P0017 fault code: what it means

P0017: Crank and bank 1 exhaust cam signals are out of step. Commonly a stretched timing chain on chain-driven engines.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Costly if missed

Usual causes, most likely first

stretched timing chain
faulty exhaust VVT solenoid
low or degraded engine oil
worn chain tensioner or guides

P0017 by make

BMW

Crank and exhaust cam positions do not line up (bank 1). Same family of faults as P0016 but on the exhaust cam.

Usual causes: exhaust VANOS solenoid sticking; stretched timing chain or chain guide wear; exhaust camshaft sensor or wiring fault

Holden

Crank/cam correlation, bank 1 exhaust. With P0016 it points to base timing out on the whole bank, usually stretched chains on the 3.6 V6.

Usual causes: stretched timing chains; slipped cam reluctor (Captiva 2.4); worn tensioners or guides

Hyundai

Crank and exhaust cam signals don't line up (bank 1). Seen on Nu 4-cylinders and Lambda V6 with chain wear.

Usual causes: faulty exhaust oil control valve; stretched timing chain or failed tensioner; low or dirty engine oil; faulty cam or crank sensor

Jeep

Crank and cam position (bank 1 sensor B) do not line up.

Usual causes: worn timing chain or tensioner; faulty exhaust cam phaser; oil control valve; cam/crank sensor

Kia

Crank and exhaust cam signals don't line up (bank 1).

Usual causes: stretched timing chain or worn tensioner/guides; faulty exhaust oil control valve; low or dirty engine oil; timing belt wear on older belt engines

Lexus

Crank and exhaust cam position do not agree (bank 1). Common on 2GR V6 Lexus.

Usual causes: low or dirty engine oil; sticking exhaust VVT oil control valve; stretched timing chain or worn VVT gear; cam/crank sensor fault

Mercedes-Benz

Crank and exhaust cam signals out of step. Often logged with P0016 on Mercedes V6 petrols (M272) when the timing chain has stretched.

Usual causes: stretched timing chain (worn guides or tensioner); faulty exhaust camshaft adjuster or magnet; low or old engine oil; slipped reluctor ring

What the repair usually costs

A/C compressor replace incl. drier and flush (European)NZ$1,560–NZ$3,200 · A$1,490–A$3,050
Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor replaceNZ$100–NZ$590 · A$100–A$580
Parking sensor replace, one sensorNZ$130–NZ$520 · A$130–A$510
Water pump with timing belt kit (timing-belt-driven pump)NZ$770–NZ$1,970 · A$780–A$1,970

Not sure what P0017 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.