bill you don’t need to pay for.

How to Diagnose the P0017 Trouble Code

To figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle, you need to diagnose it just like the professionals do. Here are some of the same steps they will follow.

Use a code scanner to clear the faults in the PCM. Check for any other related issues to the camshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensors.
Take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the codes come back.
Perform a visual check of the wiring and connectors. You also want to look at the timing belt/chain for any obvious issues, if possible.
View the freeze-frame data to see conditions when the code was set. Check the function of the oil control valve/Variable valve timing solenoid and crankshaft/CMP sensor signals with a compatible OBD-II scanner.
Check the camshaft/crankshaft alignment. If not aligned, you need to further inspect the timing tensioner and chain/belt.

If you can’t find the fault, it might be best to have another mechanic take a look. Sometimes the issue could be more advanced than you are accustomed to dealing with.

Recommended Tools for Diagnosis

Diagnostic OBD Scan Tool
Basic Hand Tools
Multimeter
Auto Repair Manual
Electrical Contact Cleaner

Estimated Cost of Repair

The P0017 repair cost depends on what type of vehicle you own and what area you live in. Here are some estimates for possible parts and labor costs.

Replace timing chain/belt – $300-$3000
Replace CMP actuator solenoid – $300-$3,000
Replace timing chain/belt tensioner – $250-$3,000
Replace crankshaft/camshaft tone ring – $100-$600
Replace crank/cam sensor – $150-$450
Repair wiring – $50-$500

Mechanics Tips about the P0017 Code

It’s important to carefully inspect all of the components involved. With this trouble code, it’s often easy to find the problem if you perform a visual inspection. You should be able to see a worn or broken timing chain or belt by checking the timing. Plus, noticing a damaged wire doesn’t require any sophisticated diagnostic skills.

If you don’t perform an in-depth inspection, you are going to miss the obvious and spend far too much time going down rabbit holes. Save yourself some time by following the tips that were laid out above.