Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
Code P0017 means the PCM has detected that the crankshaft position sensor and the Bank 1 "B" camshaft (exhaust cam) position sensor signals are out of sync. This is the exhaust cam counterpart to P0016, which covers the intake cam. The PCM expects both signals to align within a specific degree range; when the exhaust cam signal falls outside that window, P0017 sets. Causes include a jumped timing chain, slipped tone ring, failed cam or crank sensor, or damaged wiring.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light on
- Engine cranks but is hard to start or will not start
- Rough running with reduced power
- Timing chain rattle at startup
- Engine stalls after starting
- May set alongside P0016 or other timing codes
Most Common Causes
- 1
Stretched or jumped timing chain
A worn chain that has stretched or jumped a tooth misaligns the exhaust cam signal relative to the crank. On interference engines this is urgent — a jumped chain can cause valve damage.
- 2
Slipped or damaged camshaft tone ring (Bank 1 exhaust)
The reluctor ring on the Bank 1 exhaust cam can slip or lose a tooth, sending an incorrect position signal that the PCM reads as a correlation error.
- 3
Failed Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor
A cam sensor generating a weak or incorrect signal creates a false correlation fault. Test the sensor output on a scope before assuming a mechanical timing problem.
- 4
Damaged or corroded sensor wiring
Broken wires or corroded connectors on either the CMP or CKP sensor circuit produce signal errors that register as a correlation mismatch.
- 5
Failed timing chain tensioner or guides
A collapsed tensioner allows chain slack that causes intermittent phase shifts between the cam and crank signals.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Stretched or jumped timing chain — A worn chain that has stretched or jumped a tooth misaligns the exhaust cam signal relative to the crank. On interference engines this is urgent — a jumped chain can cause valve damage.
- 2
Check Slipped or damaged camshaft tone ring (Bank 1 exhaust) — The reluctor ring on the Bank 1 exhaust cam can slip or lose a tooth, sending an incorrect position signal that the PCM reads as a correlation error.
- 3
Check Failed Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor — A cam sensor generating a weak or incorrect signal creates a false correlation fault. Test the sensor output on a scope before assuming a mechanical timing problem.
- 4
Check Damaged or corroded sensor wiring — Broken wires or corroded connectors on either the CMP or CKP sensor circuit produce signal errors that register as a correlation mismatch.
- 5
Check Failed timing chain tensioner or guides — A collapsed tensioner allows chain slack that causes intermittent phase shifts between the cam and crank signals.
How to Fix It
- 1
Inspect CMP and CKP sensor wiring and connectors
Check both sensor harnesses for corrosion, breaks, and chafing before assuming a mechanical fault. A wiring repair is far cheaper than a timing chain job.
- 2
Test both position sensors
Scope both the crank and Bank 1 exhaust cam sensor patterns. Missing or distorted teeth indicate a failed sensor or damaged tone ring.
- 3
Inspect the Bank 1 exhaust cam tone ring
Remove the cam gear and inspect the reluctor ring for a slipped position or missing teeth. Replace the cam gear or sprocket assembly if the ring is damaged.
- 4
Inspect timing chain, tensioner, and guides
Check chain stretch and tensioner condition. A jumped chain must be corrected immediately — verify no valve damage before restart on interference engines.
- 5
Clear codes and verify with live correlation data
After repairs, clear DTCs and monitor cam/crank correlation live data on a scanner to confirm both signals are in phase.
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