P0017
PowertrainCrankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
The crankshaft and bank 1 exhaust camshaft are out of correlation, the cam is several degrees away from where it should be relative to the crank.
ⓘ Information only. This page provides general educational information about fault code P0017. We do not assess the urgency or safety implications of any specific fault. That requires in-person diagnosis by a qualified mechanic. Full terms.
Recommended next steps
Whether a fault is urgent, drivable, or routine depends entirely on the cause on a specific vehicle, and that can only be determined by a qualified mechanic with diagnostic equipment. If a warning light is illuminated, the most reliable next step is professional diagnosis.
What does P0017 mean?
P0017 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B).
This is a standardised OBD-II code. The technical definition is the same regardless of the make or model of vehicle, although specific causes and symptoms can vary between vehicles.
Symptoms commonly associated with this code
Symptoms that drivers often report alongside this code. Not all may apply to every case:
- • Engine warning light
- • Rough idle, often with a metallic rattle on cold start
- • Power loss and limp mode in some cases
- • Rough running, particularly when the engine is warm
- • On chain-stretch engines: distinctive cold-start rattle from the timing case
Possible causes
Causes commonly associated with P0017, listed in approximate order of typical investigation. The actual cause on a specific vehicle can only be confirmed by professional diagnosis.
- 1. Stretched timing chain, the dominant cause on prone engines (BMW N47/N57 diesel, Ford EcoBoost, Mini diesels, VAG TFSI/TSI)
- 2. Failed VVT solenoid for the exhaust cam
- 3. Failed cam phaser
- 4. Low oil pressure preventing cam phaser operation
- 5. Damaged cam sensor or reluctor
How mechanics typically diagnose
A typical diagnostic sequence used by mechanics, provided here for educational reference only. Diagnostic work should be performed by a qualified mechanic with the appropriate tools and training.
- 1. Listen for chain rattle on cold start, 5-10 seconds of metallic rattle from the timing case is the classic chain-stretch giveaway
- 2. Check oil level and condition first, any cam phaser issue is multiplied by poor oil
- 3. Read live data on cam timing, exhaust cam actual vs commanded values diverging by a few degrees suggests phaser or solenoid; bigger gaps suggest chain
- 4. Try cleaning or replacing the exhaust-side VVT solenoid as a cheap first move
- 5. If on a chain-prone engine with high mileage and rattle, plan for chain replacement
Common questions about P0017
P0017 keeps coming back after a VVT solenoid replacement, what next? +
On chain-prone engines, that's a strong indicator the chain is the underlying issue. The solenoid swap addresses the symptom, the chain replacement addresses the cause. Driving on a stretched chain risks chain skip and catastrophic engine failure, so don't keep clearing the code indefinitely.
Is this the exhaust side or intake side? +
Exhaust. P0016 is intake side (bank 1, cam A). P0017 is exhaust side (bank 1, cam B). Same correlation fault, different cam. Diagnostic approach is essentially identical.
Information only, not professional advice
The information on this page is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or repair advice from a qualified mechanic. Always verify any fault before paying for repairs. carfaultcodes.co.uk accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information. Full terms →