P0008 Code But Car Runs Fine: Causes and How to Fix

If you notice a P0008 code but car runs fine, you should still focus on fixing it because it can lead to engine damage if not looked at. The symptoms of this code are usually subtle so on the surface, your car will be running fine but it can cause damage.

The P0008 code means that the crankshaft and the camshaft on the cylinder bank are not synced, and this can be because of different reasons. In this guide, we look at the causes of the P0008 code and how to fix it.

How to Diagnose the P0008 Code Showing?

To diagnose the P0008 code that is showing is hard if you have a P0008 code but the car runs fine. The P0008 code shows that the camshaft is out of alignment from the crankshaft. If the check engine light is on you can pick up the P0008 code.

1. Check the Symptoms of the P0008 Code

The main symptom of the P0008 code is loss of power, and this happens in most cars. Depending on the make and model of your car and how you drive it, it would be hard to notice the issues of the P0008 code unless the engine warning light is on. You can determine the cause of the P0008 code by checking the symptoms.

• The engine cranks but it does not start.
• When your car is idling, the engine is shaking and running rough.
• Increased fuel consumption and weaker performance.
• The engine is struggling to start.
• You notice there is a banging and metal grinding noise coming from the motor.
• The engine warning light is on with the P0008 code, or sometimes it is in combination with the P0017 code.

2. Look Out for Causes of the P0008

There are different causes of the P0008 code, many of which are easy to fix, thankfully. The two main causes are the faulty camshaft position sensor and the camshaft actuators. It’s a good idea to check these different causes to figure out why the P0008 code emerged:

• Faulty camshaft sensor.
• Faulty camshaft timing actuator.
• Stretched timing chain.
• Slipped camshaft reluctor ring.
• Faulty timing chain tensioner.

3. Understand How the Camshaft and Crankshaft Work

The camshaft works by pushing valves into the cylinder to open them, and this allows a mixture of fuel and air to go in while the burnt gasses go out of the exhaust pipe. There are pistons in the system too, which are connected to the crankshaft.

For the car to run properly, the camshaft and crankshaft have to be aligned properly. This allows the valves to open at the correct time, based on the piston position. So, when the piston is going down on the intake cycle, the intake valve opens and allows the piston to pull fuel and air into the cylinder.

The camshaft and crankshaft are part of the exhaust cycle. When the piston moves up, the exhaust valve has to open so that the mix of fuel and air can go into the exhaust system. If there is any misalignment, it does not matter how slight, the engine will no longer run as it should.

In the worst case scenarios, the valves in the engine can strike the piston and you will have to replace the engine completely. It is important to check for the cause of the P0008 code so that you can easily fix it before it becomes a major problem.

How to Fix the P0008 Trouble Code?

You can fix the P0008 trouble code when you figure out what is wrong with the car. It’s important to check the camshaft position sensor and camshaft actuators as these are the common problems. If they are not faulty, the best thing to do is contact a professional mechanic..

• How to Replace a Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor

You can replace a faulty camshaft position sensor easily by removing the old one and replacing it with a new one. There are different symptoms of a faulty camshaft sensor which include the engine refusing to start, poor acceleration, the engine cutting out when you are driving, the car shaking when accelerating, and bad fuel economy.

If the camshaft sensor is faulty, you will need to replace the sensor on the cylinder bank 1. The location of bank 1 depends on the car you’re driving. In most car models, it is on the driver’s side. As for the camshaft sensor, you can find it close to the cam pulleys, behind the engine or in the middle of the cylinder head.

If you need help in finding parts of your engine, you should check the user manual of your vehicle. You can also check online for the parts of your car. The main tools that you need to replace it are wrenches and screwdrivers.

• Follow the steps below to replace the cam sensors

1. Figure out where the engine position sensor is located in your car.
2. Remove anything that might be covering the cam sensor like the engine cover, ignition coil, and airbox.
3. Unplug the cam sensor connector.
4. Take out the bolts holding the cam sensor down.
5. Pull the old cam sensor out slowly while twisting it.
6. Install a new camshaft sensor and reverse the process above to keep it secure.

You might want to ask a mechanic to replace your camshaft sensor instead. In this case, it would cost between $20 and $100 depending on the car and the mechanic you work with.

• How to Replace Camshaft Actuators

You can replace the camshaft timing actuator once you figure out where it is located in your car, and pull it out. Then, put the new one in. The location of the cam timing actuator depends on the vehicle, so you can find it on the back of the cylinder head, top of the engine cover, in front or the side of the engine. Your car manual can help you locate it.

Once you find the actuator, it is easy to replace it with a new one. You can also pay a mechanic to replace it for you. Depending on the make and model of your car, it should cost between $100 and $400 to replace your camshaft variable timing solenoid with a new one.

If the camshaft timing solenoid is the problem, the OBD reader will also show P0011 to P0014 fault codes. This is the main symptom that you need to replace the actuator. It is pretty easy to locate the actuator in most cars and the tools you need to fix them include the socket wrench, large pliers and normal wrenches.

• Follow the steps below to replace the cam actuators:

1. Remove any covers or plastics that are covering or blocking your access to the camshaft actuator.
2. You will find one or two bolts holding it down and you need to remove them. If the actuator is in the front of the engine, there will be more bolts keeping it secure.
3. Turn the actuator with pliers while pulling them out because it would be a bit stuck.
4. Replace it with a new one by following this process in reverse.

• How Much Does It Cost to Fix P0008 Code

How much it costs to fix the P0008 code depends on what is wrong with the car. If any of the components in the camshaft and crankshaft system are faulty, the mechanic will recommend that you replace them all at once since the labor cost is more than the cost of the parts. It can cost up to $1000 to make all these replacements.

Also, most of these parts which include the cam actuator, cam sensor, timing chain, camshaft reluctor ring and timing chain tensioner, are not sold on their own but together. If you purchase a timing chain kit, you get the reluctor and sprocket rings, tensioners, timing chains, camshaft sensor and engine oil. While the kit can cost about $400, you will spend labor costs of up to $1000.

Fixing the P0008 code is quite expensive but it is best to fix it immediately to avoid having to replace the entire engine. Once you fix it properly, your car can run for up to 120,000 miles depending on the car you are using.

If you specify that it is your cam sensor or cam actuator causing the P0008 code, you can fix it yourself. But, if you’re unsure, contact a professional mechanic for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

– Can You Drive If Your Car Has Code P0008?

No, you should not drive if your car has the P0008 code, as this is not recommended. If you notice that you have an engine warning light and it is the P0008 code, you should call a local repair shop or troubleshoot it by yourself.

– What Side of Your Car is Bank 1?

The bank 1 is usually on the front part of the engine cylinder 1. It is found on the opposite side of bank 2, which is another part of the engine. Check your user manual or car service manual to find the location of bank 1 and bank 2.

– What Causes a Bad Engine Timing Chain?

A bad engine timing chain is caused by damage in the pistons or valve inside of the engine. You will also notice that the weak engine belt jumps or the ignition timing is off. Another sign is the metal rattling or loud grinding noise that you hear from the engine.

Conclusion

The p0008 code but the car runs fine is a common problem because apart from the engine warning light, you might notice that your car is working as usual.

Here is a summary of our article and what you have learned:

• The P0008 code comes up when there is a misalignment with the camshaft and crankshaft.
• You can identify the code with an OBD scanner and then take the appropriate action to fix your car.
• It is caused by a faulty camshaft sensor and timing actuator, stretched timing chain, slipped camshaft reluctor ring and faulty timing chain tensioner.
• You can fix the P0008 code by repairing the camshaft sensor and camshaft timing actuator.
• It costs up to $1,400 to fix the P0008 code; $1000 for labor costs and $400 to buy the parts.

You can fix the simple issues with your P0008 code by yourself but if you are unsure of what is wrong, it’s best to visit a mechanic. The mechanic can replace all the parts involved and clear the code so you can freely use your car.