Home›Trouble Codes›P0017

P0017 — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B

Generic OBD-II · all makesPowertrain (engine & transmission)

The code indicates that the engine control module has detected a timing mismatch between the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft on Bank 1 (Sensor B). The camshaft is not in the expected rotational position relative to the crankshaft, which typically points to a mechanical timing error, sensor signal issue, or a problem with the variable valve timing system.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Timing chain or belt misalignment/wear

A stretched timing chain, worn tensioner, or jumped tooth can allow the camshaft to drift out of sync with the crankshaft, directly triggering a correlation fault.

2. Variable valve timing phaser or oil control valve fault

A stuck cam phaser or clogged VVT solenoid can hold the camshaft in an advanced or retarded position beyond the commanded range, causing persistent misalignment.

3. Sensor wiring or connector fault

Corroded, damaged, or oil-contaminated wiring and connectors for the camshaft or crankshaft position sensors can produce erratic signals that mimic a timing error.

4. Degraded or incorrect engine oil

Oil that is dirty, low, or of the wrong viscosity can prevent the VVT phaser from adjusting properly, leading to temporary or constant correlation errors.

5. Damaged reluctor ring or tone wheel

A cracked, chipped, or misaligned reluctor wheel on the camshaft or crankshaft disturbs the sensor pattern and causes the PCM to perceive a correlation problem.

6. PCM software or hardware fault

Although rare, corrupted software or an internal PCM fault can misinterpret valid sensor inputs; this should only be considered after mechanical and electrical causes are eliminated.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Visually inspect the camshaft and crankshaft position sensor connectors and wiring for corrosion, oil intrusion, or physical damage.
  2. Verify engine oil level and condition; change the oil if it is degraded or contaminated, since oil quality directly affects VVT operation.
  3. Use a scan tool to view live data for cam/crank correlation and VVT angle error to see if the misalignment is continuous or intermittent.
  4. Scope the camshaft and crankshaft position sensor signals to confirm clean, consistent waveforms and proper timing reference.
  5. Perform a mechanical timing inspection by comparing the cam and crank timing marks and checking chain/belt tension and guide condition.
  6. Check for available PCM calibration updates; reflash or replace the PCM only if all mechanical and electrical causes have been definitively ruled out.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make
Related codesP0010 — Camshaft Position Actuator Control CirP0011 — Camshaft Position Timing Over AdvancP0012 — Camshaft Position Timing Over RetardP0013 — B Camshaft Position Actuator Control CP0014 — B Camshaft Position Timing Over AdvaP0015 — B Camshaft Position Timing Over Reta

Frequently asked

Is the PCM usually at fault for P0017?

No. A failed PCM is an uncommon cause of this code. The fault is almost always due to mechanical timing issues, wiring problems, or a VVT component failure. PCM replacement should only be considered after thorough diagnosis rules out all other possibilities.

Can I drive safely with this code active?

Extended driving is not recommended. Incorrect cam timing can cause misfires, reduced power, and potentially serious internal engine damage if a timing chain or belt fails completely.

Does this mean my camshaft position sensor is bad?

Not necessarily. While a faulty sensor or its circuit can contribute, P0017 is a correlation code indicating a timing mismatch. The root cause is more often mechanical or related to the VVT system rather than the sensor itself.

Will changing the oil fix this problem?

If the code was caused by degraded oil affecting VVT phaser operation, a proper oil change may resolve it. However, if the timing components are worn or damaged, mechanical repair will be required.