Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Exhaust)
The P0017 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Exhaust). This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $200-$400 if a camshaft/crankshaft sensor; $1,500-$4,500 for a full timing chain replacement (chains, guides, tensioners + labor) on engines like the GM 3.6L V6
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- Hard starting
- Rough idle
- Rattling from timing area
- Reduced power
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Stretched timing chain Very High
- Worn timing chain tensioner High
- Faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor Moderate
- Damaged cam reluctor wheel Low
- VVT actuator failure Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Same approach as P0016 but focused on exhaust cam correlation.
-
Check for rattle noise on cold start.
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Compare exhaust cam timing angle to crankshaft position at idle with a scan tool.
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Inspect timing components for wear.
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If chain is OK, test exhaust cam position sensor signal quality.
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0017 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2008-2017 GM Ecotec 2.0L/2.4L (Malibu, Equinox, Terrain) hard DIY
Crankshaft-to-camshaft correlation error on the Ecotec engine is the classic sign of a stretched timing chain. The chain stretches over time, causing the cam sensor to report a position that doesn't match the crank sensor. The timing chain, guides, and tensioner all need replacement. This is a common failure on Ecotec engines over 80K miles. The repair requires removing the valve cover, front cover, and oil pan.
Labor: 4-6 hours2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata/Santa Fe 2.4L Theta II hard DIY
P0017 on the Theta II engine means the timing chain has stretched enough that the crank and cam sensors are out of sync. This is not a sensor issue -- the timing chain, tensioner, and guides all need replacement. Check for metal debris in the oil, which indicates chain guide deterioration. If the engine has been knocking or rattling on cold start, the chain has been loose for a while.
Labor: 5-7 hours2010-2017 Chevrolet Traverse/Buick Enclave 3.6L V6 expert DIY
The GM 3.6L V6 is notorious for timing chain stretch. P0017 usually appears alongside P0016 or P0018. All three timing chains (one per cam pair plus the main chain) should be replaced together. This is a labor-intensive job that requires significant front-of-engine disassembly. GM released a revised timing chain kit with improved tensioners for this engine.
Labor: 8-12 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
Do P0016 and P0017 together always mean timing chain replacement?
Usually yes on high-mileage vehicles. When both the intake and exhaust cam correlations are off, a stretched chain is almost always the cause. Sensor failures can cause one code but rarely both simultaneously.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
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