P0017 on Chevrolet
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B
P0017 on Chevrolet vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor b. Au7o has documented this code across 7 Chevrolet models — most commonly on Camaro, Cobalt, Colorado. 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 Chevrolet range from $400 to $4,000, 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 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 Cobalt(1 issue)
- Ecotec Engine Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear2005-2010
The 2.2L and 2.0L Ecotec engines in the Cobalt develop timing chain stretch and timing chain guide deterioration. The plastic timing chain guides wear over time, causing the chain to become slack and noisy. If left unaddressed, the timing chain can skip teeth, causing valve timing misalignment and potential engine damage. The issue typically develops between 80,000-150,000 miles. The water pump is driven by the timing chain on these engines, so both should be addressed together.
Chevrolet Colorado(1 issue)
- Water Pump Failure (3.6L V6)2015-2023
The water pump on the 3.6L V6 can fail, causing coolant leaks and potential overheating. The pump is driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive as it requires significant disassembly to access.
Chevrolet Equinox(2 issues)
- 2.4L Ecotec Timing Chain Premature Failure2010-2013
The 2.4L Ecotec engine is prone to premature timing chain failure due to improperly hardened chains and faulty tensioners. A defective batch of timing chains that were not hardened properly causes the chains to stretch prematurely. When the timing chain fails or jumps teeth on the sprockets, it can cause catastrophic valve damage and complete engine failure.
- 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(2 issues)
- Ecotec Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch2006-2011
The 2.2L and 2.4L Ecotec engines in the HHR suffer from timing chain tensioner failure and chain stretch, particularly on early production years. The timing chain tensioner does not receive sufficient oil at idle due to a design fault in early engines, causing accelerated wear. The 2.4L Ecotec is especially prone to this issue and also suffers from oil consumption problems. GM released revised tensioners and oil nozzles but many HHRs were never updated. Symptoms typically appear between 80,000-120,000 miles.
- 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 Malibu(1 issue)
- Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Guide Failure2008-2013
The GM Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection engine suffers from timing chain stretch and plastic guide breakage. GM received a bad batch of chains that were not properly hardened. The plastic guides break causing the chain to sag, and since this is an interference engine, failure can destroy the engine. The 2.4L also burns oil excessively due to improperly hardened piston rings (2010-2013), leading to low oil which accelerates timing chain wear.
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.
Looking for P0017 on a different make?
View P0017 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0017 mean on Chevrolet?▼
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 Chevrolet specifically, this code is documented across 7 models.
What causes P0017 on Chevrolet vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chevrolet: 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 Chevrolet?▼
Repair costs on Chevrolet range from $400 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chevrolet models have P0017 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0017 on 7 Chevrolet models: Camaro, Cobalt, Colorado, Equinox, HHR, Malibu, Traverse.