P0009 on Buick
Engine Position System Performance - Bank 2
P0009 on Buick vehicles indicates engine position system performance - bank 2. Au7o has documented this code across 4 Buick models — most commonly on Enclave, Encore, LaCrosse. 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. Typical repair costs on Buick range from $1,200 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0009
- •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)
P0009 on Buick by Model
Buick Enclave(2 issues)
- Enclave 3.6L LLT Timing Chain Stretch + Oil Consumption2008-2012
Early Enclaves (2008-2012, plus shared Traverse/Acadia/Outlook) with the 3.6L LLT direct-injection V6 share LaCrosse's timing chain stretch and a separate excessive-oil-consumption issue. The PCV system pulls oil into the intake, intake valves carbon up (no port injection to wash them), and the chain wears prematurely from stretched OLM intervals.
- Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V62008-2013
The 3.6L (and 2.8L) high-feature V6 in 2008-2013 Enclaves is prone to timing chain stretch and worn chain guides/tensioners, sometimes appearing as early as 40,000-60,000 miles. As the chain elongates, valve timing drifts, triggering misfires and a rattle at idle/startup; if a chain jumps a tooth it can bend valves and cause catastrophic engine damage. GM acknowledged the defect (occurring even with regular oil changes) and issued Special Coverage Adjustment #11340C extending the chain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on affected engines.
Buick Encore(1 issue)
- Encore 1.4L Turbo (LUJ/LUV) Timing Chain Stretch2013-2022
The 1.4L Turbo LUJ (2011-2015) and LUV (2016+) in Encore — and shared Chevy Cruze/Sonic/Trax — develops timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-130,000 miles. Cold-start rattle, then misfire codes, then risk of chain skip. Same engine family used in Opel Astra J (Astra Adam Mokka — see prior Opel issues).
Buick LaCrosse(2 issues)
- LaCrosse 3.6L LLT/LFX Timing Chain Stretch2010-2016
The GM 3.6L LLT (2007-2011) and LFX (2012+) "High Feature" V6 in LaCrosse, Enclave, Acadia, Traverse, CTS, Cadillac SRX, and many others suffers timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-150,000 miles. Root cause is oil-related — original OLM intervals (up to 12,000 miles) starved the chain of fresh oil. Excessive oil consumption (LLT also has a known consumption issue) accelerates wear.
- 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Wear2010-2012
The GM 3.6L V6 (LY7/LLT, and to a lesser extent the early LFX) used in the second-generation LaCrosse is prone to premature timing chain wear and stretch, especially on pre-2012 engines. Worn chains throw off cam-to-crank correlation, setting timing codes and, if neglected, can cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage. The problem is worsened by extended oil-change intervals and a marginal PCV system that accelerates oil contamination.
Buick Regal(1 issue)
- Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch2011-2017
The 2.0L Turbo LHU (2011-2014) and LTG (2014+) in Regal — and shared LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS/CTS — develops timing chain stretch around 80,000-130,000 miles. Symptoms: cold-start rattle, P0008/P0017 codes, eventual loss of cam timing. Aggravated by extended oil intervals and stop-start fleet use.
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What does P0009 mean on Buick?▼
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. On Buick specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0009 on Buick vehicles?▼
Common causes on Buick: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0009 on a Buick?▼
Repair costs on Buick range from $1,200 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Buick models have P0009 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0009 on 4 Buick models: Enclave, Encore, LaCrosse, Regal.