P0017 Code: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, and Fixes

The camshaft and crankshaft play a vital role in ensuring the efficient performance of your engine. The latest vehicle models contain a camshaft position sensor and a crankshaft position sensor that are used to measure the positions of the camshaft and crankshaft, respectively. Learn the P0017 code meaning and causes.

The crankshaft and camshaft of your vehicle must be properly synchronized to achieve optimum engine performance. If they are not in sync, the powertrain control module (PCM) triggers the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0017. This article explains the P0017 code meaning, causes, symptoms, and fixing. 

P0017 Code Definition

The engine code P0017 stands for “Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B).”

Sensor B represents the exhaust side of the camshaft, and Bank 1 represents the side of the engine that has cylinder 1.

What Does the P0017 Code Mean?

The P0017 code is triggered when the PCM of your vehicle monitors synchronization issues between the signals of the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors for the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft.

This code is very similar to the P0015 code, P0016 code, and P0018 code.

The IC engine is a type of engine that operates by taking in air from the environment, combining it with atomized fuel, compressing the mixture using moving pistons, and igniting it at precisely the right moment to generate power. This output power then turns the crankshaft, which translates the reciprocating motion of the piston into a rotatory motion that rotates the wheels.
The camshaft controls the opening and closing of inlet and exhaust valves, allowing a fuel-air mixture into the cylinder and a spark to ignite the mixture and drive the cylinder.
For the engine to function properly, the camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor) and crankshaft position sensor (CKP sensor) must work together to regulate the ignition timing, fuel injection rate, and fuel delivery.

When the reading of these sensors doesn’t correlate, the performance of your engine is affected and the PCM triggers the P0017 error code.

Causes of P0017 Code

Your PCM triggers the P0017 trouble code due to one or more of the following causes:

  • Damaged or stretched timing chain or timing belt
  • Faulty camshaft or crankshaft reluctor wheel
  • Insufficient engine oil
  • Engine oil is contaminated or dirty
  • A fault in the oil system
  • Faulty variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid 
  • Faulty PCM (check for any update)
  • A damaged or worn timing belt or chain
  • A bad crankshaft position sensor
  • A faulty oil filter
  • A defective variable valve timing (VVT) actuator 
  • A bad camshaft position sensor
  • Loose wiring or connections
  • Damaged timing chain/belt tensioners or guides

Symptoms of P0017 Code

When the powertrain control module (PCM) P0017, it produces one or more of the following signs: 

  • Check engine light is illuminating 
  • Engine running rough
  • A clear reduction in engine performance
  • A reduction in the fuel economy
  • The engine may have starting issues or will not start at all
  • Engine misfires
  • Engine stalling
  • Rattling noise from the engine

Read More: Low Engine Oil Symptoms and Causes

How to Diagnose the P0017 Code

It is very important to fix the P0017 code as soon as possible. Driving with this code for a long distance may lead to damage of engine parts. Follow the below-given steps to diagnose the trouble code P0017:

  • Using the OBD scanner to check the trouble codes stored in the PCM memory. Some of the common codes that come along the P0017 include the P0015, P0016, P0018, and P0019. If these codes appear, they might make it easy for you to identify the problem. 
  • Reset the PCM memory and perform a test drive. If the engine code P0017 returns, perform the further inspection.
  • Inspect the engine oil level. Your oil shouldn’t be contaminated. If the oil is dirty, change it immediately.
  • Inspect the timing belt or chain for a fault.
  • Visually inspect the physical condition of the crank sensor.
  • Visually check the wiring and connectors. 
  • Test the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors using a multimeter or oscilloscope to verify that they are functioning correctly and providing the correct signals to the PCM.
  • Inspect the oil filter for damage.
  • Check the oil control valve for damage.
  • Inspect the oil system for a blockage or fault. 
  • Check the PCM software to ensure that it is up to date and working efficiently. 

Common Diagnostic Mistakes of P0017 Code

  • Failure to inspect the error code and main problem before the diagnosis.
  • Overlooking the other related codes stored in the PCM memory.
  • Failure to follow the diagnostic steps recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
  • Not visually checking the wiring and connection problems before replacing them.
  • Failure to use proper tools to check the faulty components.
  • Not checking the engine oil before replacing the camshaft sensor or crankshaft sensor.
  • Replacing parts without testing them properly.

How Serious is the P0017 Code?

The P0017 code is considered a serious trouble code. Continuing to drive with this code may lead to significant performance issues.

Persistently driving with this error code not only has adverse effects on fuel efficiency but may also result in the failure of the costly parts. For example, the timing problem can lead to carbon accumulation within your engine and potential fouling of spark plugs.

Furthermore, if your vehicle’s timing belt jumps and deviates from its intended path, it can cause collisions between the valves and pistons. This critical problem can inflict severe damage on the engine, and lead to costly repairs.

What repairs can fix the P0017 Code?

One or more below-given repairs may fix the P0017 trouble code:

  • Resetting the P0017 code by using an OBD-II scanner
  • Replacing the bad camshaft sensor
  • Adding more engine oil if needed
  • Replacing the faulty oil control valve
  • Fixing a fault in the oil system
  • Replacing the bad crankshaft sensor
  • Replacing the bad timing belt tensioner
  • Repairing the damaged wiring
  • Cleaning the accumulated carbon from pistons and valves after the code is repaired
  • Replacing the faulty timing gears and timing chain
  • Replacing the faulty PCM
  • Replacing the damaged camshaft
  • Replacing the damaged crankshaft
  • Replacing the faulty VVT solenoid

P0017 Code Repair Cost

The repair or fixing cost of the P0017 code varies according to the vehicle model, labor cost, and repair cost of the relevant part. To fix or repair the P0017 code, you may need one or more of the following repairs:

PartsCost
VVT control solenoid valve$450 to $620
Timing belt replacement$280 to $3100
Crankshaft position sensor replacement$180 to $260
CMP actuator solenoid replacement$290 to $3,000
Camshaft position sensor replacement$110 to $320
Timing chain or belt tensioner replacement$240 to $3,000
Wiring repair/replacement$80 to $1100

Prevention Tips for P0017 Code

Follow the below-given control measures to prevent your vehicle from triggering the P0017 code:

1) Regular Maintenance

To maintain your engine in optimal condition and prevent DTC P0017, conducting a routine maintenance schedule is very important. Regular maintenance contains thorough fluid inspections, regular oil changes, and thorough inspections of the after-treatment control system parts.

2) Use Good Quality Fuel

You should always use high-octane fuel to achieve optimum engine performance. If you use dirty or low-quality fuel, it may lead to issues related to the camshaft and crankshaft and cause the P0017 code.

3) Use Quality Oil

You should always use clean and good quality oil to prevent your vehicle from different problems. Engine oil is very important for the proper synchronization of camshaft and crankshaft.

Dirty or poor-quality oil may badly affect the performance of the timing belt or chain, causing misalignment between the camshaft and crankshaft.

4) Inspect the Timing Components Regularly

The timing belt and other timing parts may wear out with time. A worn or damaged timing belt may lead to an issue with the synchronization between the camshaft position sensor and the crankshaft position sensor. Therefore, ensure the regular inspection of your timing belt and replace it if needed.

5) Address Warning Signs Promptly

If you observe a reduction in the performance of your engine or if warning indicators illuminate on your dashboard, it’s crucial not to address these signals promptly. Addressing the minor issues promptly can prevent their escalation into more substantial issues, potentially causing a P0017 code.

6) Get Regular Professional Inspections

Scheduled examinations performed by an experienced mechanic can detect problems that might be hard to identify in everyday usage. A skilled professional has the ability to pinpoint potential concerns before they activate a fault code, thereby ensuring your vehicle remains in excellent condition and minimizing the chances of an issue.

FAQ Section

Where is the camshaft sensor located?

The camshaft sensor is located near the top of the engine inside the valve cover. In some vehicles, it is located at the front cylinder.

What are the signs of the P0017 code Hyundai?

  1. Check Engine Light starts illuminating
  2. A reduction in engine performance
  3. The engine runs erratically or feels rough while running
  4. Engine starting issues
  5. Poor fuel economy
  6. Engine stalling

Can I drive with a P0017 code?

It is not recommended to continue driving a vehicle with fault code P0017. Driving with this code may lead to catastrophic damages and leave expensive repair bills on the table. Therefore, it is recommended to promptly fix this P0017 code.

How do you reset a camshaft position sensor?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to reset a camshaft position sensor. You’ll have to replace the part if you’re having camshaft issues (check engine light on, acceleration trouble, sputtering and stalling, etc.).

What side of the engine is Bank 1?

Bank 1 and bank 2 refer to either side of the engine. Bank 1 is on the side with cylinder 1. Bank 2 is the side with cylinder 2. Usually, Bank 1 is towards the front of the car if it has a transverse engine.

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