P0017 Chevy Traverse: Error Causes and Tips To Solve It

P0017 Chevy traverse error code is a diagnostic code that shows there is an issue with the correlation of the crankshaft and the camshaft. It is an intimidating issue if it is your first time coming across this error code.

That said, there are various triggers for this error. In this post, you will learn the causes and tips for solving this error code.

What Is the Cause of P0017 Chevy Traverse Error Code?

The cause of the p0017 Chevy Traverse error code is a misaligned or stretched timing chain. Your Chevy’s timing belt is responsible for synchronizing movement of the camshaft as well as the crankshaft. With time, the timing belt can wear out or be stretched, which causes it to be misaligned.

A misaligned timing chain is an indicator that the camshaft and the crankshaft are not working together as they should. It is for this reason that your vehicle’s computer will trigger the p0017 error code. You can think of the timing belt or chain as a belt that connects both the camshaft and crankshaft.

With time, this chain can wear out or be stretched. This is akin to an old rubber band losing its elasticity. When this happens, the chain becomes loose causing it to be misaligned. As a result, it will disrupt the precise timing between the camshaft and crankshaft. This disconnect will trigger the p0017 error code in the engine computer because it expects both the camshaft and crankshaft to be in sync.

A 2011 Chevy traverse code p0017 and p0008 error code may appear because of a misaligned belt or incorrect timing belt tension. If you are getting a p0008 chevy traverse may have an engine position issue with Bank 1.

Faulty Sensor Can Cause the Crankshaft-Camshaft Clash

Another reason your computer triggers the p0017 error code is because of a faulty camshaft position sensor. The role of this sensor is to monitor the opening and closing of your car’s engine valves. If the sensor is faulty, it provides incorrect information regarding the position of the camshaft.

The camshaft position sensor malfunction could be because of damage, electrical issues, or age. As a result, the sensor is going to send the wrong information to your Chevy’s engine computer. The wrong information will interfere with the precise timing between the camshaft and crankshaft.

When this happens, your engine computer will trigger the p0017 code. The reason behind this is the computer detects that the camshaft and crankshaft positions are not in sync.

For instance, your 2012 Chevy Traverse p0016 p0017 error codes may appear. A p0016 Chevy traverse error code indicates an issue with camshaft position correlation with bank 1 sensor a. On the other hand, the p0017 bank 1 sensor b location error code may appear which helps pinpoint the cause of the issue.

Faulty Engine Control Module the Mystery Behind P0017 Error

A faulty engine control module (ECM) can also trigger this error code. If the ECM in your Chevrolet Traverse is faulty it does work as intended. A faulty ECM can arise from electrical issues, software glitches, or damage to the module. The faulty ECM causes disruptions to the overall engine operation including timing.

When it comes to the engine’s timing, it refers to how the camshaft and crankshaft move in harmony. For the engine to operate optimally, these two engine components must be in sync. This is where the ECM comes in to maintain them in sync by sending commands to different components at the correct time.

However, when the ECM is bad, it will send the wrong signals to the engine including the camshaft and crankshaft. This will eventually trigger the p0017 error code because the crankshaft and camshaft are out of sync.

Wiring Issues: The Mystery of Camshaft-Crankshaft Discord

Wiring issues can cause the p0017 error code in your Chevrolet Traverse. The wiring issues could be because of damaged wires, or wrong connections. Wires play an important role in sending signals between the camshaft and the crankshaft. The signals make sure the two components move in sync.

In this case, you can think of the wire as a telephone line that carries messages between two people. When you break the connection or the connection is poor, the message will not go through. Wiring issues interfere with the communication between the camshaft and crankshaft. As a result, it will trigger the p0017 error code.

Damaged Reluctor Ring Throws Engine Timing Into Chaos

If the camshaft/crankshaft reluctor ring in your car is damaged, it will trigger the p0017 error code. The ring has notches that help sensors detect the position as well as the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft. However, with time, the reluctor ring notches may wear out because of wear and tear.

The role of the reluctor ring is to provide accurate information to sensors on the rotation and position of the camshaft and crankshaft. You can think of it as a machine that helps count rotations. As a result, if the notches are missing, the machine will be unable to count the number of rotations.

Therefore, issues with the reluctor ring may result in incorrect sensor readings. If this happens, it will disrupt the harmony between the camshaft and crankshaft. Once this happens, it is going to trigger the p0017 error code.

Defective Variable Valve Timing Actuator Triggers This Code

When you have a faulty variable valve timing (VVT) actuator, it will trigger the p0017 error code. VVT controls the timing of the opening and closing of your vehicle’s engine valves. Therefore, if there is a problem with the VVT actuator, it will trigger the error code in question. It can even trigger the check engine light.

A defective VVT actuator does not work as it should either because of electrical issues or mechanical failures. Since the actuator is faulty, it is going to result in wrong valve timing which interferes with the performance of the engine. This means the valves do not open or close at the correct time. Eventually, it will trigger the p0017 error code since it disrupts optimal engine performance.

Faulty Oil Control Valve Can Trigger This Chevy Error Code

Another trigger of this error code is a faulty oil control valve. This valve regulates the flow of oil to various parts of the engine including the VVT system. It plays an important role in supplying the correct amount of oil to the VVT system. In return, the VVT system adjusts the timing of the engine valves to optimize performance at different loads and speeds.

You can think of the valve as a faucet that regulates the flow of water to different parts of your garden. When the oil control valve is faulty, it will interfere with the proper flow of oil to the VVT system. As a result, the timing of the engine valves may be out of sync which disrupts the performance of the engine. Once this occurs, it will trigger the p0017 error code.

Which Is the Best Solution to the P0017 Error Code?

The best solution to the p0017 error code is to replace the misaligned or damaged timing belt or chain. This entails removing the stretched timing belt and installing a new one. When you do this, you restore the proper timing between the crankshaft and the camshaft.

As you install the timing chain, make sure you properly align the timing belt or chain and tension it accordingly. By replacing the misaligned or damaged timing belt, you resolve the p0017 error code. This will make the engine run smoothly without timing issues.

Replace Bad Camshaft or Crankshaft Sensor: Restore Harmony

Another solution to the p0017 error code in your Chevy is to replace the faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor. To do this, you should take your vehicle to a Chevy dealership or a qualified mechanic. Both will test the sensors to determine which is faulty.

After establishing the faulty system, the mechanic will remove the old sensor and install a new functioning one. This sensor is going to accurately detect the rotation and position of the crankshaft or camshaft. In other words, it will provide accurate information to the engine control module.

Consequently, the engine control module will properly adjust the timing of the various engine components. This will result in a crankshaft that is in sync with the camshaft which promotes smooth engine operation. As a result, this will solve the p0017 error code since the engine now operates optimally. The new sensor restores correct timing which eliminates the trigger for this error code.

Replacing Faulty Chain Tensioner To Solve the P0017 Error

You can also solve this error by replacing a damaged chain tensioner. The tensioner is in position for maintaining the correct tension in the timing belt or chain. To replace a damaged one, you need the services of a qualified mechanic. After the mechanic removes the damaged tensioner, the next thing is to replace it with a functioning one.

While replacing the faulty one, the mechanic will properly align and adjust the tensioner to provide the correct tension. This is going to restore the right alignment and synchronization between the crankshaft and camshaft. Ultimately, this will solve the issue triggering the p0017 error code making it disappear. This is one way you can deal with the 2010 chevy traverse p0017 p0008 error codes.

Fixing Faulty Wiring To Eradicate the P0017 Error Code

Repairing or replacing faulty wiring is another solution to this error code. For this to happen, a qualified mechanic will examine the wiring connections to the crankshaft and camshaft sensors. The aim is to look for loose or disconnected connections, frayed insulation, or damaged wires.

After establishing issues with the wiring, the mechanic will perform the necessary repairs. However, if the damage is extensive or irreparable, you will have to replace the wiring harness. When you do this, you restore the electrical connections between the engine control module and the sensors.

This will ensure reliable transmission of data and signals which allows the control module to precisely time the crankshaft and camshaft. Thanks to the repair, the engine will operate optimally which will solve the p0017 error code.

Updating Engine Control Module Software To Solve P0017 Code

Another solution entails updating the engine control module software to get rid of the p0017 error code. The process of updating the software requires special equipment and expertise. You will get such equipment in a Chevy dealership or a qualified mechanic.

To update the software, the mechanic will connect the diagnostic tool to your car’s OBD-II port. This gives the mechanic access to the ECM software. As such, the mechanic can download and install the latest ECM software. The updated software supports proper communication between the ECM and sensors. Consequently, it promotes accurate timing adjustments of the crankshaft and camshaft.

Conclusion

After exploring the causes and solutions to the P0017 error code in a Chevy Traverse, you draw important conclusions:

• The most popular causes are misaligned or stretched timing chain and faulty cam or crankshaft sensors
• Other causes include issues with the crankshaft/camshaft reluctor ring, defective variable valve timing (VVT) actuator, or faulty oil control valve
• Solutions to the error code include repairing or replacing misaligned or damaged timing chain and replacing faulty cam or crankshaft sensors
• You can also solve the error code by repairing issues with the crankshaft/camshaft reluctor ring, variable valve timing (VVT) actuator issues, and faulty oil control valve.
• The solutions require the help of a qualified mechanic.

Now that you know the triggers of this error code, you know where to look to solve it.