P0017moderate severityGenerally driveableP0017 Code: Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 Sensor B
Written in plain English and reviewed by the eli5cars editorial team · Last reviewed June 2026
What it means in plain English
Your engine's crankshaft and camshaft(s) have to stay perfectly in sync — the ECM constantly compares signals from the crankshaft position sensor and each camshaft position sensor to confirm they match the expected relationship. Many engines have two camshaft position sensors per bank, commonly labeled Sensor A and Sensor B, often one for the intake cam and one for the exhaust cam. P0017 means the Bank 1 'Sensor B' camshaft signal doesn't correlate with the crankshaft signal the way the ECM expects. Like its sibling code P0016 (Sensor A), this can be caused by something as simple as low or dirty oil confusing a variable valve timing (VVT) actuator, or as serious as a stretched or jumped timing chain. Because a jumped chain can bend valves on interference engines, this code deserves prompt attention even though the car often still runs.
Most likely causes — ranked
#1 Faulty, dirty, or poorly connected camshaft position sensor B (Bank 1)
most likelyFix: Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion or damage and check the wiring for continuity back to the ECM. Sensor B is often the exhaust cam sensor on engines with two sensors per bank — consult a wiring diagram to confirm which physical sensor this is on your engine. Clean corrosion or repair a damaged connector; replace the sensor itself if the signal is missing or erratic on a scan tool.
#2 Low oil level or degraded, sludged oil starving the VVT system of hydraulic pressure
likelyFix: The VVT system that adjusts cam timing is hydraulically driven by engine oil pressure. Low oil, sludge from extended change intervals, or the wrong viscosity can starve the system just enough to let cam timing drift out of correlation. Check oil level and condition first — if it's low, dark, or overdue, do a fresh oil and filter change with the correct viscosity, clear the code, and drive a few warm-up cycles before re-scanning.
#3 Stuck or failing VVT oil control valve (solenoid) or camshaft phaser/actuator on Bank 1
likelyFix: The oil control valve meters oil pressure to the camshaft phaser to advance or retard timing on command. A clogged or electrically failed valve can prevent the cam from reaching or holding its commanded position. Remove and inspect the valve's screen for debris and test its resistance against factory spec; clean or replace as needed. If the valve checks out, the phaser itself may need replacement.
#4 Stretched or worn timing chain shifting the cam-to-crank phase relationship
possibleFix: On higher-mileage engines, a worn timing chain can stretch enough to throw off the correlation between camshaft and crankshaft position without necessarily jumping a tooth outright. Have a shop check for a measurable cam-to-crank offset using scan tool graphs, and inspect the chain for slack. A confirmed stretched or jumped chain requires timing chain kit replacement — a significant repair.
Check engine light on? Get a free code scan
If your check engine light is on, most auto-parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance) will read the code for FREE — no purchase required, just walk in. Bring the code back here and look it up at eli5cars.com/obd2 for the plain-English explanation.
Note: a scan only helps when there's an active fault code. For purely mechanical symptoms (noises, vibrations, leaks), a scan may show nothing — the suspects listed above are your starting point.
Want to read the codes yourself?
First, the free option: AutoZone, O’Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts read your codes for free — no purchase needed. That’s the cheapest way to get the code to look up here. If you’d rather have your own so you can check anytime (and clear a code after a fix), the Veepeak OBDCheck BLE is an inexpensive, reliable plug-in reader that pairs with a free phone app and works on any car sold since 1996.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0017 code?
Usually yes for a short period if the engine runs smoothly with no unusual noise. But get it diagnosed soon — correlation errors can point to timing chain wear. If you hear a rattle on cold start or the engine runs rough, stop driving and have it looked at right away.
What does 'Sensor B' mean on this code?
Many engines with variable valve timing use two camshaft position sensors per bank — Sensor A and Sensor B — commonly for the intake and exhaust camshafts respectively, though the exact assignment varies by manufacturer. Check a wiring diagram or service reference for your specific engine to confirm which physical sensor Sensor B refers to.
What's the difference between P0016 and P0017?
P0016 covers Sensor A (often the intake cam) on Bank 1; P0017 covers Sensor B (often the exhaust cam) on the same bank. The diagnostic approach and likely causes are nearly identical — oil condition, VVT hardware, sensor wiring, and timing chain wear — just applied to the second sensor.
Will an oil change fix P0017?
It can, if the underlying cause is oil-starved VVT hardware — it's cheap to try first. It won't fix a mechanical fault like damaged sensor wiring or a genuinely stretched timing chain.