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Vehicle engine and/or automatic transmission

Code: P0017 - The engine’s crankshaft and camshaft positions don’t match as expected on Bank 1, Sensor B. This may affect engine timing and performance.

P0017 is a code I’ve run into plenty of times in the shop, and it’s never one you want to ignore. What it’s telling you is that the engine computer has noticed the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1 (that’s the side with cylinder 1) just aren’t lining up the way they should. These two need to stay in lockstep for your engine to run smoothly-one gets out of sync, and you’ll start seeing everything from rough idling to no start at all. The computer keeps a close watch on both using sensors, and if it catches the timing off-sometimes just by 9 degrees on GM vehicles-it’s going to flag you with this code. Usually, that’s a red flag for a problem with your timing chain, belt, or their related parts, but don’t rule out issues with the sensors or even the variable valve timing (VVT) system. In short, if the timing mechanism isn’t doing its job, your engine’s not going to be happy.

Causes and obd2 code P0017

From experience, I can tell you that p0017 usually points to a problem with the timing components or the sensors that keep track of them. Here’s what I most often see causing this code:

Stretched or damaged timing chain or timing belt
Faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor
Worn or damaged timing chain/belt tensioners or guides
Defective variable valve timing (VVT) actuator or solenoid
Low engine oil level or dirty oil (which can affect VVT operation)
Loose or corroded wiring or connectors at the sensors
Damaged camshaft or crankshaft reluctor wheel (the part the sensor reads)
In rare cases, a faulty engine control module (PCM/ECM)

Most often the issue is with the timing chain or belt, or the sensors themselves. But I’ve also seen low oil level or dirty oil cause VVT problems that set this code, so don’t overlook the basics.

Symptoms of dtc P0017

When dtc p0017 pops up, you’ll usually notice a few things aren’t right with how your car runs. Here’s what drivers often report, and what I look for:

Check Engine Light is on
Engine cranks but won’t start, or takes longer to start
Rough running or rough idle after starting
Noticeable loss of power or sluggish acceleration
Rattling or unusual noises from the engine, especially at startup

Sometimes, you might just have the warning light and no obvious symptoms, but it’s best not to wait until things get worse. This error can also happen on car brands like Hyundai, Chevrolet, and Jeep, so it's wise to be aware if you own one of these vehicles.

Diagnosis steps for a P0017 trouble code

Let me walk you through how I tackle a p0017 when it rolls into my bay. Start simple-the basics trip up more people than you’d think:

Pop the hood and check your oil level and condition. I can’t count how many times bad oil has been the culprit. If it’s low or filthy, change it and see if the code returns.
Take a good look at the wiring and connectors on your camshaft and crankshaft sensors. Tug each plug, eyeball for corrosion or broken wires. A quick fix here can save you hours.
Plug in your scanner and see if there are any other codes. Sometimes, p0017 doesn’t travel alone-those extra codes can point you toward the real issue.
If those check out, test the sensors. Grab a multimeter to check resistance, or swap in a known good sensor if you have one handy. Also, don’t forget to spin the reluctor wheels-damage or looseness here can throw everything off.
Feeling confident? Pull the timing cover and take a look at the chain or belt. Any slack, missing teeth, or signs it’s jumped a tooth are instant red flags. If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, get a second set of eyes-timing work is no joke.
For cars with VVT, check the actuator and solenoid. Sometimes they’re just gummed up and a simple cleaning gets you back on the road.
If you’ve got access to advanced gear, a scope can let you compare cam and crank signals. That’s usually shop territory, but it’s the gold standard for tricky cases.

Bottom line: always check the simple stuff-oil, wiring, sensors-before you start tearing into timing components. It’s amazing how often the basics are to blame.

Common Mistakes when fixing a P0017 code

Over the years, I’ve seen folks fall into a few traps trying to fix p0017:

Jumping straight to replacing sensors without checking if the timing chain or belt is stretched. If the timing’s off mechanically, new sensors won’t do a thing.
Forgetting about oil. Low or dirty oil can throw the VVT system for a loop and set this code-always check it first.
Skipping over wiring and connectors. A loose plug or a bit of corrosion can give you the same headache as a bad sensor.
Missing worn-out timing guides or tensioners. These little parts can let the chain go slack and mess with your timing.

Take your time with the diagnosis. Rushing in and guessing can cost you more in the long run. A thorough check-up beats throwing parts at the problem every time.

How serious is a P0017 engine code

Let me be clear: this is not a code to shrug off. When the camshaft and crankshaft aren’t in sync, all sorts of bad things can happen-rough idle, stalling, even a no-start situation. The real danger comes if the timing chain or belt fails completely. That’s when you’re looking at bent valves, damaged pistons, or even a trashed cylinder head. Repairs can get expensive fast. If you hear rattling or your engine’s running rough, don’t push your luck-get it checked right away. You’ll save yourself a world of headache and a fat repair bill down the road.

Repair options for P0017

Here’s what usually fixes p0017, based on what I’ve actually done on the job:

Replace a stretched or damaged timing chain or belt, and swap out tensioners and guides if they’re worn
Install new camshaft or crankshaft sensors if they’ve failed
Fix or replace any damaged wiring or connectors at the sensors
Clean or replace the VVT actuator or solenoid if it’s sticking or sluggish
Do an oil and filter change if oil quality or level was the culprit
On rare occasions, if the PCM/ECM is the problem, you may need to update or replace it (but that’s pretty uncommon)

My advice? Follow your diagnostic steps and only replace what’s actually broken. Throwing parts at a p0017 is a good way to drain your wallet and not fix the car.

Conclusion

Bottom line, P0017 means your engine’s timing is off, and that’s something you need to sort out fast if you want your car to keep running strong. Don’t wait for things to get worse-start with the basics: check your oil, inspect the wiring, and test those sensors. If those are all good, dig into the timing components and the VVT system. In my experience, carefully diagnosing the root cause and fixing only what’s truly faulty is always the best approach. Don’t gamble with your engine’s health-deal with p0017 right away so you’re not left stranded or facing a massive repair bill later.

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