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P0017 — Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1 Exhaust)

P0017 is the exhaust-cam counterpart of P0016. The ECM compares the crankshaft position signal to the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position signal and finds them more than a calibrated number of degrees out of alignment. This usually means timing chain stretch, a stuck cam phaser unable to return to base position, or a position sensor producing bad data. P0017 is one of the strongest indicators of timing chain wear on engines with dual VVT.

P0017 means crank/cam correlation (bank 1 exhaust). A vehicle usually stays drivable short-term with this code, but it should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is stretched timing chain or worn timing chain guides (typically $800–$3,500). Causes and cost vary by make and model; confirm the root cause before replacing parts.

Severity: high powertrain Safe to drive (short term)

Reviewed by MECH AI Editorial · Last verified

What does P0017 mean?

P0017 is the exhaust-cam counterpart of P0016. The ECM compares the crankshaft position signal to the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position signal and finds them more than a calibrated number of degrees out of alignment. This usually means timing chain stretch, a stuck cam phaser unable to return to base position, or a position sensor producing bad data. P0017 is one of the strongest indicators of timing chain wear on engines with dual VVT.

What are the symptoms of P0017?

What causes P0017?

Cause Likelihood Estimated repair (USD)
Stretched timing chain or worn timing chain guides Most common $800–$3,500
Stuck exhaust cam phaser cannot return to base timing Common $400–$1,500
Failed exhaust cam position sensor producing inaccurate readings Common $100–$400
Low oil pressure preventing the phaser from holding position Occasional $50–$200
Damaged exhaust cam reluctor wheel or tone ring Occasional $300–$1,500
Stuck-open exhaust VVT oil control valve Occasional $100–$450
Timing chain skipped one tooth after a tensioner failure Rare $1,000–$4,000

Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by make, model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.

Is it safe to drive with P0017?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0017 active, but you should diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on your specific make and model.

How to diagnose P0017

  1. Check oil level and pressure

    P0017 with low oil pressure is the exhaust phaser unable to hold commanded position. Confirm level on level ground with a warm engine and measure oil pressure with a mechanical gauge before replacing parts.

    Tools: Dipstick, Mechanical oil pressure gauge

  2. Watch exhaust cam vs. crank position in live data

    The cam-crank offset should remain fixed. An offset that drifts as RPM rises indicates timing chain stretch. A static but wrong offset can mean the chain jumped a tooth. Compare to service-manual specifications.

    Tools: Scan tool with dual position PIDs

  3. Listen for chain noise at cold start

    A 1–3 second cold-start rattle that quiets as oil pressure builds is early chain wear. Continuous rattle indicates advanced wear with imminent failure risk. Use a mechanic's stethoscope on the front timing cover.

    Tools: Mechanic's stethoscope

  4. Test the exhaust cam sensor electrically

    Disconnect the sensor and inspect the connector. With a scope, check the signal pattern — should be a clean square wave with no missing pulses. A noisy or absent signal sets P0017 even with a perfect chain.

    Tools: Oscilloscope or scan tool with raw sensor PIDs, Multimeter

  5. Inspect the cam phaser on engines with documented failures

    On Ford 5.4 3V Triton, GM 3.6 LFX/LLT, BMW N20/N26, and VW EA888 engines, the exhaust phaser is a common P0017 cause independent of chain wear. A scope on the cam sensor while bidirectionally commanding the OCV will show whether the phaser is responding.

    Tools: Bidirectional scan tool, Oscilloscope (optional)

How do I fix P0017?

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P0017: frequently asked questions

What does diagnostic trouble code P0017 mean?

P0017 is the exhaust-cam counterpart of P0016. The ECM compares the crankshaft position signal to the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position signal and finds them more than a calibrated number of degrees out of alignment. This usually means timing chain stretch, a stuck cam phaser unable to return to base position, or a position sensor producing bad data. P0017 is one of the strongest indicators of timing chain wear on engines with dual VVT.

What are the symptoms of P0017?

Check Engine Light is illuminated. Cold-start rattle or chirp from the front timing cover. Hard cold start with long crank times. Loss of low-end torque. Rough idle and reduced throttle response. Reduced fuel economy. Possible engine no-start if timing has slipped enough

What causes P0017?

Stretched timing chain or worn timing chain guides (most-common). Stuck exhaust cam phaser cannot return to base timing (common). Failed exhaust cam position sensor producing inaccurate readings (common). Low oil pressure preventing the phaser from holding position (occasional). Damaged exhaust cam reluctor wheel or tone ring (occasional). Stuck-open exhaust VVT oil control valve (occasional). Timing chain skipped one tooth after a tensioner failure (rare)

Is it safe to drive with P0017?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0017 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a high-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Specific tolerance varies by make and model.