P0017 error code indicates a problem camshaft and crankshaft of the engine. You may experience P0017 Chevy Equinox problems due to faulty timing chains or belts, a damaged reluctor wheel, a bad crankshaft or camshaft sensor, or a bad VVT system.
This moderately serious problem activates check engine light and shows various symptoms as well as makes it risky to drive. You may need to repair or replace faulty cam or crank sensor or timing belt to clear this error code on Chevy Equinox.
Article Summary
What Does P0017 Code Chevy Equinox Mean?
P0017 trouble code defined as camshaft position b-camshaft position correlation. It indicates that PCM detects misalignment between camshaft position and crankshaft. However, in Chevy Equinox, P0017 is referred to as exhaust camshaft position not plausible.
It means PCM detects that the difference surpasses the specification between camshaft position and crankshaft position. More specifically, when the camshaft becomes greater than 10 degrees advanced to the crankshaft, it causes P0017 on Chevy Equinox.
Why Does P0017 Error Code Show on Chevy Equinox Dashboard?
Below are some of the most potential reasons that can trigger P0017 on your Chevy Equinox:
1. Damaged Timing Chain Or Belt
Timing chain and belt perform as a link by wrapping around the part of crankshaft and camshaft. These components keep crankshaft and camshaft synchronized to ensure consistently correct timing in the intake valve.
However damaged timing chain or belt can increase specification between camshaft and crankshaft and it can trigger p0017 code. Timing belt and timing chain become weak or cause cracks due to hot or dry operating conditions and wear and tear.
2. Faulty Camshaft Or Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel
The crankshaft reluctor wheel or timing wheel is located on the back of the crank and is read by a magnetic sensor. The magnet sensor reads the wheel’s teeth and sends crankshaft position data to the ECU. But the reluctor wheel can get bent, break, or misalign and deliver wrong data to ECU which can cause a P0017 code on Chevy Equinox.
3. Bad Crankshaft Sensor
Crank sensors monitor the rotational speed or position of crankshaft. ECU uses this data to control ignition system timing, fuel injection, and other engine components. If crank sensor fails, computer won’t be able to set ignition timing and can set P0017 error code.
It can also cause engine to stop or refuse to start. Crank sensors can fail due to excessive heat build-up in engine or worn-out wiring.
4. Bad Camshaft Sensor
Camshaft position sensor or cam sensor monitors camshaft speed and position and deliver data to ECM. The ECM uses this data to control the amount of fuel entering into combustion chamber to ignite the fuel.
But if the cam sensor is damaged due to internal short circuits, encoder wheel break, or mechanical damage, ECM won’t get accurate data of camshaft rotation. Hence ECM can leave a p0017 error code on Chevy Equinox.
5. Defective Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid
Variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid helps engine adjust valve timing to match the required performance. However, VVT can fail due to oil flow or electrical issues and cause camshaft to rotate forward slowly and trigger an error code. A faulty VVT can also cause reduced acceleration, rattling noise, and rough running.
6. Low Oil Level
Variable valve timing system depends on proper oil pressure to function. VVT system can read low oil pressure due to lack of enough oil in the tank and set P0017. Contaminated oil can also prevent variable valve timing from moving properly and create excessive heat on camshaft position sensor. It can damage the camshaft, lifters, or camshaft variable timing actuator.
How To Fix P0017 Code Chevy Equinox?
If your Chevy Equinox is new and has a powertrain warranty, let the dialer perform diagnosing and repairing the job. If not, you can either hire an expert mechanic or perform these tasks:
Inspect Cam And Crank Sensor
Check the condition of camshaft and crankshaft sensor and their harness for any frayed wires or slipping tone rings. You may need to remove camshaft gear and crank harmonic balancer to check proper alignment of tone ring.
There shouldn’t be any loose connection or the tone ring should share the key that aligns it. Then inspect crank and cam pattern for any missing ones. If you notice anything wrong, repair them or replace the sensor.
Check Time Belt Or Chain
If ECM getting a normal signal but still throwing P0017 error code, check timing belt or serpentine belt for proper alignment. To check the signal, turn on and off OCV to see if cam sensor indicates a timing change for exhaust camshaft’s bank 1.
A damaged tensioner may also cause a timing chain or belt to slip some teeth. If you notice any stretches in the belt or chain, repair them.
Check Fluid Level
Check the oil for dirt and debris as these won’t allow the timing to move proper amount after getting command. If there is dirt, flush out the oil system with sea foam and run the engine for around one hour with sea foam.
After that drop oil and filter and pour new oil. If sea foam doesn’t work, you may need to power flush the oil system. After flushing dirty oil, pour clean oil with correct viscosity for your Chevy Equinox.
Can You Drive Chevy Equinox With P0017 Error Code?
Though you can drive your Chevy Equinox with P0017 error code, you shouldn’t do so. Driving with P0017 can various drivability problems. So you can experience low engine power on Chevy Equinox and poor acceleration problems and engine can cause stalling problem.
P0017 can also cause excessive carbon deposits to build up on pistons and valves. It can damage spark plugs and cause engine misfire before accelerating. If a faulty timing chain triggers P0017 error code, gear teeth can jump harshly and damage pistons and valves due to hitting.
If you continue driving with P0017 code for a long time, it can cause a mistimed engine and prevent the engine from starting. So you may need expensive repair to fix destructive engine damage.
Cost of Fixing P0017 Chevy Equinox Problem?
Most auto repair shops can cost around $155 to diagnose check engine light on Chevy Equinox. Though the cost of fixing P0017 code varies depending on exact problem, it may cost around $50 to $3000.
For example, if you need to replace camshaft or crankshaft sensor on a Chevy Equinox, it’ll cost around $150 to $450. You may charge between $300 and $300 to replace timing belt or chain to clear P0017.
The cheapest fix for p0017 is repairing wiring which costs $50 to $500 while the most expensive fix is replacing timing tensioner which costs up to $3000. The cost of replacing cam or crank tone ring is about $100 to $600 while it requires $300 to $300 to replace CMP actuator solenoid.
FAQs
What Are The Symptoms Of P0017 Chevy Equinox problem?
Check engine light will come out if computer is set P0017 on your Chevy Equinox. Other common symptoms of P0017 code are poor acceleration, reduced engine power, and engine idling. Engine will also make a rattling noise and fuel mileage will decrease.
Is P0017 The intake Or Exhaust Code?
P0017 is exhaust code and it indicates that camshaft and crankshaft position sensor for bank 1 exhaust camshaft don’t connect signals.
Can Faulty PCM Cause The P0017 Error Code On Chevy Equinox?
PCM uses the crankshaft position sensor’s signal to determine the right time to produce spark in right cylinder. It also uses crankshaft position’s signal to monitor cylinder misfires. But if the car PCM fails it won’t get the right signal from camshaft and crankshaft sensor and can set the error code.
Final Words
You can struggle to start engine or engine can stall while driving due to P0017 code on Chevy Equinox. So after noticing this error code, bring your car to the nearest auto repair shop as it is hard to diagnose or check camshaft and crankshaft system at-home garage.
However, don’t ignore this faulty code particularly if you don’t want to experience poor acceleration or tow the vehicle to mechanic shop.
