P0017 OBD-II Trouble Code: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)

P0017 code definition

Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)

What the P0017 code means

P0017 is the OBD-II generic code indicating that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor for bank 1 exhaust camshaft do not correlate signals with each other.

What causes the P0017 code?

• The valve timing is out of position from a timing chain jumped out of position.

• There are oil flow problems to the phaser from incorrect oil viscosity or partly clogged passages.

• The oil control valve (OCV) has a restriction in the OCV filter.

• There is an exhaust timing gear problem with phaser causing camshaft misalignment.

What are the symptoms of the P0017 code?

• The Check Engine Light will come on and the power to camshaft OCV will be turned off.

• The engine may idle normally, but have a reduction in power.

• The engine may run erratically or run rough on acceleration.

• The fuel mileage may decrease due to camshafts not being in the optimal positions.

Note: The drive complaints may vary depending on the manufacturer failure mode during a problem with the system.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0017 code?

• Does a visual check for problems with the connections or wiring of the OCV, camshaft and crankshaft sensors

• Verifies that the engine oil is full of clean, correct viscosity oil

• Scans and documents the engine codes, then views the freeze frame data to see when the codes were set

• Resets the Check Engine Light and road tests again to see if the code returns

• Commands the OCV on and off to see if the camshaft sensor is indicating timing changes for the bank 1 exhaust camshaft

• Performs the manufacturer’s tests for the P0017 code, to determine the cause of the code.

Note: The manufacturer's recommended pinpoint test is used to narrow down the problem. Following the recommended tests will help with diagnosis without replacing the wrong parts.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0017 code?

• Not verifying whether the failure and codes are active during diagnosis

• Not visually checking the wiring or connections to verify they are undamaged

• Not following all pinpoint test steps in the correct order

• Repairing or replacing components that are were not directed by the pinpoint test or visual check

How serious is the P0017 code?

• The engine carbon build up may cause fouled spark plugs, causing misfires.

• Timing chains may have tensioners or guides that are allowing the timing chain to jump the gear teeth, leading to major engine damage from valves and pistons hitting.

• Driving the vehicle for a prolonged time with the camshaft problems can start to cause other drive symptoms like misfires, stalling, and no starts.

What repairs can fix the P0017 code?

• Resetting the engine fault codes and verifying that the problem is still occurring
• Replacing the camshaft position sensor on a failed camshaft bank
• Repairing or replacing the wiring connection to the camshaft sensor or the OCV
• Replacing the Engine Control Module
• Replacing the timing gears, chain, and guides for both engine banks
• Cleaning the engine carbon from pistons and valves after the code repairs

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0017 code

Code P0017 can cause the engine to get carbon build up inside the cylinder and on the valves. This is caused from improper combustion of the fuel mixture from camshaft alignment problems. The engine may need to be decarbonized after repairs are made.

Need help with a P0017 code?

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