Fix P0017: Mechanic’s solutions that WORKED

The code P0017: Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B) indicates a discrepancy between the positions of the crankshaft and camshaft, suggesting a potential fault in the engine’s timing mechanism. This issue is most commonly caused by misalignment or wear in the timing components or problems within the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system.

P0017 quick overview

Meaning	P0017: Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
Is it serious?	Yes, it can lead to poor engine performance, increased emissions, and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Possible causes	– Misaligned timing belt or chain – Stretched timing chain – Faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor – Faulty VVT solenoid or actuator – Low or dirty engine oil affecting VVT system – Worn camshaft phaser – Mechanical timing issues
How to diagnose?	Check Engine Codes: Read the engine codes with an OBD-II scanner. Visual Inspection: Inspect the timing belt or chain for proper alignment. Sensor Testing: Test the camshaft and crankshaft sensors for proper operation. Oil Quality and Level Check: Ensure the engine oil is clean and at the correct level. VVT System Inspection: Examine the VVT solenoids and actuators for sticking or malfunction. Camshaft and Crankshaft Correlation: Use a scanner to check the correlation between camshaft and crankshaft positions. Component Replacement: Replace any faulty components such as sensors, VVT solenoids, or timing components. Reset Adaptive Memory: Clear the adaptive memory after repairs to remove old fault data.

In simple terms, code P0017 means that your car’s computer has detected that the timing of the engine is off. This could be because the parts that control when the engine valves open and close are not working together as they should. It’s like the engine’s heartbeat is out of rhythm, which can cause the car to run poorly and could lead to bigger problems if not fixed.

How to fix P0017 – learn from mechanics

I looked into P0017 service cases at iatn.com website where in the private forums the mechanics seek advice from other mechanics. I looked up a bunch of cases to help you decide how to fix your issue and see what would a real mechanic do to solve it.

Case #1: Chevrolet

Vehicle Information 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4.2L

Issue + Repair History Engine misfire code, exhaust seat not sealing. Repairs included head removal, machine shop repair, cam phaser and solenoid replacement, timing chain and gears replacement, tensioners and guides replacement. Issue persisted with stalling and code set.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results P0017 – Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)

What are people suggesting to fix issue

• Ensure proper timing with front cover off
• Check if head surface was machined
• Align camshaft correctly, possibly adjust crankshaft for alignment
• Check for excessive crankshaft end play
• Use tool J-44221 to hold cams in correct position
• Verify VT actuator isn’t stuck
• Activate cam solenoid with scanner to test
• Substitute known good cmp and ckp, try different cam phaser solenoid

What was the final fix Found the new chain tensioner not fully engaged. Replaced tensioner and the truck ran great.

Case #2: Kia

Vehicle Information 2015 Kia Forte LX 1.8L

Issue + Repair History MIL light on, car runs fine. Swapped VVT solenoids and cam sensors with another Kia. Code P0017 persisted. Checked timing, CVVTs, and timing components. No sludge in the engine. Code reappeared after second key cycle.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results P0017 – Crankshaft Position-Camshaft Position Correlation–Bank 1 Sensor B

What are people suggesting to fix issue

• Check if CVVT/cam dowel pins are sheared
• Consider stretched timing chains, especially if driven aggressively
• Look for a small cylindrical shaped screen in the block to filter oil to the VVT system
• Use a scan tool to check if it’s out of time
• Replace timing components while in there
• Wiring issue or physical problem like bad reluctor or timing chain jumped could be the cause

What was the final fix Replaced timing components. Found the exhaust phaser mounting pin had moved into the cam, causing the phaser to go off time. The pin got jammed in the oil feed port. After fixing this, the issue was resolved.

Case #3: GMC

Vehicle Information 2008 GMC Canyon SLT 3.7L

Issue + Repair History Installed new motor, won’t idle when warmed up, runs fine cold. Fuel trims and pressure good, no misfires on scanner. Did idle relearn, cam crank relearn, cleaned throttle body, has new PCM. Smoked intake, no leaks. New cam crank sensors and cam solenoid installed.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results P0017

What are people suggesting to fix issue

• Check variable cam timing solenoids
• Check cam and crank sensors for proper timing
• Chase down P0017, potentially a chain out of time
• Scope cam and crank, compare with a known good
• Potential warranty issue, consult supplier
• Check cam phasers, might be stuck
• Investigate timing issue indicated by the code

What was the final fix Turned out to be a stuck phaser, which was replaced under warranty.

Case #4: Hyundai

Vehicle Information 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0L

Issue + Repair History Check engine light comes on within five minutes of running. Timing chain, guides, and tensioner recently replaced. Timing marks are correct. Oil pressure present when solenoid removed. Adaptive memory reset. Throws P0017 and sometimes P007900.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results P0017, P007900

What are people suggesting to fix issue

• Check if the vehicle is still under warranty
• Check oil pressure specifics
• Inspect for wear on the end of the camshaft
• Check if the exhaust cam dowel has pushed into the cam
• Look at desired and actual exhaust cam positions on a scanner
• P007900 is Exhaust Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Low
• Check cam lobes on #4 at TDC
• Scope crank/cams correlation
• Check for leaking/defective VVT solenoid

What was the final fix The pin on the timing gear had walked out and worked its way almost flush into the camshaft, causing the gear to walk. Replaced the cam and gear, and the vehicle runs well now.

Case #5: Volvo

Vehicle Information 2001 Volvo S40 1.9L

Issue + Repair History Check engine light on, running poorly. Misfire codes and undocumented generic code P0017. Misfires resolved with new spark plugs. P0017 related to variable valve timing code ECM644, indicating cam sensor to crank sensor correlation issues.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results

• P0017: Unknown (later identified as ECM644)
• P0302: Misfire Cylinder 2
• P0303: Misfire Cylinder 3

What are people suggesting to fix issue

• Check variable valve timing control
• Ensure proper sensor positioning and timing component settings
• Verify timing belt base setting
• Check oil level and quality
• Inspect solenoid for deposits
• Change oil twice or use engine flusher
• Replace solenoid if necessary
• Check fuel pressure, regulator, coils, and plugs for misfire codes

What was the final fix The P0017 code was due to the cam timing solenoid actuator sticking because of lack of regular oil changes. The valve was removed, cleaned, and the oil was changed twice. The vehicle has been running well since the repair.

Advice	Brief Description of Diagnostic Step
Check Timing Components	Verify the timing belt, chain, and gears are properly aligned.
Inspect Cam and Crank Sensors	Ensure the sensors are functioning correctly and are properly timed.
Examine VVT Solenoids and Actuators	Look for any signs of sticking or malfunction in VVT components.
Assess Oil Quality and Level	Check if the oil is clean and at the correct level, as dirty or low oil can affect VVT system performance.
Consider Timing Chain Stretch or Wear	A stretched or worn timing chain can cause timing issues leading to P0017.
Perform Camshaft and Crankshaft Correlation	Use a scanner to check if the camshaft and crankshaft positions are in sync.
Replace Faulty Components	If any components like the VVT solenoid, cam phaser, or timing chain are found to be defective, replace them.
Clean or Replace Cam Timing Solenoid Actuator	If the actuator is dirty or stuck, clean or replace it.
Double-Check Camshaft Positioning	Ensure the camshaft is properly aligned and not off by even a slight margin.
Reset Adaptive Memory	After repairs, reset the adaptive memory to clear old fault data.