P0008: How to Diagnose & Fix — Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1
35 vehicles · 14 makes · $200-$12,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0008: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class · 2013–2019
The turbo petrol M270 (and naturally-aspirated M270/M274 in B180/B200/B250) uses a two-stage timing chain whose plastic guide rails and hydraulic tensioner degrade prematurely. Owners report a loud metallic rattle for roughly 1-15 seconds on cold start that fades as oil pressure builds. Short-trip urban use accelerates the problem because the cold-start period (low oil pressure) makes up a large share of running time. Stretch typically appears from ~80,000 km (50,000 mi), with some city cars rattling from ~70,000 km. Left unaddressed, chain stretch alters valve timing, throws fault codes, and risks contact/wear on cam bearings and phasers.
Common Symptoms
- Metallic rattle on cold start lasting 1-15 seconds
- Rattle fades once engine warms
- Rough running or misfire
- Reduced power
- Check engine light
How to Fix
Diagnose with a cold-start listen and read live chain/cam-position data via XENTRY. If only the tensioner is at fault, replacing the hydraulic chain tensioner first is the cheaper initial fix; if the chain is stretched, replace the complete OEM timing kit (chain, both guide rails, tensioner, and cam phaser sprockets if worn) to avoid consequential damage. Use the correct MB-Approval 229.5/229.51 0W-40 or 5W-40 oil and shorten oil-change intervals on short-trip cars.
Sources for this issue (3)
GMC Acadia · 2007–2016
GM bulletin 12-06-01-009D covers 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles with 3.6L High Feature V6 engines (RPO LY7 or LLT) and timing-chain correlation DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019.
Common Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Camshaft-to-crankshaft correlation DTC
How to Fix
Complete the GM diagnostic procedure before ordering parts. When a stretched timing chain is confirmed, use the applicable GM timing-chain kit. The bulletin says guides, sprockets, actuators and the crank gear should not be replaced automatically unless separately worn or diagnosed.
Sources for this issue (1)
Dacia Duster · 2017–2023
The Renault-Nissan H4M 1.6 SCe in Duster Mk2 (and Renault Kadjar/Captur, Nissan Qashqai/Juke) develops timing chain stretch typically at 80,000-140,000 km. Cold-start rattle, P0016/P0017 codes, eventual chain skip risk. Same engine family as Nissan HR16DE — same issue across all applications.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- check engine light
- misfire
How to Fix
Full chain kit (chain, guides, tensioner) €700-€1,200. Use Renault-spec RN0700 5W-30 oil at 15,000 km max — longer intervals significantly accelerate chain wear. Replace at first persistent rattle.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Renault H4M timing-chain kit 130C19110R
replace the confirmed worn timing set after mechanical and scan-data diagnosis Fitment/availability: Renault/Dacia Duster II 1.6 16V H4M 115 hp application listed for genuine part 130C19110R; confirm VIN, H4M index, engine production bre…
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SEAT Ibiza · 2010–2015
Chevrolet Equinox · 2010–2017
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P0008 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0008 mean?
P0008 stands for "Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1." P0008 means the engine computer detected that Bank 1 of the engine is timed incorrectly relative to where it should be — specifically, the relationship between the crankshaft and camshaft positions on that bank is off. The 'Engine Position System' refers to the components (timing chain/belt, sprockets, tensioners, and the variable valve timing actuators) that keep the camshafts synchronized with the crankshaft. When the computer commands a timing position but the sensors report the bank is out of the expected range, it sets this code. It generally signals a mechanical timing problem on Bank 1 that can affect performance and, if severe, risk internal engine damage.
What are the most common causes of P0008?
The most common causes of P0008 are: Stretched or worn timing chain, Failed or worn timing chain guides or tensioner, Faulty camshaft position (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil affecting timing actuator operation, Jumped or mistimed timing chain/belt after service, Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, Clogged oil control valve or oil passages. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0008?
Repair costs for P0008 range from $200 to $12,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0008?
Au7o has documented P0008 across 35 vehicle models from 14 manufacturers: Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dacia, Ford, GMC, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Pontiac, SEAT, Saturn, Suzuki.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.