P0017
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)P0017 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B). It is logged by the engine control unit when the ckp/cmp monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0017 means
P0017 — "Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1, Sensor B)" — is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects that the relationship between the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) and the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor (CMP Sensor B) is outside the acceptable window. "Bank 1" is the cylinder bank containing cylinder 1; "Sensor B" designates the exhaust camshaft on that bank, distinguishing it from the sibling code P0016 which covers the intake camshaft (Sensor A).
The most frequent mechanical cause is a worn, stretched, or jumped timing chain or belt — and the tensioners and guides that control it. Variable valve timing (VVT) systems add additional failure points: a stuck or sluggish cam phaser, a blocked or faulty VVT oil control solenoid, or insufficient oil pressure can all cause the exhaust cam to sit at an angle the PCM does not expect.
Ignoring the code risks progressive timing damage and potential valve-to-piston contact.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0017 is logged.
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1
Worn, stretched, or jumped timing chain or timing belt
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2
Damaged or worn timing chain tensioner or guide rails
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3
Faulty or stuck variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser / actuator on the exhaust camshaft
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4
Defective or blocked VVT oil control solenoid (cam phaser solenoid)
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5
Low engine oil level or low oil pressure reducing VVT actuation
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6
Failed or out-of-range Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position sensor (CMP Sensor B)
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7
Failed or out-of-range crankshaft position sensor (CKP)
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8
Damaged, cracked, or slipped reluctor/tone ring on camshaft or crankshaft
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0017
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Retrieve all stored and pending DTCs; note any companion codes (P0016, P0011, P0014)
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2
Inspect engine oil level and condition
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3
Visually inspect CKP and CMP sensor connectors and wiring harness for corrosion
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4
Test CKP and CMP sensor resistance and reference voltage with a DVOM
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5
Inspect and test the Bank 1 exhaust VVT oil control solenoid
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6
If timing chain wear is suspected, perform a timing chain slack inspection per OEM procedure
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7
Clear DTCs, perform a drive cycle, and confirm whether the code returns
Related powertrain codes
- P000A — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000B — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000C — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P000D — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P0010 — A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
- P0011 — A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to keep driving with a P0017 code stored?
Short-term driving to reach a workshop is generally possible, but continued operation is not advisable. A stretched timing chain or failed VVT phaser can worsen rapidly.
What is the difference between P0016 and P0017?
Both codes indicate a CKP-to-CMP correlation fault on Bank 1, but they target different camshafts. P0016 (Sensor A) refers to the intake camshaft, while P0017 (Sensor B) refers to the exhaust camshaft.
Can low engine oil cause P0017?
Yes. VVT phasers and oil control solenoids rely on adequate oil pressure to advance or retard cam timing.
Will replacing the camshaft position sensor fix P0017?
Only if the sensor itself is defective. The majority of P0017 cases trace back to timing chain wear, a faulty VVT phaser, or a blocked VVT solenoid.
Disabling P0017 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0017 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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