P0008: How to Diagnose & Fix — Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1
31 vehicles · 13 makes · $200-$6,500 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.
Chevrolet Equinox · 2010–2017
The 2.4L Ecotec in 2010-2017 Equinox is prone to premature timing-chain and balance-chain stretch, driven primarily by a collapsing chain tensioner and made worse by the engine's known oil-consumption problem (low oil reduces hydraulic pressure to the tensioner). Symptoms are a rattle at cold startup, a check-engine light, and rough running or loss of power. Because the engine is an interference design, a chain that skips timing far enough lets the valves contact the pistons, turning a maintenance item into an engine-destroying failure. GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment 12313 (10 years/120,000 miles) for 2010-2011 2.4L (LAF) engines because the chrome layer on the balance chain pins may wear and let the balance chain stretch; it covers the balance chain and fuel pump, not the timing chain.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling/chain noise at cold start
- Check engine light with cam-crank correlation codes
- Rough idle, hesitation, reduced power
- Engine running rough or stalling
How to Fix
Diagnose with cam/crank correlation codes and inspect chain stretch. Replace the full timing chain kit (chains, guides, tensioners) and the balance chain; correct any underlying oil consumption first or the new chain will wear early. Address promptly at first rattle — driving on a stretched chain risks valve-to-piston contact and a totaled engine.
Sources for this issue (1)
Saturn Aura · 2007–2009
The early GM 3.6L high-feature V6 (used in Aura XR) is prone to premature timing chain stretch, sometimes appearing as early as 50,000-100,000 miles. As the chains wear, camshaft-to-crankshaft timing drifts out of spec, setting correlation codes and eventually causing rough running, reduced power, and potential engine damage if ignored. A cold-start rattle is a common early warning sign.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes
- Rattle on cold start
- Rough idle / misfire
- Reduced power
- Engine light flashing under load
How to Fix
Replace all three timing chains, tensioners, and guides (a major job). GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment #11340 (extending warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on affected engines and requiring ECM reprogramming in some cases). Use the correct oil and change intervals to slow wear.
Sources for this issue (3)
Lincoln Navigator · 2015–2019
Chevrolet HHR · 2006–2011
Pontiac G6 · 2007–2010
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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 $6,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0008?
Au7o has documented P0008 across 31 vehicle models from 13 manufacturers: Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dacia, Ford, GMC, Lincoln, Opel, Pontiac, SEAT, Saturn, Suzuki.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.