The P0017 code is a generic OBD-II trouble code that is common to all OBD-II vehicles including but not limited to models from Ford, Dodge, Toyota, etc. This issue is a timing issue in between crankshaft position sensor (CKP) and camshaft position sensor (CMP) which is vital in the normal functioning of the engine.
THINGS TO KNOW and what is this?
Your vehicle’s engine has some important components that it uses to create spark and to control when fuel gets fired and the crankshaft and camshaft are two of the biggest ones. The crankshaft position sensor logs the position of the crankshaft, while the camshaft position sensor logs the position of the camshaft. Put together, they ensure the engine’s spark and fuel systems activate at the proper times.
The issue indicated by the P0017 code is that the signals from these two sensors are no longer perfectly aligned. This may happen if the timing chain or timing belt has stretched or slipped, or if there is an issue with the sensors or their circuits.
Why Is This a Problem?
And for the engine to function properly, the crankshaft and camshaft must be in a precise relationship to one another. With enough misalignment the engine can begin to suffer all sorts of issues like:
Poor engine performance
Difficult startup or non-start
Misfires or rough idling
Decreased fuel efficiency
Potential for long term engine damage
Common Symptoms
Check Engine Light (CEL): Nothing else says something is wrong quite like a flashing Check Engine Light (CEL) on your dashboard.
Reduced Engine Power: This could indicate either limited power, reduced acceleration or a rough idle.
Cranking Issues: The engine is cranking without starting or it does struggle to crank over.
Strange Sounds: You could have a tone ring issue if you notice a rattling sound near the harmonic balancer.
What Causes This Issue?
These factor in several possible explanations, like:
Timing Chain/Belt Problems: An old or stretched timing chain or belt can knock out of alignment, disrupting the relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft.
Faulty Tone Rings: The tone rings of the crankshaft or camshaft might have slid or broken. The rings help the sensors know the positions of the individual parts in the assembly.
Sensor Problems: A handful of crankshaft and camshaft sensors are known to fail when they send a signal that tells the powertrain control module (PCM) that it has detected misalignment.
Wires: Wires leading up to the senors could be damaged or frayed, creating an intermittent or lost signal leading to the code.
Such things may consist of, say, a poorly made engine, a faulty timing chain tensioner, or a loose crankshaft balancer.
Solutions to Fix P0017
If you have the P0017 code, here is a methodical procedure for diagnosing and fixing the issue:
Importance of Identification of Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensors Look for any blatant appliances, broken wires, or bad connections. If the wiring is damaged, replace the sensors or fix them.
Checked tone rings (removing harmonic balancer and camshaft gear). Make sure they’re seated correctly and not damaged. But if the tone rings are worn or misaligned, they must be changed.
Verify Timing: Use a diagnostic scanner or even a scope to check the crankshaft and camshaft patterns. If neither sensor receives g they are there, or otherwise the signal is erratic, then a bad sensor, a failed tone ring & timing are the causes. Check timing belt or chain for alignment and tension. Make sure the chain or belt hasn’t slipped or stretched.
Check The Timing Chain/Belt Tensioner: If the displacement of the chain or belt, It tends to be a broken tensioner. Inspect the tensioner for excessive wear or damage and replace as needed. If the chain or the belt is stretched, it must be exchanged.
Inspect the Crankshaft Balancer: Ensure the crank shaft balancer is not over torqued. A misaligned balancer can throw off timing and sensor alignment, which can set off the P0017 code.
Test Actuators And Solenoids: If relevant, if Vehicle is equipped with a VVT check the CMP actuator solenoid and be sure it is not stuck open or out of place.