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

What Does The P0017 Code Mean?

The crankshaft position sensor (CKP) and Camshaft position sensor (CMP) work in harmony to control the spark/fuel delivery and timing. They both consist of a reluctor, or tone, ring which passes over a magnetic sensor, which generates a voltage, indicating position.

The crankshaft sensor is part of the primary ignition system and functions as the “trigger”. It detects the position of the crankshaft relays that information on to the PCM or the ignition module (depending on the vehicle) to control spark timing. The Camshaft position sensor detects the position of the camshafts and relays the information to the PCM. The PCM uses the CMP signal to identify the beginning of the injector sequence. What ties these two shafts and their sensors together is the timing belt or chain. The cam and crank should be precisely timed together.

If the PCM detects that the crank and cam signals are out of time by a specific number of degrees, this DTC will set. Bank 1 is the side of the engine that contains cylinder #1, the “B” sensor is most likely the exhaust camshaft side.

Note it is not uncommon on certain models to see this DTC in conjunction with P0008, P0009, P0016, P0018, and P0019. If you have a GM vehicle and have those multiple DTCs, check for service bulletins that may apply to your engine.

What Are The Symptoms Of The P0017 Code?

Symptoms of a P0017 will or may include:

• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination
• The engine may run but with reduced performance
• The engine may crank but not start
• The engine may exhibit a rattle near the harmonic balancer indicating the tone ring is damaged
• The engine may start and run, but poorly

What Are The Potential Causes Of The P0017 Code?

Causes may include:

• Timing chain stretched, or timing belt skipped a tooth due to wear
• Misalignment of timing belt/chain
• Tone ring on crankshaft slipped/broken
• Tone ring on camshaft slipped/broken
• Bad crank sensor
• Bad cam sensor
• Damaged wiring to crank/cam sensor
• Timing belt/chain tensioner damaged
• An improperly torqued crankshaft balancer
• A mis-built or mis-timed engine
• A loose or missing crankshaft balancer bolt
• The CMP actuator solenoid stuck open
• The CMP actuator stuck in a position other than 0 degrees

How Can You Fix The P0017 Code?

If your vehicle is new enough that is still has powertrain warranty, please let the dealer perform the repairs.

• First, visually inspect the cam and crank sensors and their harnesses for damage. If you notice broken/frayed wires, repair and recheck.
• If you have access to a scope, check the cam and crank patterns. If a pattern is missing, suspect a bad sensor or a slipping tone ring. Remove the cam gear and the crankshaft harmonic balancer and inspect the tone rings for proper alignment and make sure they’re not loose or damaged or that they haven’t sheared the key that aligns them. If they are properly installed, replace the sensor.
• If the signal appears normal, then check the timing chain/belt for proper alignment. If it’s misaligned, check for a damaged tensioner that may have allowed the chain/belt to slip a tooth or several teeth. Also check that the belt/chain isn’t stretched. Repair and recheck.

If this DTC shows up on a Chevy Colorado or Canyon pickup, and you have a P0014 DTC at the same time, go here for a possible solution: Densolor Cam/Crank Position DTCs

Please consult a factory service repair manual if you need vehicle specific information.

Recommended Parts

Below are some recommended auto parts to help you address the trouble code affecting your vehicle and get it running smoothly again:

Note: During the purchasing process, please check carefully whether the part you want to buy fits your car!

Check This Video For Reference

P0017 Infographic - 1 Minute Summary

Reference Sources

• Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts and Descriptions for P0017 – Page 7.
• Technical Service Bulletin for P0017 – GM