P0017 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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If you notice immediate effect on the drivability of the car like loss of engine power and acceleration, increased fuel consumption and Check Engine Light on along with ECM failure, there might be an OBD code P0017 in play.

OBD-II Code P0017 is defined as a Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation

Code P0017 indicates that a discrepancy has been detected between the timing of the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft sensor (of engine bank 1) that exceed 10-degrees at idle. Note: The “B” identifies the exhaust camshaft, which is located to the exhaust side of the cylinder head. “Bank 1” denotes the engine bank that contains the number one cylinder.

What causes this problem with the Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation?

• Timing Chain/Belt can be stretched
• There might be a situation where the engine should be readjusted as it may not be set in proper time
• Faults in the timing chain/belt tensioner
• Defects in the camshaft sensor
• There can be some issues with the crankshaft sensor
• The engine harness wiring may become faulty
• There can be some problems with the Powertrain Control Module
• The Oil Control Valve may have restriction in the OCV Filter

1. Camshaft & Parts - Do you remember when was the last time you got your camshaft checked up? A damaged camshaft can cause a lot of issues like displaying P0017 code.
2. Oil Filters & Parts - Oil filters have a very important function and if your oil filter has poor quality, it can shorten the life of your engine and cause other parts to fail as well. Thus it is important to replace faulty air filters and filter parts.
3. Timing Chain - Timing Belt is an important car part which should never be neglected. May be there is some fault in it due to which P0017 code may start flashing.
4. Timing Belt - P0017 code does not really end up spoiling your powertrain control module, but it might also accompany few timing belt issues. We have best timing belt related parts with us.
5. Wiring Connectors - Are you facing OBD Error Code P0017? Don’t worry as you can fix this issue with new wiring connectors. We care for our customers, that’s why we have wiring connectors for every make and model.
6. Auto Switches & Sensors - Common causes behind that P0017 error code can be defective switches or faulty sensors. So, it will be a good decision to replace them now.
7. Powertrain Control Module - P0017 error code also relates to problems with the powertrain. If the PCM is damaged it needs replacement or reprogramming. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
8. Oil Control Valve - Oil control valve is a vital part of every engine that is fitted with Variable Valve Technology. Responsible for controlling oil flow in the camshaft, it also helps in sustaining the functioning of engine's internal moving parts. Thus, the damaged valve needs immediate replacement.
9. Diagnostic Tool - In order to detect the error, one needs high grade diagnostic tools. Visit us today to buy quality tools and equipment.

You might be thinking that how would you diagnose these problems? We at Parts Avatar Canada would help you diagnose the major symptoms easily.

Common Symptoms

• The check engine light may start illuminating
• The engine may start to crank, but won’t start
• There would be an increase in the amount of fuel consumption
• The overall engine power would start decreasing
• The engine can start rattling while running which can be caused due to a stretched timing chain
• If the camshafts are not being in optimal positions, then the overall fuel mileage may start decreasing
• There are chances that the engine may idle normally but still have an overall decrease in power

Verify the code with a scanner, reset the fault codes, and perform a road test from a certified technician. If the P0017 code returns, then follow the test procedure. Follow the following steps to correct the OBD error code;

• Resetting the engine fault codes and verifying that the problem is still occurring
• Replacing the camshaft position sensor on a failed camshaft bank
• Repairing or replacing the wiring connection to the camshaft sensor or the OCV
• Replacing the engine control module
• Replacing the timing gears, chain, and guides for both engine banks
• Cleaning the engine carbon from pistons and valves after the code repairs

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This error code has several causes, but the vehicle may operate normally. This code tends to confuse the ECU, which by default can be operating perfectly fine, but may cause excessive fuel consumption and poor performance along with failure of the engine control system and the transmission control system. It is important that the vehicle is properly diagnosed at the first opportunity. Following diagnostic steps are needed to be followed;

Visually inspect for problems with the connections or wiring of the OCV, camshaft and crankshaft sensors. Verify for correct engine oil as it should be clean, and of correct viscosity. Scan and document the engine codes, then views the freeze frame data to see when the codes were set and do the test run to see if the code reappears. Commands the OCV on and off to see if the camshaft sensor is indicating timing changes for the bank 1 exhaust camshaft. Performs the manufacturer’s tests for the P0017 code, to determine the cause of the code.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0017 Code

• Following are the mistakes which are often made while treating P0017 error code.
• Not inspecting the error code and problems before diagnosing
• Not checking the wiring and connection problems to the circuit and sensors
• Not following the diagnostic steps to avoid misdiagnosis of correct components
• Not using the proper scanner to find the problematic components and just relying on visual inspection