P0017
Crankshaft and Camshaft Timing Correlation Problem
The engine computer sees that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft are out of sync. This usually happens because of a timing problem, oil flow problem, or a faulty cam timing control part.
- SEV
- 4/5
- DRIVE
- CAUTION
- DIY
- $20–$400
- SHOP
- $150–$2,500+
Quick answer
AI-CITATION READYWhat it means
Can you drive with it?
Most common causes
- Stretched timing chain or timing belt that has jumped timing
- Low oil level, dirty oil, or incorrect oil viscosity affecting variable valve timing operation
- Faulty camshaft oil control valve / VVT solenoid on Bank 1
Typical repair cost
DIY usually runs $20–$400. Typical shop repair lands around $150–$2,500+, depending on the root cause.
01 / Definition
P0017 sets when the PCM/ECM detects that the crankshaft position signal and the camshaft position signal for Bank 1 Sensor B are not in the expected relationship. On most engines, Sensor B refers to the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1. The fault can be caused by mechanical timing errors, variable valve timing system problems, oil pressure issues, or sensor/circuit faults.
02 / Drive status
With caution. Drive only if necessary and avoid hard acceleration or long trips. Continued driving can cause poor performance, stalling, or internal engine damage if the timing system has slipped.
03 / Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Hard starting or extended cranking
- Loss of power
- Poor acceleration
- Engine misfires
- Stalling
- Rattling noise from timing chain area
- Reduced fuel economy
04 / Causes
| 1 | Stretched timing chain or timing belt that has jumped timing | high |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Low oil level, dirty oil, or incorrect oil viscosity affecting variable valve timing operation | high |
| 3 | Faulty camshaft oil control valve / VVT solenoid on Bank 1 | high |
| 4 | Cam phaser or VVT actuator stuck or worn | medium |
| 5 | Crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor giving an inaccurate signal | medium |
| 6 | Wiring damage, poor connector contact, or oil contamination in the sensor or solenoid circuits | medium |
| 7 | Low engine oil pressure from internal wear or oil pump problems | medium |
| 8 | Incorrectly installed timing components after recent engine repair | low |
| 9 | PCM/ECM software issue or failed control module | low |
05 / Diagnostic sequence
- 01Verify the code with a scan tool and check for related codes such as P0016, P0014, P0011, P0340, or oil pressure faults.
- 02Check engine oil level, oil condition, and confirm the correct oil viscosity was used.
- 03Inspect freeze frame data to see when the fault sets, especially at startup, idle, or acceleration.
- 04Inspect wiring and connectors for the Bank 1 camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor, and VVT solenoid for damage, looseness, or oil intrusion.
- 05Use a scan tool to compare commanded cam timing to actual cam timing and look for a cam angle stuck advanced or retarded.
- 06Test the Bank 1 VVT oil control solenoid for proper resistance, power, ground, and movement; clean its screen if serviceable.
- 07Check camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals with a lab scope or graphing scan tool if available.
- 08Measure engine oil pressure if low oil pressure is suspected.
- 09Inspect mechanical timing marks and timing chain or belt condition if data suggests the engine is out of time.
- 10Check for manufacturer service bulletins or PCM software updates for known correlation faults.
06 / Repairs
| 1 | Correct the engine oil level and replace dirty or incorrect oil with the specified viscosity, then clear codes and retest. | $20–$120 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Repair damaged wiring or poor connections at the cam sensor, crank sensor, or VVT solenoid. | $20–$200 |
| 3 | Replace the Bank 1 VVT oil control solenoid if it fails testing or is sticking. | $50–$300 |
| 4 | Replace the camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor if signal testing confirms a faulty sensor. | $40–$250 |
| 5 | Replace a worn or stuck cam phaser/VVT actuator. | $250–$1,200 |
| 6 | Replace the timing chain or timing belt set and related guides, tensioners, or sprockets if timing has stretched or jumped. | $500–$2,500+ |
| 7 | Repair low oil pressure problems such as a failing oil pump or excessive internal engine wear. | $300–$2,000+ |
| 8 | Reprogram or replace the PCM/ECM only after all mechanical and electrical checks pass. | $150–$1,500 |
07 / Related codes
08 / FAQ
What does Bank 1 Sensor B mean?
Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Sensor B usually refers to the exhaust camshaft position sensor, but the exact definition can vary by manufacturer.
Can low oil cause P0017?
Yes. Low oil, dirty oil, or the wrong oil viscosity can affect cam timing control and trigger this code.
Will an oil change fix P0017?
It can if the problem is caused by dirty oil, low oil, or a sticking VVT solenoid. It will not fix stretched timing chains, jumped timing, or failed sensors.
Is P0017 the same as a bad camshaft sensor?
No. A bad camshaft sensor can cause P0017, but this code is often caused by timing chain wear, VVT faults, or oil pressure problems.
How serious is P0017?
It is a serious code because the engine timing may be off. If ignored, the engine may run poorly, stall, or suffer internal damage on some engines.
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.