How To Fix P0017 Code

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p0017 is one of the standard OBD2 codes that frequently appear on the scanner’s screen. If you get one on your vehicle, let’s learn more about what it means, what the symptoms are, and how to fix p0017 code-related problems.

P0017 Meaning

p0017 is a generic DTC powertrain trouble code that refers to the Correlation of Crankshaft Position and  Camshaft Position in Bank 1, Sensor B. This code may appear in OBDII vehicles, including VW, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Audi, Hyundai, Acura, and so forth.

Both sensors in the crankshaft position and camshaft position control the timing and delivery of the spark fuel. The actual situation is indicated by the voltage produced by the magnetic sensor where the tone ring or reluctor of the two sensors passes over. Dispositions of these components would likely generate the code.

How serious is the code?

The p0017 code may inform you of more serious problems in your vehicle when left untreated. It may cause misfires as the result of faulty spark plugs from the engine carbon build-up. The primary engine damages like piston or valves hitting can develop from the jumping timing belt. When it’s not handled immediately, it can develop into stalling or not starting the engine when driven. 

Causes of the p0017 code

The p0017 code may appear on your scanner’s screen for some causes including:

  • The oil filter is wrong or not compatible with the vehicle
  • The oil has incorrect viscosity
  • There are failures in the mechanical oil system
  • The erratic crankshaft and camshaft sensor signaling
  • The belt or distribution chain gets worn out(need replacements)
  • The timing belt gets misaligned
  • There are defects on the crankshaft or camshaft tone ring
  • The crankshaft and camshaft position sensor has bad wiring
  • The CMP sensor controller solenoid is shorted

The p0017 code can show up when one or more problems occur in your vehicle.

Symptoms of the p0017 code

The p0017-related problems usually manifest with observable symptoms that you can notice when driving or starting your vehicle.

  • The engine light is constantly on
  • The engine performance is decreasing constantly
  • The engine is harder to start or even fails most of the time
  • The vehicle gets less efficient showed by the noticeably reduced fuel mileage
  • The engine goes erratic
  • The engine acceleration becomes slower and rougher

If you notice one or more symptoms mentioned above, there are chances that your vehicle has a p0017 code. However, these symptoms may appear on other regulations as well, so you better grab your OBDII scanner to be specific.

How to Fix p0017 code

There are limited ways to fix the p0017 code, but they should refer to the actual problems that trigger the code. In general, a visual and physical inspection is required to confirm what’s wrong with the corresponding components of the p0017 code.  Only when you’ve fixed the problems can you then clear the code with your scanner.

  1. First of all, do the visual inspection on the corresponding components, especially camshaft and crankshaft sensors, and see whether or not there are damages. Check the wiring and see whether there are noticeable fraying or leaking issues. Do the necessary repairs or replacements and double-check them before clearing the code.
  2. Second, check deeper on the camshaft or crankshaft pattern with a scope. When you find a missing way, it’s an indication of the slipping tone ring or a bad sensor. At this point, you can try removing the crankshaft and camshaft gear harmonic balancer to check whether the alignment of the tone rings is proper. Ensure you don’t find loose, damaged, or sheared balancers that keep them aligned. If they’re okay, then the problems could be the sensors that you should fix or replace. Check the signaling of the sensors, and if they look fine, you can move on to the timing chain.
  3. The timing chain or belt must have a proper alignment that you need to make sure. When you notice any misalignment on the corresponding component, check whether or not the tensioner is being damaged. That particular condition may cause the belt to slip or one or more teeth when running.
  4. Last, check the condition of the timing belt or chain itself. Ensure they’re in the best condition, but if you find it stretched, you better replace it with new ones.
  5. 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. It 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.

Common Mistakes

Although P0017-related problems are solvable, there are some common mistakes made by DIYers or car owners. The majority of the errors occur when the mechanic ignores the inspection rule and doesn’t make a proper diagnosis to identify the actual problems. Therefore, they can’t figure out what components to fix or repair and do irrelevant things instead. Not doing visual checks and proper diagnosis are the first and common mistakes when handling the p0017 code.

Another mistake is when the wiring and corresponding connections aren’t checked for any damage, so mechanics may eventually replace or repair other components. You should conduct the procedural pinpoint test to ensure that these connections and wiring are okay. Only with the proper diagnosis can you identify what your P0017 code stands for.

The last common mistake of solving the P0017 code is when mechanics repair or replace the faulty components. As the pinpoint checking isn’t done correctly, the mechanic may make a wrong conclusion and mistakenly take irrelevant solutions. In many cases, DIYers or car owners even replace or repair components that are not damaged at all as they ignore doing a visual inspection in the first place.

Conclusion

The P0017 is a generic DTC code that You can solve by inspecting, repairing, and replacing the corresponding components in the camshaft or crankshaft position.  When the code takes place, there might be some noticeable symptoms manifested, but the use of a scanner would help you confirm whether or not your car has the code.

The proper diagnosis is the key to identifying the actual problems that trigger code and fixing p0017 code problems. Only this way can you repair or replace the correct components and solve the problems.

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