The engine check light signal in most cases doesn’t signify anything good. It shows you have an engine problem that needs checking out, and that can be very unnerving when you’re already having a nice ride around the city.
There are factors that can cause your engine check light to come on. But not all signals mean you have a major fault on your hands. It can be something mild that’s why you must check as soon as you can.
The P0017 code is one of the common issues that illuminate your check light.
So this piece will be discussing all you need to know about the P0017 error code.
Meaning of P0017
Automobile experts termed the P0017 as a code word for “Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B.” This code tells you that your ECM (Engine Control Module) is getting wrong signals from your camshaft and crankshaft sensors.
The camshaft and crankshaft are major components in any combustion system. These components rotate at certain timing to control the spark and fuel delivery specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Each of these components has certain sensors to allow them to correlate in sending the signal, which generates voltage representing the position of each one, and any disturbance to the condition of both the crankshaft and the camshaft can significantly affect the engine’s performance and, in some scenarios, might cause major troubles if not taken care of immediately.
What Causes a P0017 Code
There are several issues that can lead to the error code P0017. Sometimes our sensors are working optimally; it might be an engine part failure or wrong timing. Here are a few to consider:
- Stretched timing chain.
- Jumped timing belt.
- Damaged timing chain/belt tensioner
- Stuck CMP actuator solenoid / Oil control valve.
- Broken crankshaft tone ring
- Broken camshaft tone ring
- Defective crankshaft position sensor.
- Malfunctioning camshaft position sensor.
- Wrong oil viscosity
- Defective wiring
Symptoms of P0017 code
The P0017 symptom varies, depending on the severity of the problem. However, decreased engine performance and increased fuel consumption are common symptoms. These are also popular symptoms:
- Check Engine Light.
- No-start condition, but engine cranks.
- Rough starts after several attempts.
- Poor engine performance.
- Rough idle.
- Engine rattling.
P0017 Code Diagnostics: How Do I Fix The P0017 Code?
Fortunately, you can diagnose and fix the P0017 code right there in your garage. Carefully follow these methods:
Check for Error
It is crucial to confirm a P0017 error code in your vehicle. You can use an OBDII scanner by connecting it to your vehicle and scanning for internal errors.
Depending on your type of OBDII scanner, you can either see the error code displayed along with a small text definition, or you might get additional advanced information indicating the error code and expected repair options.
Once, you’ve confirmed there’s an error, you can proceed with the following methods.
Method 1: Perform an Oil Change
The easiest method to get rid of the P0017 is a quick oil change. If you know how to change the oil, you’ll save yourself a lot of money on labor costs.
First, you need to remove the oil drain plug. Place a bowl under that area to collect the old oil. This process also involves using a filter. Ensure you pour the right amount of fluid into the oil tank.
Method 2: Check the Camshaft Oil Control Valve
Check your vehicle’s manufacturer repair manual to help you locate your camshaft oil control valve. Locate the valve and inspect it.
Remove the camshaft oil control valve carefully and you can use camshaft oil cleaner in wiping off grease and dirt. You must know that cleaning the camshaft has to be done in a certain way. You need to hold it vertically while you clean.
Inspect the valve and see if there are any signs of damage. If there is a need for change, install the right camshaft valve.
Method 3: Inspect the Crankshaft Position Sensor
If the above methods did not help you get rid of the P0017 code, the next thing is to inspect your crankshaft position sensor. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual and locate this sensor.
Take a closer look at the sensor and check for damages. Use a millimeter to confirm that the crankshaft position sensor is working properly. A faulty crankshaft position sensor can trigger the P0017 code, so you must replace the bad sensor.
Clear the P0017 Error Code
Once resolving the problem successfully, the error code should not be cleared from your OBD scanner. You will need to use the scanner again and request deleting any inactive codes.
Connect the scanner to the vehicle and hit unclear errors. If the error was successfully resolved, you should clear it. If your repair wasn’t successful, you won’t be able to remove the P0017 error code.
When you are done clearing the error, it is important to rescan the vehicle to confirm that the error does not show up anymore because sometimes a lag or glitch occurs, resulting in clearing the codes when it has not been fixed.
Suppose after trying all of these methods and you come out unsuccessful, you will have to take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop and have a professional mechanic have a look. There are certain manufacturer tests that are usually based on your vehicle’s brand.
How Much Does It Cost To Resolve The P0017 Code?
Depending on the cause of the error code P0017, the price can differ significantly.
Usually, replacing the camshaft position sensor might cost you about $25 and $100.
This cost covers the sensor alone. Including labor costs, we might get up to $70.00 and $100.
Also, considering your vehicle’s brand and type of automobile shop you are having the repair done.
Final Thoughts
Your vehicle’s warning signs are very important. You should not ignore them under no circumstance, because they can easily introduce severe damage to your engine system.
Whenever you see the P0017 code on your scanner after diagnosis, you now have a better understanding of what you should do and get rid of the error.
Remember to always consult a professional mechanic if you get stuck.