P0009: How to Diagnose & Fix — Engine Position System Performance - Bank 2
22 vehicles · 12 makes · $200-$6,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0009: 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.
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
Pontiac G6 · 2007–2010
The 2.4L Ecotec LE5 in 2007-2010 G6 (and shared Cobalt SS, Malibu, HHR, Saturn Aura/Ion, Solstice) develops timing chain stretch — a very well-documented engineering issue across Ecotec forums and independent shops. Root cause: GM's original Oil Life Monitor allowed intervals up to 12,000 miles, starving the chain. Note: while GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment 11340C covering timing chain stretch on the 3.6L LFX/LLT V6, the 2.4L Ecotec did NOT receive the same blanket warranty extension. Some owners obtained goodwill repairs through dealer-level escalation.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- misfire
- check engine light
- reduced power
How to Fix
Full timing chain kit replacement (chain, tensioner, guides) ~$1,200-$2,000. If you experience the issue under 100,000 miles, request a goodwill-assistance review at a GM/Chevy dealer (not all approved, but some are). Use dexos1 full-synthetic 5W-30 and stick to 5,000-mile intervals going forward.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Cloyes 9-4201SX primary timing-chain kit
2007-2010 Pontiac G6 2.4L LE5 only after vehicle-fitment confirmation.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Buick Enclave · 2008–2012
Cadillac STS · 2007–2011
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P0009 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 P0009 mean?
P0009 stands for "Engine Position System Performance - Bank 2." This code means the engine control module detected that the position of the camshaft(s) on bank 2 is out of alignment with the crankshaft beyond an acceptable range. The computer compares crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals to confirm the valve timing is correct; when bank 2 is off, the engine's intake and exhaust valves are not opening and closing at the proper moments. This can cause rough running, reduced power, hard starting, or rattling, and on engines with variable valve timing it often involves the timing components or the phasing system. It generally indicates a mechanical timing problem — such as a stretched chain or jumped timing — on the bank of cylinders not containing cylinder 1.
What are the most common causes of P0009?
The most common causes of P0009 are: Stretched or worn timing chain on bank 2, Worn timing chain guides or tensioner, Faulty camshaft phaser / variable valve timing actuator, Stuck or clogged VVT oil control (cam phaser) solenoid, Low oil level or dirty oil affecting VVT operation, Camshaft or crankshaft position sensor fault, Timing chain that has jumped a tooth (skipped timing). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0009?
Repair costs for P0009 range from $200 to $6,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0009?
Au7o has documented P0009 across 22 vehicle models from 12 manufacturers: 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.