What is the P0017 fault number? What’s the reason for the Crankshaft position – Camshaft position correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B). How can you fix P0017 fault? What are the symptoms and causes for the P0017 fault code
What is the P0017 Fault code? What does it signify?
A P0017 code indicates that the engine’s crankshaft or camshaft may be malfunctioning. These two critical components must be in perfect sync to ensure your engine runs at its best. Your motor could fail if they are not in sync and code P0017 might be triggered.
If the engine control module (PCM/ECM/ECU) detects signals from the crankshaft or camshaft position sensor not being compatible, it will generate a P0117 code. Bank 1 refers to the engine’s side. Sensor B is the side with exhaust camshaft.
Let’s first refresh our knowledge and get to know the subject better ….
Camshaft and Crankshaft
An internal combustion engine simply captures air, and sprays fuel onto it. This mixture is compressed at its highest point by the piston’s movement. A carefully placed spark plug ignites the mixture just before it reaches its peak. The resultant power turns the crank and provides torque to the wheels via the transmission or drive gears. Intake, compression and ignition are all performed in a four stroke engine with two revolutions (720°) of the crankshaft. These events will occur in the cylinders at precisely the right times to ensure that the engine runs properly.
The camshaft rotates twice as fast as the crankshaft, and opens and closes valves at top of combustion chamber. It is egg-shaped “cam lobes” The lobes are located above the camshaft. These lobes are located above the camshaft and exert pressure on the valve lifters, causing the valves open. It is crucial that each valve opens or closes exactly at the right moment.
This can only happen if the crankshaft, which provides the starting action, is mechanically coupled with the camshaft driving the valves. The crankshaft provides the power to turn the camshaft as well as torque for the transmission.
The crankshaft drives camshaft using a chain or toothed belt. Today’s motors are equipped with speed- and position sensors. These sensors provide information to the onboard computer (ECM/PCM/ECU), that controls the entire engine. This data is used to time and correctly ignite the fuel injection.
Wear, elongation, skipping teeth, or other problems in the timing chain or timing belt can cause a problem. This will cause the crankshaft or camshaft to be misaligned and the valves to not open properly. In order to prevent effective combustion, the mixture of air and fuel will not be uniform.
If the ECM / ECU detects an abnormal condition with the timing of camshaft or crankshaft, it will emit one or more of these codes: P0008, E0016, PCM / ECU, P0017/P0018, P0019, and P0019.
What are the Possible Causes for the P0017 Fault code?
- – Timing belt or timing chain damaged
- – Crankshaft reluctor or camshaft defect
- – Defective crank sensor
- – Defective camshaft sensor
- – Connect loose cables or other connections
- – Damaged guides or belt tensioners/chains
- – Defective variable valve timing (VVT) actuator
- – Defective valve timing (VVT), solenoid, oil control valve
- – Defective ECU
- – Low engine oil
- – Incorrect engine oil viscosity
- – Engine oil lines clogged
What are the symptoms for P0017 Fault Code Symptoms?
- – Illumination for the check engine light
- – The engine may not start, but the starter may be able to get it started
- – Unusual operation of the engine
- – A decrease in engine power and the inability to handle sudden accelerations.
- – Engine makes clicking noises
- – Increased fuel consumption
How to Fix the P0017 Fault Code
- – Resetting engine fault codes, and verifying that the problem persists
- – Checking engine oil and changing it
- – Replace the camshaft’s position sensor
- – Replace or repair the wiring for the OCV or camshaft sensor.
- – Replacing the defective engine control module
- – Repair of timing gears and chain, belt, and guides
- After repairs, carbon cleaning the engine
How serious is the P0017 Fault code?
Spark plugs that are clogged with carbon can misfire and become dirty. Due to collision of pistons and valves, failures in the timing chain or belt, tensioner, and guides may cause serious engine damage. The vehicle may not start, misfire, or stall if it is used in this manner for long periods. It is important to repair the vehicle as soon as possible.
