P0008 on Chevrolet
Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1
P0008 on Chevrolet vehicles indicates engine position system performance - bank 1. Au7o has documented this code across 4 Chevrolet models — most commonly on Camaro, Equinox, HHR. 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. Typical repair costs on Chevrolet range from $700 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0008
- •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
P0008 on Chevrolet by Model
Chevrolet Camaro(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Stretch and Correlation Faults on 3.6L LLT/LFX V62010-2015
The 3.6L direct-injected V6 used in fifth-generation Camaro is known for timing chain wear/stretch that can trigger cam/crank correlation faults, rough running, and reduced performance. GM issued service information and special coverage on related 3.6L timing chain concerns across multiple applications, and Camaro owners have documented the same issue in forums and complaints. Poor oil maintenance tends to accelerate wear because chain life is sensitive to lubrication quality and oil change intervals.
Chevrolet Equinox(1 issue)
- 2.4L Ecotec timing/balance chain stretch from tensioner & low oil2010-2017
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 12313D covering premature timing/balance chain wear on certain 2010-2011 2.4L engines.
Chevrolet HHR(1 issue)
- Ecotec Timing Chain Stretch / Tensioner Failure2006-2011
The 2.2L (L61/LE5) and 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinders are prone to timing chain wear caused by failing plastic guides and weak tensioners, often aggravated by extended oil-change intervals or low oil. Because the engine is an interference design, a stretched chain that jumps time can let pistons strike valves and destroy the engine. The telltale sign is a rattling or scraping noise from the passenger side of the engine, especially on cold start, frequently accompanied by code P0008/P0017 for cam-to-crank correlation.
Chevrolet Traverse(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX)2009-2017
The 3.6L V6 (LLT and LFX variants) in the first-generation Traverse is notorious for premature timing chain stretch. The engine uses three timing chains — one primary and two secondary chains driving the variable valve timing actuators. The chains stretch beyond the tensioner capacity, causing the engine timing to slip. Symptoms progress from a rattle on cold start to a check engine light with camshaft correlation codes. If ignored, the stretched chains can skip teeth, causing catastrophic engine damage. The issue typically manifests between 80,000-120,000 miles.
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View P0008 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0008 mean on Chevrolet?▼
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. On Chevrolet specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0008 on Chevrolet vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chevrolet: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0008 on a Chevrolet?▼
Repair costs on Chevrolet range from $700 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chevrolet models have P0008 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0008 on 4 Chevrolet models: Camaro, Equinox, HHR, Traverse.