P0017 medium Severity

P0017: Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)

Check Engine Light illumination, rough idle, poor performance, potential no-start or stalling conditions

Overview

P0017 is an OBD-II generic trouble code indicating that the engine control module has detected a misalignment between the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor B on Bank 1, often due to timing chain/belt issues, sensor faults, or variable valve timing system problems

Common Symptoms

  • Illuminated Check Engine Light
  • Rough or uneven idle
  • Engine may crank but not start
  • Reduced engine performance
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Rattling or unusual timing noises

Most Common Causes

Stretched or slipped timing chain or timing belt high

Timing component wear can alter crank/cam correlation beyond PCM thresholds

Faulty or misaligned camshaft position sensor (Bank 1 Sensor B) high

Sensor output irregularities can falsely indicate timing misalignment

Faulty or misaligned crankshaft position sensor medium

Less common than timing component issues but can trigger the correlation fault

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) actuator or oil control valve failure medium

VVT systems depend on proper oil control to maintain timing; stuck actuators can misposition the camshaft

Low or contaminated engine oil affecting VVT system medium

Oil condition/level can impair cam phaser function, leading to timing discrepancies

Damaged wiring or connectors to crank/cam sensors medium

Electrical issues can corrupt sensor signals interpreted by PCM

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Connect a professional OBD-II scanner and retrieve P0017 along with any related codes
    Expected: P0017 present, possibly with P0016, P0018, or P0019
    Interpretation: Related codes help pinpoint intake vs exhaust cam issues or indicate multiple timing discrepancies
  2. Visually inspect wiring and connectors at crankshaft and camshaft position sensors
    Expected: No frayed, corroded, or disconnected harnesses
    Interpretation: Electrical integrity ensures valid sensor signals
  3. Check engine oil level and quality
    Expected: Oil at correct level and clean
    Interpretation: Improper oil can affect VVT actuator/phaser operation
  4. Monitor live data from crankshaft and camshaft sensors at idle and during cranking
    Expected: Regular, consistent sensor signal patterns
    Interpretation: Irregular pulses suggest sensor or tone ring issues
  5. Inspect timing chain/belt alignment and tensioner condition (mechanical check)
    Expected: Timing marks aligned and adequate tension
    Interpretation: Mechanical misalignment confirms timing component failure
  6. Test VVT actuator/oil control valve operation
    Expected: Actuator responds to commands, oil flows correctly
    Interpretation: Non-responsive VVT components can misposition timing

Repair Solutions

Replace timing chain or timing belt and associated tensioners/guides hard
Estimated Cost: $800 - $2500

Labor-intensive; often required if mechanical timing is off

Replace camshaft and/or crankshaft position sensor medium
Estimated Cost: $100 - $400

Relatively common fix when sensors are defective

Replace faulty VVT actuator or oil control valve medium
Estimated Cost: $200 - $1000

Necessary if VVT components fail to adjust timing

Repair damaged wiring/connectors to sensors medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $300

Electrical repairs to restore proper signal integrity

Perform correct engine oil change with manufacturer-specified viscosity easy
Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

Can resolve issues related to VVT system oil flow

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Faulty cam/crank sensor replacement without checking timing chain or VVT components
  • Attributing code solely to PCM failure before ruling out mechanical causes
  • Incorrect oil change assumption without checking sensor signals and mechanical timing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a P0017 diagnostic trouble code signify?

The P0017 code stands for Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B). This generally indicates an issue with the Sensors system.

Reflecting on severity: How bad is P0017?

You should treat P0017 as a medium issue. Check Engine Light illumination, rough idle, poor performance, potential no-start or stalling conditions

How do I know if I have code P0017?

Drivers often report: Illuminated Check Engine Light, Rough or uneven idle, Engine may crank but not start when this code is present.

Why is my car throwing a P0017 code?

The most common causes are: Stretched or slipped timing chain or timing belt, Faulty or misaligned camshaft position sensor (Bank 1 Sensor B), Faulty or misaligned crankshaft position sensor.

What is the price difference for fixing P0017?

Repair costs depend on the specific failure. A simple Perform correct engine oil change with manufacturer-specified viscosity replacement is relatively affordable ($30-$100), whereas a Replace timing chain or timing belt and associated tensioners/guides repair is more expensive, potentially reaching $2500.

Is the P0017 code specific to Dodge?

The P0017 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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