The best way to diagnose problems that include low performance and engine starting issues is to use an OBDII scanner. Once you connect it to the car’s computer, it will show any existing error codes. If you see on the list of errors a P0017 code, you need to know what you are dealing with.
So, what can you make out of the P0017 code? In literal translation, that points out to a problem named “Crankshaft position – Camshaft position correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)”. This code is usually connected with the camshaft and the crankshaft and their synchronization. If they are out of synth that will impact the overall performance of the car. But, if you don’t have any performance issues, the problem can be in the sensor of the crankshaft and the camshaft.
The P0017 can also be connected with a faulty timing belt. So if there is no problem with the crankshaft or the camshaft, you should check the timing belt. All these problems are expensive to repair if you do not address them soon. Stay with us, and learn about this issue and how to resolve it.
Understanding the Role of the P0017 OBD2 Code
If you have an OBDII scanner and you found this error, you should know what is causing it. This way, you will know what you can do and how to handle this problem.
What Exactly is a P0017 Code?
As we mentioned, this code is connected with the issues in camshaft and crankshaft synchronization. These parts are related to the cylinders in the car and will impact how well they work.
The camshaft’s job is to open and close the valves, allowing the air/fuel mixture into the cylinders. The spark creates combustion of this mixture, creating a force for moving the cylinders. The crankshaft shifts this power from the cylinders into a circular motion that moves the vehicle. If these parts are not working in synchronization, this error will show up.
There are different codes connected with these parts. The exact meaning of Error Code P0017 code is a misalignment between the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. Bank 1 means that the problem is on the engine side where the first cylinder is. The Sensor B message shows the exhaust camshaft side.
Why is Your Vehicle’s OBD Generating a P0017 Code?
So, what causes a p0017 code? There are several reasons why the P0017 engine code would pop out on the scanner. The most common are:
Problems with the camshaft and the crankshaft
The parts may be old and worn. Sometimes, if the oil and the filters are not changed often enough, it can cause damage to these parts
Different issues with the timing belt or chain
It can be stretched from prolonged use. The problem can be in the damaged timing tensioners or guides. The timing belt can also miss a tooth. That will cause the desynchronization of the crankshaft and the camshaft
Problems with the sensors
Different sensors are a part of the engine work, like crank and camshaft sensors. These position sensors may send a wrong signal when to the ECU. In some cases, the problem is in the sensor’s wiring. In other the problem is in the faulty sensor. This can only be fixed with a replacement sensor.
Actuator issues
Sometimes a faulty camshaft or crankshaft reluctor wheel will cause a P0017 message. Also, the reluctor ring can slip, resulting in this problem
Problems with engine oil
If you are using the wrong engine oil type for some time, it will cause problems for several engine parts. Those include the crankshaft and the camshaft. The wrong engine oil viscosity will have an impact on the overall lubrication of the engine. These two parts are moving, and they require proper lubrication and cooling at all times.
Importance of OBD in Detecting the P0017 Code
There are several symptoms connected with the issue, including an engine warning light. That is why without the OBDII scanner is very hard to detect this problem. You or the mechanic will know where to look when the scanner shows this message. It is important to check all the parts that are connected to this problem.
An experienced mechanic can do a visual check and, from that, determine a problem with the camshaft or a crankshaft. The timing belt, which is also a common symptom of a P0017 code, can be easily checked.
Sometimes if the check engine light is not on and the scanner shows this message, it can point to a problem with a faulty camshaft position sensor. In that case, you should not notice any symptoms connected with the engine performance.
Sneaky Symptoms of P0017 Code
Some symptoms that are often overlooked when diagnosing the P0017 code are:
- Badly torqued crankshaft balancer
- Broken powertrain control module
- Missing or loose crankshaft balancer bolt
- Problematic variable valve timing
- Blocked or clogged oil control valve.
Don’t Fear the P0017 Engine Code: Cause, Diagnose & How To Fix:
P0017 Code: How It Affects Your Engine
When you have a P0017 and the problem is not only the sensor, you will have multiple performance issues. The engine will run poorly, and you will notice stalling and loss of engine power. At a certain moment, you will notice the engine misfiring. The problem will grow over time, and in the end, you will not be able to start the engine at all.
This problem can be the result of a mistimed engine. If you run your car with engine timing issues, you may cause catastrophic engine damages that can lead to a complete engine failure.
P0017 Code and its Impact on the Crankshaft and Camshaft Position
The timing chain, which is responsible for the synchronization of the crankshaft and camshaft, can start to cause problems. That will not only put out of synch both of these components, but if it jumps, it will impact several engine parts. The valves and the pistons could strike into each other causing massive damage.
How the P0017 Code Influences Your Vehicle’s Performance
The main cause of the P0017 error code is a problem with synchronization between the crankshaft and the camshaft. When this happens, the engine will have poor combustion of the air/fuel mixture. That will lead to poor engine performance. You will have problems with acceleration and starting of the engine.
But that is the least of your problems. If you ignore this problem, the carbon buildup will create problems for the spark plugs. If they are not working properly, you cannot talk about a good working engine. Also, if the timing belt is your problem, then it can cause not only a lower performance of the engine but also potential major engine damage.
Practical Steps on How To Fix P0017 Code
The first thing you can do after an OBDII scanner pulls up this code is to inspect the engine visually. You should first look at both the crankshaft and the camshaft. Check the wiring and the connectors. If they are loose, the sensors may put up an error when there are no problems.
After that, you should check how is the oil control valve working. The next on the list are the variable valve timing solenoid and the CMP sensor signals. You should check all these components with a compatible OBDII scanner.
Sometimes the problem is in the alignment between the camshaft and the crankshaft. Check those, and if they are not aligned, you need to inspect the timing tensioner and the belt itself. If the problem is in the misadjusted engine, you will need the change the belt and adjust it properly with a special tool.
Check Out How to Test & Fix P0017 Crankshaft – Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B (Bank 1- Exhaust):
DIY Solutions: Simple Checks for a P0017 Code
If you know a thing or two about car mechanics, you can inspect the camshaft oil control valve. It can also cause this error message, and if you diagnose it, it is easy to resolve it.
Remove the valve and visually inspect it. Clean it with a valve cleaner. Use a multimeter to check if is it working. Set it to measure resistance. If the multimeter shows between 6.9Ω and 7.9Ω everything is okay. In other cases, you should change the valve.
You can do a similar check with the crankshaft position sensor. It is usually located on the timing cover or on the side of the block. It is a cylindrical shape, and it is easy to identify. Remove the sensor and visually inspect it. Sometimes it is exposed to a leak from another engine component. If you have problems with removing it, learn how to remove a stuck crankshaft position sensor.
For the test, you will again need a multimeter. Set the multimeter to measure resistance. Check the owner’s manual for the precise readout of the sensor. If the multimeter doesn’t show any value, you have a bad camshaft sensor. Before you replace the bad sensor, check if the O-ring is still on the sensor. Sometimes it can fall into its hole.
You can also check the oil level. In some cases, a low oil level may trigger this error. Also, the wrong type of oil is a frequent problem. Try adding new oil, and if everything else is okay, it will resolve this issue.
When to Seek Professional Help
The most obvious reason to seek professional help is when you are not experienced with car mechanics. Diagnosing this problem is not that easy, and if you are not sure what you should do, contact a professional.
If you know a thing or two, you can try to check the most obvious issues. Look at the crankshaft position sensor and its wiring. Also, check the camshaft oil control valve. Another simple fix is to look at the oil level. If you get nothing from this, contact a professional.
Even if you diagnose a problem with a timing belt or with a camshaft or a crankshaft, you better leave it to the professionals. If the timing belt is out of place, you will need special tools to put it back in place.
If it is missing a tooth while working, you need to know the engine timing. If you do it badly, you will end up with a misadjusted timing belt. That will, in time, lead to several engine components malfunction and extensive repair costs.
FAQs About the P0017 Code
How Serious is a P0017 Code for Your Vehicle?
It is very serious. You will not only feel engine power loss and have drivability issues, but you can end up with severe engine damage.
What Causes the P0017 Code to Trigger?
There are several reasons for that, and we will mention them all.
– Low oil level or the wrong oil type
– Problems with the crankshaft or camshaft sensors and their wiring
– Clogged oil control valve
– Broken tone rings
– Timing belt and belt tensioner issues
– Problems with desynchronized camshaft and crankshaft.
Can You Drive with a P0017 Code?
Yes, you can drive until you cannot drive anymore. We do not recommend driving with an error code P0017 problem unresolved. We strongly recommend resolving the problem. If you let this problem slide, it will catch up with you. Then, you must splash out a lot of money to resolve this issue.
Need More Help with a P0017 Code?
If you need additional help with resolving the P0017 issues, contact a local mechanic. Look for a good mechanic in your area, or ask someone to recommend one. Compare the P0017 code repair cost. In every case, sometimes it is best to ask a professional than to lose any sleep over this problem.
