P0017 Code on a Cadillac: Crankshaft–Exhaust Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 (Cadillac Guide)

P0017 is GM's "Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 Sensor B." Sensor B is the exhaust camshaft, so P0017 means the bank 1 exhaust cam signal is arriving at the wrong crankshaft angle. On a Cadillac it is a code for dual-overhead-cam engines only: the 3.6L and 2.8L V6s in the CTS, STS, SRX, ATS and XTS, the Gen 2 V6 in the CT6 and XT5, the CT4's 2.7L turbo, and the variable-timing Northstar in the STS, SRX and XLR. The Escalade's pushrod V8 has no exhaust camshaft to correlate, and GM's tables for the non-VVT DeVille and DTS Northstar list P0016 but not P0017. The surprise in GM's Cadillac documents: one cause of P0017 is a crank sprocket that breaks — and the fix is a new engine.

What Does P0017 Mean on a Cadillac?

The engine computer compares crankshaft pulses with pulses from the bank 1 exhaust cam target wheel. A chain links them, so each cam pulse should arrive at a fixed crank angle. GM's 2015 OBD tables for the 3.6L in the ATS, CTS, SRX and XTS describe P0017 failing when exhaust cam pulses arrive more than 10 crank degrees early or 13 degrees late, two failed tests out of three, as a two-trip code. GM's 2007 tables for the variable-timing Northstar (LH2/LC3) use −10 to +11 degrees, with 25 failures in a 35-test sample.

GM runs the 3.6L test with the exhaust phaser parked, so P0017 checks base timing — chain, sprockets and reluctor wheels — rather than how well the phaser is controlled. A phaser that will not park can still move the reading, which is why actuator faults appear on the cause list.

It is a correlation code, not a sensor code. Both sensors can work perfectly and still disagree about timing. The same 2015 table lists a related test for engines with a dual intermediate sprocket that disables itself while crank or cam sensor codes such as P0335, P0336, P0340 or P0341 are active — fix those first.

Sensor B and the Bank Layout on a Cadillac

On a Cadillac V6, bank 1 is the bank with cylinder 1 — the right bank viewed from the flywheel end. In the longitudinal CTS, STS, ATS, CT6 and first-generation SRX that is the passenger side. In the transverse 2010–2016 SRX, XTS, XT5 and XT6 it is the rear bank, toward the firewall. The CT4's 2.7L four-cylinder has only bank 1, so P0017 there just means "exhaust cam." We could not confirm from a GM document which physical side bank 1 is on each Northstar layout; check service information for your model.

Which Cadillacs Can Set P0017

• High Feature V6, first generation (LP1, LAU, LF1, LFW, LY7, LLT, LFX, LF3): 2004-on CTS, STS, SRX, and the ATS and XTS. GM's 2004 and 2006 tables for the LY7 and LP1 list P0016 and P0017.
• Gen 2 V6 (LGX, LGW): CT6, XT5, and later ATS and CTS.
• 2.7L turbo (L3B): CT4 and CT4-V.
• Northstar LH2/LC3: STS, SRX and XLR from 2004, including the supercharged STS-V and XLR-V. GM's 2004–2006 LH2 tables and the 2007 LH2/LC3 table list P0017.
• Not applicable: the Escalade's pushrod V8s, and the LD8/L37 Northstar in the DeVille and DTS, whose tables carry P0016 only.

CTS, SRX and STS 3.6L: Chain Stretch, Then the Crank Reluctor

On the first-generation V6, P0017 usually appears with P0008, P0016, P0018 or P0019. GM's bulletin 12-06-01-009F lists the 2007–2011 STS, 2007–2012 SRX and 2008–2012 CTS for stretched timing chains setting exactly those codes. Its central instruction: install GM's chain kit, but do not replace the idler sprockets, cam actuator gears, crankshaft gear or guides unless a guide is worn through into its base material.

The bulletin also calls for cam thrust washers on heads built before June 5, 2009, and an Oil Life Monitor calibration update. GM's Special Coverage 11340C described the same wear "with the vehicle's original oil change intervals" on the 2007–2009 CTS, SRX and STS with the 2.8L or 3.6L, for 10 years or 120,000 miles. That term has passed for practical purposes; a dealer VIN check is still free.

If the chains and tensioners are tight, GM's PIP3423P points at the crankshaft reluctor, which is pressed onto the back of the crank and can move. GM's reference is 25–26 mm from the end of the machined crank throw to the reluctor gap; GM notes the offset can be in either direction and still set these codes. A slipped reluctor means a crankshaft — a chain kit installed first is money spent with the code still there.

CT6 and XT5: The Broken Crank Sprocket

GM bulletin 17-NA-272 covers a specific list of 2016–2017 CT6 and 2017 XT5 VINs with the 3.6L LGX or 3.0L twin-turbo LGW. The complaint: a loud noise, check engine light and/or a no start with P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019. GM's cause is a crank sprocket broken because of incomplete machining; when it fails, the timing chain stops moving or breaks. GM's correction is to replace the engine assembly.

Two points matter. First, the bulletin applies only to the VINs it lists, so a dealer VIN check settles it. Second, it is the clearest reason not to clear a P0017 on a Gen 2 V6 and keep driving if the engine has also started making a new noise.

On the same Gen 2 V6, GM's park lock valve document PIP5730B covers the intake codes (P0011, P0016, P0018, P0021), not P0017. A lone P0017 on an XT5 or CT6 is not covered by that PI.

CT4 2.7L and the Northstar

CT4 and CT4-V 2.7L turbo (L3B). GM's PIP5855 covers the 2021–2022 CT4 and CT4-V with any combination of P0011, P0014, P0016 and P0017. GM's steps: check related wiring, terminal tension, crimps and locks; if they are fine, replace the camshaft position actuator magnet for the code that set and retest. If the codes come back after that, follow service information.

Northstar LH2/LC3. GM's tables describe the Northstar P0017 test as checking whether the cam sensor or cam timing has been "installed correctly compared to the crank timing." We found no GM bulletin naming P0017 on a Northstar. Diagnosis follows service information: confirm the cam and crank signals, check for phaser faults (P0014 on bank 1 exhaust), then verify mechanical timing.

Symptoms of P0017 on a Cadillac

• Check engine light, sometimes with no running complaint
• Cold-start rattle (first-gen 3.6L chains)
• A loud new engine noise or a no start (17-NA-272 CT6 and XT5 VINs)
• Rough running or reduced power if timing is far enough out
• P0008, P0016, P0018 or P0019 alongside it on the 3.6L
• P0011, P0014 or P0016 alongside it on the CT4 2.7L

Causes and How to Confirm Each

How Is P0017 Diagnosed on a Cadillac?

1. Confirm the engine can set it. An Escalade V8 or a DeVille/DTS Northstar showing P0017 deserves a second look at the scan tool and the code.
2. Identify the RPO code. LY7, LLT, LGX, LGW, L3B and LH2 all have different paths.
3. Record every cam and crank code, and fix any sensor code first — GM's correlation tests can be disabled while they are active.
4. Check the oil level, age and condition.
5. Read cam/crank variation data with a GM-capable scan tool against the service limit.
6. Run a dealer VIN check on a 2016–2017 CT6 or 2017 XT5 for 17-NA-272.
7. Do the engine-specific check: chains then reluctor on the first-gen V6, wiring then actuator magnet on the L3B.
8. If chains are replaced, follow 12-06-01-009F and shorten the oil interval afterward.

Parts and Cost

GM Documents That Name P0017 on Cadillac Models

Have a dealer check your VIN against current bulletins and coverages rather than relying on any article, including this one.

What Other P0017 Pages Get Wrong

• "Replace the exhaust cam sensor." A failed sensor usually sets P0365 or P0366. P0017 is a timing correlation code.
• Calling Sensor B the intake cam. On GM DOHC engines, B is exhaust.
• Listing P0017 for every Cadillac. The Escalade's pushrod V8 has no exhaust cam, and GM's DeVille/DTS Northstar tables do not list P0017.
• Replacing every guide and sprocket on a 3.6L. GM's bulletin says not to unless they are worn through.
• Skipping the VIN check on a CT6 or XT5. GM's 17-NA-272 is VIN-specific and ends in an engine replacement.

For other GM brands, see our P0017 guide for Chevy engines and P0017 Buick guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is P0017 serious on a Cadillac?

Often, yes. On a first-generation 3.6L it usually means chain wear that keeps getting worse, and on certain CT6 and XT5 VINs GM documents a sprocket failure that stops the engine. Diagnose it rather than clearing it.

Can my Escalade set P0017?

The Escalade's pushrod V8 has a single camshaft and no exhaust cam sensor, so P0017 is not a code its engine uses. If a scan tool shows it, re-check the code and the tool.

Does P0017 on a CTS or SRX mean timing chains?

It is the most likely cause on 2007–2012 models, especially with other correlation codes. GM's PIP3423P also covers a slipped crank reluctor with the same codes and tight chains, so confirm before buying a kit.

What is the difference between P0016 and P0017?

P0016 is the bank 1 intake camshaft; P0017 is the bank 1 exhaust camshaft. Both compare cam position with the crank.

My CT4-V has P0014 and P0017. Where do I start?

GM's PIP5855 for the 2.7L says to check the wiring and terminals first, then replace the camshaft position actuator magnet for the code that set.

Can low oil cause P0017?

Indirectly. GM tied first-generation 3.6L chain wear to oil change intervals, and phasers depend on clean oil at the right level.