P0008
Engine Positions System Performance Bank 1
The engine computer sees the crankshaft and bank 1 camshaft positions out of sync. This usually points to stretched timing chains, a failed cam phaser, incorrect mechanical timing, or a sensor signal problem.
- SEV
- 5/5
- DRIVE
- NO
- DIY
- $20-$350
- SHOP
- $180-$2,500+
Quick answer
AI-CITATION READYWhat it means
Can you drive with it?
Most common causes
- Stretched timing chain, worn guides, or weak tensioner on bank 1
- Low, dirty, or incorrect engine oil affecting cam phaser control
- Cam phaser or variable valve timing actuator stuck or worn
Typical repair cost
DIY usually runs $20-$350. Typical shop repair lands around $180-$2,500+, depending on the root cause.
01 / Definition
P0008 means the PCM has detected that the overall engine position system on bank 1 is outside the expected range. The module compares crankshaft position with camshaft position and learned timing values. When correlation drifts too far, usually from chain stretch, phaser problems, low oil supply, incorrect timing installation, or sensor errors, it stores P0008.
02 / Drive status
No — get it towed. Do not keep driving if the engine rattles, runs rough, stalls, or has low power. Continued driving with timing out of position can cause severe engine damage.
03 / Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Hard starting or extended cranking
- Loss of power
- Engine rattle from timing cover area
- Misfires
- Poor fuel economy
- Stalling in some cases
04 / Causes
| 1 | Stretched timing chain, worn guides, or weak tensioner on bank 1 | high |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Low, dirty, or incorrect engine oil affecting cam phaser control | high |
| 3 | Cam phaser or variable valve timing actuator stuck or worn | medium |
| 4 | Engine timing installed incorrectly after recent repair | medium |
| 5 | Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, wiring, or connector | medium |
| 6 | Low oil pressure or internal engine wear | low |
05 / Diagnostic sequence
- 01Check engine oil level, condition, and correct viscosity before deeper timing diagnosis.
- 02Scan for related codes such as P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, cam sensor codes, or oil pressure faults.
- 03Review freeze-frame data and compare commanded versus actual cam angles if the scan tool supports it.
- 04Inspect crankshaft and camshaft sensor connectors and wiring for oil intrusion, corrosion, or poor contact.
- 05Listen for timing chain noise on startup and during light throttle changes.
- 06Verify actual oil pressure if low oil pressure is suspected.
- 07Check mechanical timing marks, chain stretch, guide condition, and tensioner travel if correlation remains out of range.
- 08Inspect cam phasers or VVT actuators if oil supply and base timing are correct.
- 09Clear the code after repair and confirm correlation stays in range on a road test.
06 / Repairs
| 1 | Correct low oil level and perform an oil and filter change with the manufacturer-specified oil | $20-$120 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Repair damaged cam or crank sensor wiring and connector faults | $20-$200 |
| 3 | Replace a failed camshaft or crankshaft position sensor if testing proves the signal is incorrect | $40-$250 |
| 4 | Replace a sticking or worn cam phaser or VVT actuator | $250-$900 |
| 5 | Replace stretched timing chains, guides, and tensioners and set engine timing correctly | $700-$2,500+ |
07 / Related codes
08 / FAQ
What does P0008 mean?
It means the engine computer sees bank 1 timing correlation outside the learned range.
Is P0008 serious?
Yes. It often points to timing chain wear, phaser problems, or incorrect mechanical timing.
Can low oil cause P0008?
Yes. Low or dirty oil can affect variable valve timing control and trigger correlation faults.
Will an oil change fix P0008?
It can if oil condition is the cause, but it will not fix a stretched chain or bad phaser.
Can I drive with P0008?
Do not keep driving if the engine runs rough, rattles, stalls, or has very low power.
09 / Source and method
- DATA BASIS
- OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
- METHOD
- STATIC VALIDATION
- SAFETY
- INFORMATIONAL
This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.
Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.
Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.