P0008 high Severity

P0008: Engine Position System Performance Bank 1

Engine timing misalignment can cause rough idle, poor performance, increased fuel consumption, possible stalling or misfire.

Overview

P0008 indicates the PCM has detected that the crankshaft and camshaft positions on Bank 1 are out of sync beyond allowed parameters, usually due to timing chain, sensor or actuator issues.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light illuminated
  • Rough or uneven idle
  • Decreased power and poor acceleration
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Unusual engine or timing chain noise
  • Intermittent misfire

Most Common Causes

Stretched or worn timing chain high

A loose or stretched timing chain causes loss of proper alignment between crankshaft and camshaft positions.

Faulty timing chain tensioner or guides medium

Failed tensioner or guides allow timing chain to skip or lose proper tension.

Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor malfunction medium

Incorrect sensor signals can trigger misalignment detection even if mechanical timing is correct.

Variable valve timing actuator/solenoid fault medium

VVT actuator or solenoid issues may disrupt timing control.

Low engine oil level or poor oil quality medium

Low oil can affect timing chain lubrication and VVT operation.

Faulty PCM/ECM low

Rare but possible; electronics/software error may falsely detect misalignment.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Connect OBD-II scanner and confirm P0008 and any related codes.
    Expected: P0008 stored; possibly related codes like P0016–P0019.
    Interpretation: Confirms engine position system performance issue on Bank 1.
  2. Perform visual inspection of timing chain/belt, tensioner, and guides.
    Expected: Check for wear, slack, or misalignment.
    Interpretation: Mechanical timing issues are a frequent cause if abnormalities are seen.
  3. Inspect camshaft and crankshaft position sensors and wiring for damage or poor connections.
    Expected: Sensor signals should be clean without interruptions.
    Interpretation: Faulty sensors or poor signals can falsely set the code.
  4. Use oscilloscope or live data to compare crank vs cam timing signals.
    Expected: Waveform correlation should match manufacturer specs.
    Interpretation: Mismatch confirms timing misalignment versus sensor error.
  5. Check engine oil level and quality.
    Expected: Oil level within spec and proper grade.
    Interpretation: Low or degraded oil can affect chain and VVT mechanisms.

Repair Solutions

Replace worn timing chain and tensioner components hard
Estimated Cost: $800 - $1500

Labor intensive; cost varies with engine design.

Replace camshaft/crankshaft position sensors medium
Estimated Cost: $120 - $350

Common if sensors are faulty.

Replace variable valve timing solenoid/actuator medium
Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

Only if diagnosis confirms VVT fault.

Top up or change engine oil with correct specification easy
Estimated Cost: $30 - $80

Simple check; generally a first troubleshooting step.

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Faulty cam/crank sensor alone when underlying timing chain tensioner wear is cause
  • Misinterpreting related codes (P0016 etc) leading to wrong subsystem focus

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the P0008 code mean?

When your OBD-II scanner reads P0008, it means: Engine Position System Performance Bank 1. This code is related to the vehicle's Engine Mechanical.

How serious is the P0008 code?

You should treat P0008 as a high issue. Engine timing misalignment can cause rough idle, poor performance, increased fuel consumption, possible stalling or misfire.

What happens when the P0008 code is active?

Drivers often report: Check engine light illuminated, Rough or uneven idle, Decreased power and poor acceleration when this code is present.

What causes the P0008 code?

This code is frequently triggered by: Stretched or worn timing chain, Faulty timing chain tensioner or guides, Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor malfunction.

Estimated repair costs for different causes of P0008

It depends on what needs to be fixed. Top up or change engine oil with correct specification repairs are cheaper (~$80), while Replace worn timing chain and tensioner components repairs are on the higher end (~$1500).

Is the P0008 code specific to Honda?

The P0008 code is a generic powertrain code, meaning it applies to almost all makes and models, such as Honda, Toyota, VW, Ford, and Chevy.

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