What Does P0017 Trouble Code Indicate and How To Fix It?

This is your go-to guide to onboard diagnostics of P0017 trouble code. Read about what a P0017 code is, what are its most common symptoms and how to fix it.

There are several common causes that will trigger a code P0017:

• Incorrect oil viscosity or the wrong engine oil filter.
• Your engine oil is contaminated or aerated.
• Mechanical oil system failure.
• The camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals are erratic.
• The belt or distribution chain is worn-out.
• The timing belt is misaligned.
• The crankshaft or camshaft tone ring is defective.
• There is bad wiring to the camshaft or crankshaft position sensor.
• There is a shorted CMP sensor controller solenoid.

Any one or combination of these issues can lead to a code P0017.

There are a few common symptoms that a mechanic should be looking for when examining P0017:

• The Engine malfunction indicator light is on.
• That the engine is experiencing a reduction in performance.
• That the engine has trouble starting or fails to start.
• That the vehicle is experiencing reduced fuel mileage.
• That the engine is running erratically or that it feels rough when accelerating.

An experienced mechanic should run through a set of methodical steps when diagnosing a P0017 code.

• Run a visual check for issues with wiring or connecting of the OCV, crankshaft and camshaft sensors.
• Verify the engine oil is clean, full, and the correct viscosity.
• Scan and document the engine codes. Here's a great one we use daily.
• View and freeze-frame the data to see when each of the codes was set.
• Reset the check engine light, and road test the vehicle again to see if the code returns.
• Command the OCV on and off to see if the camshaft sensor indicates timing changes for the bank 1 exhaust camshaft.
• Perform manufacturer’s tests for a P0017 code to verify the root cause of the code.

There are several common mistakes that mechanics should be aware of when working to properly diagnose a P0017 trouble code. 

The first is that they will not verify whether the failure and codes are active during the diagnosis of the problem.

Another issue that mechanics will commonly make is not visually checking to see if the connections and wiring are damaged or not. They need to be sure that they follow all the pinpoint test steps in the correct order. Missing a step or following these steps in the wrong order can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis of P0017. 

Lastly, a mechanic should not repair or replace components that are not visibly damaged, or fail the pinpoint check.

If P0017 is not addressed, this can lead to carbon build up in the engine, leading to damaged spark plugs. P0017 can also cause the engine to misfire. Timing chains can have guides that allow the timing chain to jump the gear teeth.

This can cause valves and pistons to hit together, leading to major engine damage. If you drive the vehicle for a prolonged period of time when it is having camshaft problems, it can start to cause other drive symptoms like no starts, misfires, and stalling.

First, visually inspect the cam and crank sensors and their harnesses for damage. If you notice broken or frayed wires, you need to make sure to repair and recheck them.

If you have access to a scope, check the cam and crank patterns. If a pattern is missing, you can suspect you have a bad sensor or a slipping tone ring. 

Remove the cam gear and the crankshaft harmonic balancer and inspect the tone rings for proper alignment. 

Make sure they are not loose, damaged, and/or they haven't sheared the key that aligns them. If they are properly installed, you should go ahead and replace the sensor.

If the signal appears normal, check the timing chain/belt for proper alignment. If the timing chain/belt is misaligned, check for a damaged tensioner. This may have allowed the chain/belt to slip a tooth or several teeth. Also, check that the belt/chain is not stretched. If it is, make sure that you repair and recheck it.

Q: Can low oil cause P0017?

Low oil can cause P0017 because there may not be enough power for the crankshaft position sensor. If you have low oil, it can cause the ignition coil to heat up and burn out.

Q: Where is the camshaft sensor located?

It is located in the valve cover, near the top engine. Or sometimes it can be located at the front cylinder.

Q: Can I drive with a bad camshaft sensor?

Yes, you can still drive with a bad camshaft sensor, but overtime your car’s performance will degrade and it’s not safe to drive with a bad camshaft sensor. If a P0017 code goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to serious damage to a vehicle. Make sure that you use a professional OBD-II scanner to verify this P0017 code as soon as possible if you should experience any of the symptoms listed here.

Q: How much does the P0017 trouble code fix cost?

The price range for camshaft position sensor replacements is between $220 and $450, depending on the make and model you drive.

Depending on the cause, you are likely to make one of the following repairs:

• Turbo or supercharger replacement (an expensive fix)
• Repairing of the intake system (moderately expensive)
• EGR replacement (an expensive fix)
• Boost pressure sensor replacement (less expensive fix_
• Low engine oil pressure repair (could be as inexpensive as a couple engine seals, or as pricey as a head gasket replacement)