Known Issues/P0017/Cadillac

P0017 on Cadillac

Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B

Critical7 Cadillac models affected$1,800-$4,500 typical repairSystem: Engine

P0017 on Cadillac vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor b. Au7o has documented this code across 7 Cadillac models — most commonly on CTS, SRX, STS. This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their proper timing relationship with each other. The computer compares the crankshaft position signal to the camshaft position signal, and when they don't line up within the allowed window, it sets this correlation code. This usually points to mechanical timing being off, most often from a stretched or worn timing chain, a slipped or stuck variable valve timing phaser, or a tensioner problem. You may notice rough running, low power, rattling at startup, or a no-start, and it should be addressed promptly to avoid valve-to-piston contact on some engines. Typical repair costs on Cadillac range from $1,800 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.

Common Causes of P0017

  • •Stretched or worn timing chain
  • •Worn or failed timing chain tensioner or guides
  • •Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser
  • •Faulty VVT oil control/solenoid valve
  • •Low or dirty engine oil affecting phaser operation
  • •Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
  • •Timing chain jumped a tooth or incorrect timing after service
  • •Damaged reluctor (tone) ring

P0017 on Cadillac by Model

Cadillac CTS(1 issue)

  • 3.6L LLT Direct-Injection Timing Chain Stretch Sets Cam-Correlation Codes2007-2011

    The 3.6L LLT direct-injection V6 used in the 2008-2011 CTS (and the 2007 gen-1 3.6L LY7) is among the best-documented GM V6 failures: the primary and secondary timing chains elongate well before 100,000 miles, throwing off intake/exhaust cam correlation. Chain wear is strongly accelerated by extended oil-change intervals and low oil level, which starve the hydraulic chain tensioners. GM acknowledged the defect with Special Coverage bulletin 11340 (revisions A/B/C) extending timing-chain coverage to 10 years / 120,000 miles on affected models including the 2007-2009 CTS, and with service bulletin 12-06-01-009F describing the updated chain/tensioner/guide kit. This is an LLT/LY7 direct-injection-era issue and should not be attributed to the later LFX or to the 2.0L LTG four.

Cadillac SRX(1 issue)

  • High-Feature V6 Timing-Chain DTCs Require Exact Kit Identification2010-2012

    GM bulletin 12-06-01-009E covers listed 2010-2012 SRX High Feature V6 applications when worn timing chains set P0008, P0009 or P0016-P0019. It identifies application-specific service kits and warns that sprockets, actuators and guides should not be replaced automatically; guides are replaced only when wear reaches the base friction material.

Cadillac STS(1 issue)

  • 3.6L V6 Timing-Chain DTCs Require Exact Kit and Guide Inspection2007-2011

    GM bulletin 12-06-01-009E covers listed 2007-2011 STS 3.6L High Feature V6 applications when worn timing chains set P0008, P0009 or P0016-P0019. It identifies application-specific service kits and warns that sprockets, actuators and guides should not be replaced automatically; guides are replaced only when wear reaches the base friction material.

Cadillac XT4(1 issue)

  • Front-Engine Rattle May Require Timing-Chain Tensioner Inspection2019

    GM PIP5652A covers the 2019 XT4 with the 2.0L LSY engine when a front-engine rattle is present, with or without P0011, P0014, P0016 or P0017. A stuck or collapsed timing-chain tensioner can damage camshaft actuator valve hardware, so GM directs inspection of the actuator snap rings, tensioner and guides rather than automatic replacement of a generic timing kit.

Cadillac XT5(1 issue)

  • 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Issues (XT5 V6 models)2017-2025

    The XT5 V6 models use the GM 3.6L V6 (LGX) which has improved timing chains over earlier versions but is not immune to timing chain stretch at higher mileage. The LGX is better than the earlier LFX but still uses three timing chains with plastic guides. Issues typically appear later (100,000-150,000 miles) compared to earlier 3.6L variants. The 2020+ XT5 2.0T models use a different engine (LSY) and are not affected by this issue.

Cadillac XT6(1 issue)

  • 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Concern (XT6)2020-2025

    The XT6 uses the GM 3.6L V6 (LGX) which has a documented history of timing chain stretch across the GM lineup. While the LGX generation is improved over earlier 3.6L variants, the three-chain design with plastic guides remains a long-term reliability concern. Most XT6s are still too new for widespread timing chain failures, but owners should monitor for early signs and plan for preventive replacement around 100,000-120,000 miles based on the engine's history in other models.

Cadillac XTS(1 issue)

  • Multiple Cam/Crank Correlation DTCs Require Chain, Tensioner and Reluctor Diagnosis2013-2019

    GM PIP3423P covers 2013-2019 XTS vehicles with the 3.6L LFX or LF3 engine when two or more of P0008, P0009 and P0016-P0019 are present. GM directs technicians to check for loose chains or tensioners and, if normal SI diagnosis does not find the cause, inspect whether the crankshaft-sensor reluctor moved. The bulletin does not establish automatic chain replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0017 mean on Cadillac?▼

P0017 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B." This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their proper timing relationship with each other. The computer compares the crankshaft position signal to the camshaft position signal, and when they don't line up within the allowed window, it sets this correlation code. This usually points to mechanical timing being off, most often from a stretched or worn timing chain, a slipped or stuck variable valve timing phaser, or a tensioner problem. You may notice rough running, low power, rattling at startup, or a no-start, and it should be addressed promptly to avoid valve-to-piston contact on some engines. On Cadillac specifically, this code is documented across 7 models.

What causes P0017 on Cadillac vehicles?▼

Common causes on Cadillac: Stretched or worn timing chain, Worn or failed timing chain tensioner or guides, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser, Faulty VVT oil control/solenoid valve, Low or dirty engine oil affecting phaser operation. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.

How much does it cost to fix P0017 on a Cadillac?▼

Repair costs on Cadillac range from $1,800 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.

Which Cadillac models have P0017 documented?▼

Au7o has documented P0017 on 7 Cadillac models: CTS, SRX, STS, XT4, XT5, XT6, XTS.

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