Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0017: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
P0017 means the crankshaft signal and the Bank 1 "B" camshaft sensor signal, usually for the exhaust cam, are out of their expected alignment.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0017 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the timing relationship between the crankshaft position sensor and the Bank 1 "B" camshaft position sensor. If the offset between them falls outside a calibrated range, after accounting for any commanded exhaust cam adjustment, P0017 sets. The limits are specific to each manufacturer and engine.
Common causes of P0017
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Stretched timing chain or worn tensioner and guides
- Exhaust cam phaser stuck or not returning home
- Timing chain or belt jumped a tooth
- Faulty Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor
- Low oil level or oil pressure
- Damaged cam or crank tone wheel
P0017 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Long crank time or no start
- Rough idle or misfire
- Loss of power
- Timing chain rattle
How P0017 is diagnosed
- Scan for codes and freeze frame; note any P0016, P0014 or sensor codes
- Check oil level and quality
- Inspect the Bank 1 exhaust cam sensor and connector
- Compare crank and exhaust cam signals with a scope against a known-good pattern
- Check exhaust cam angle in live data at idle
- Confirm mechanical timing and inspect chain stretch
Typical fixes for P0017
- Replace the timing chain set or belt and re-time the engine
- Replace the exhaust cam phaser
- Replace the Bank 1 "B" camshaft position sensor
- Correct low oil or oil pressure issues
- Repair a damaged tone wheel
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Manufacturer notes
Commonly reported on GM engines with known chain stretch concerns and on Volkswagen/Audi and Mercedes-Benz engines. Definitions can vary by manufacturer; check factory service information.
Related codes & warning lights
P0017 FAQ
What does code P0017 mean?
P0017 means the crankshaft signal and the Bank 1 "B" camshaft sensor signal, usually for the exhaust cam, are out of their expected alignment. The standard definition is "Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)."
Can I drive with a P0017 code?
It is best to drive as little as possible until it is checked. A timing component that has stretched or slipped can worsen quickly, and on interference engines that risks valve and piston damage.
If P0016 and P0017 appear together, what does that suggest?
Both Bank 1 cams disagreeing with the crankshaft points toward something common to both, such as a stretched timing chain or a crank sensor issue, rather than two separate cam problems.
Can a new camshaft sensor fix P0017?
Only if the sensor is actually faulty. Many cases are mechanical, so verify the signal and timing before buying a sensor.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.