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

P0017 on a GMC is "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 not arriving where the engine control module (ECM) expects it relative to the crankshaft. That narrows the list of GMCs that can set it: a pushrod Sierra, Yukon or Savana V8 has one camshaft and reports cam-to-crank errors as P0016. The GMCs that do set P0017 are the overhead-cam ones — and the biggest group is one most pages ignore: the 2004–2012 Canyon and 2004–2009 Envoy inline engines, which phase only the exhaust cam. For those, GM wrote a summary bulletin listing six different causes, from a loose crank gear to crankshaft end play so bad that GM suggests a new engine. On an Acadia or Terrain, the story is chains and reluctors.

What Does P0017 Mean on a GMC?

The ECM reads a reluctor wheel on the crankshaft and one on each camshaft. A chain ties them together, so every exhaust cam pulse should land at a known crank angle. When it lands outside GM's window, P0017 sets.

The window depends on the engine. GM's PIP4945B for the Canyon and Envoy inline engines says P0017 sets when the cam sensor pulse is more than 16.31 degrees out of sequence with the crank pulse. GM's 2019 OBD summary for the 2.0L turbo (LTG), used in recent Terrain and Acadia models, uses −7.9 to +12.1 crank degrees, 2 failures out of 3 tests, as a Type A, one-trip code. Like P0016, GM runs the test with the cam phaser parked, which is why it measures mechanical timing rather than normal phaser movement.

Bank 1 on an inline four, five or six is the whole engine. On the transverse 3.6L in the Acadia and Terrain, bank 1 is the rear bank toward the firewall; the front bank's exhaust cam reports as P0019.

Which GMCs Can Set P0017

• 2004–2012 Canyon with the Atlas 2.8L LK5, 2.9L LLV, 3.5L L52 and 3.7L LLR, and the 2002–2009 Envoy with the 4.2L LL8 — exhaust-cam phasing only.
• Acadia 2007–2016 and Terrain 2010–2017 V6 (LY7, LLT, LF1, LFW, LFX), and the 2015–2016 Canyon 3.6L (LFX).
• Terrain 2010–2017 2.4L, and the 2.0L turbo (LTG) offered in later Terrain and Acadia models — check your RPO.

Not on the list: Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL and Savana pushrod V8s and the 4.3L. GM's 2019 OBD summary for the Gen V V8 group lists P0016 for these engines and no separate P0017 entry. If a scan tool shows P0017 on a Sierra, re-check the code and the tool. The 2017-on Acadia and Canyon 3.6L (LGX, LGZ) phase both cams, but every second-generation GM bulletin we found names P0016 and P0018 — the intake side — rather than P0017.

Canyon and Envoy Inline Engines

The Atlas family puts a phaser on the exhaust cam only. That makes P0017 their main timing correlation code, and GM wrote more about it on these engines than on any other GMC.

GM's PIP4945B covers the 2004–2012 Canyon and 2004–2009 Envoy (LK5, LLV, L52, LLR, LL8). It was written to collect every GM document on the code for "those times when normal published diagnostics does not lead to a repair," and it lists six reasons P0017 can set:

1. The engine is timed incorrectly. GM points to TSB 06-06-01-017 (L52, LK5), 07-06-01-019 (LLR, LLV) and 07-06-01-018 (LL8). With the engine at #1 TDC, a straight edge goes across the cam flats: one cam with excessive clearance is a tooth off; both off in the same direction means the timing is off at the crank gear.
2. The crank timing gear is loose on the crank — a worn key or keyway, or a loose crank bolt (PIP4581).
3. Crankshaft end play is excessive (PIP3694).
4. The cam actuator solenoid is restricted or its screens are missing (PIP3694).
5. The cam actuator is sticking (PIP4913).
6. Low oil pressure or oil contamination (PIP4913).

PIP4913A (2006–2012 Canyon, 2006–2009 Envoy) adds detail on the last two: an intermittent P0017, sometimes with no drivability concern and in rare cases a stall that restarts, can come from an exhaust actuator sticking on oil debris from poor oil change maintenance. GM says correct the oil condition first; the actuator cannot be taken apart and cleaned. If the code started shortly after a cylinder head replacement, GM describes checking whether the exhaust cam is binding in its journals — and warns that this is an interference engine, so the cam must not be forced too far independently of the crank.

The Crankshaft End Play Trap

GM's PIP3694F (2004–2012 Canyon, 2004–2011 Envoy) covers belt noise, rough idle and/or P0014 and P0017, sometimes with P0106. It is worth reading because the cause is not where anyone looks.

First, GM says inspect the three screens on the cam actuator solenoid — advance pressure, pressurized oil from the pump, and retard pressure. If any screen is missing, replace the solenoid and change the oil and filter.

Second, measure crankshaft end play. GM's specification is 0.0044–0.0153 in (0.112–0.388 mm). GM notes that when end play is the cause, it is usually obvious — out by as much as 0.050 in or more, visible with a pry bar. In that case GM suggests engine replacement, because trace thrust bearing debris left in the engine can bring P0014 and P0017 straight back. If the engine is repaired instead, GM describes a full teardown and galley cleaning, with the actuator solenoid and sprocket replaced because debris can be trapped inside them.

So on a Canyon or Envoy with P0017, a cam actuator is not the obvious first purchase. Check the screens, the end play, the timing marks and the oil before parts.

Acadia, Terrain and Canyon V6

On the first-generation 3.6L and 3.0L, P0017 usually travels with P0008, P0016, P0018 or P0019. GM's 12-06-01-009F names the 2007–2012 Acadia (LY7, LLT) and 2010–2012 Terrain (LF1, LFW) for stretched chains, and says GM's kits deliberately exclude idler sprockets, actuator gears, the crank gear and guides because they "are being replaced unnecessarily and are not worn." GM's labor times are 9.5 hours (FWD Acadia), 9.7 hours (AWD) and 8.7 hours (2010–2012 Terrain), and the repair includes an Oil Life Monitor calibration update.

When chains are tight and the codes persist, GM's PIP3423P — 2007–2017 Acadia, 2010–2017 Terrain, 2015–2016 Canyon 3.6L — says the crankshaft reluctor may have moved. A good one measures 25–26 mm from the end of the machined crank throw to the gap in the reluctor; a moved one means a new crankshaft. Both bulletins deal with the whole code family, so the same P0017 can come from either.

Terrain 2.4L and 2.0T

On the 2010–2016 Terrain 2.4L, GM's PIP4548F covers P0016 and/or P0017 on a properly timed engine, or a crank-no-start. The cam reluctor is a press fit with no key and can spin on the camshaft, especially after an overheat. For the exhaust cam, GM's check is with cylinder 4's valves at maximum lift: the reluctor should sit flush and parallel with the cam cover gasket surface. If it doesn't, the exhaust camshaft is replaced — the reluctor cannot be repositioned.

PIP4716F covers the 2010 Terrain with a sharp rattle for a few seconds at startup and possible P0011, P0014, P0016 or P0017. GM's first check is the accessory belt — and on hydraulic power steering models, that the power steering pulley is flush with its shaft — before cam actuators. And GM's 13-06-01-003H for the 2010–2013 Terrain 2.4L notes the dipstick shows no oil until the engine is about 1.25 quarts low, a reminder to check oil level properly before chasing a phaser code.

On the 2.0L turbo, we found no GMC bulletin that names P0017. Diagnose it by service information, using the one-trip, ±window test described above.

Symptoms of P0017 on a GMC

• Check engine light, sometimes with no drivability complaint
• Rough idle, sometimes with P0106 stored (Canyon, Envoy)
• Belt noise or rattle at startup (Canyon and Envoy end play or solenoid screens; 2010 Terrain belt)
• A rare stall that restarts (PIP4913A, sticking exhaust actuator)
• Crank-no-start (spun exhaust cam reluctor on a Terrain 2.4L)
• P0008, P0016, P0018 or P0019 alongside on an Acadia or Terrain V6

Causes and How to Confirm Each

How Is P0017 Diagnosed on a GMC?

1. Identify the engine. Inline Atlas, HFV6, 2.4L and 2.0T each have their own GM path.
2. Write down every cam code. P0014 with P0017 on a Canyon or Envoy points at oil supply, screens and end play; a P0016–P0019 cluster on an Acadia points at chains.
3. Check oil level, condition and service history before anything else.
4. Ask about recent work. A head, front cover or balancer job puts timing marks, the crank gear and the crank bolt at the top of the list.
5. Read cam/crank variation data with a GM-capable scan tool and compare it with the service limit.
6. On a Canyon or Envoy, inspect the solenoid screens and measure crank end play before buying an actuator.
7. On a V6, follow 12-06-01-009F if the chains are stretched, and PIP3423P if they are not.
8. On a Terrain 2.4L, check the exhaust cam reluctor position if the engine is timed correctly.

Parts and Cost

GM Documents That Name P0017 on GMC Models

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

What Other P0017 Pages Get Wrong

• "Replace the exhaust cam phaser." On a Canyon or Envoy, GM lists timing, a loose crank gear, end play, screens and oil before a sticking actuator — and says correct the oil first.
• Treating every GMC the same. A Sierra or Yukon pushrod V8 does not have an exhaust cam sensor to set P0017.
• "P0017 always means the chain." GM's Terrain 2.4L document covers P0017 on an engine that is timed correctly.
• Replacing a crank and bearings and calling it fixed. GM warns that thrust bearing debris left in an Atlas engine can bring P0017 back.
• Skipping GM's parts list. On the Acadia and Terrain V6, GM says guides, sprockets and actuator gears are replaced unnecessarily. For the Chevrolet side of this code, see our P0017 guide for Chevrolet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a GMC Sierra set P0017?

Not on its pushrod V8 or 4.3L, as far as GM's tables show. Those engines have one camshaft and report cam-to-crank errors as P0016. Re-check the code with a GM-capable scan tool.

What causes P0017 on a GMC Canyon 3.5L or 3.7L?

GM's PIP4945B lists six causes: incorrect timing, a loose crank gear or bolt, excessive crank end play, missing or restricted solenoid screens, a sticking cam actuator, and low oil pressure or contaminated oil.

My Envoy set P0017 after a cylinder head replacement. Why?

GM's PIP4913A covers that: the timing may be off, or the new exhaust cam may be binding in its journals. GM also lists debris in the oil sticking the exhaust actuator.

Is crankshaft end play really a cause?

Yes, on the Canyon and Envoy inline engines. GM's PIP3694F gives a spec of 0.0044–0.0153 in and says that when end play is the cause it is usually obviously out — in which case GM suggests engine replacement.

Is P0017 on an Acadia the same as on a Canyon 2.9L?

No. On a 2007–2016 Acadia it is usually chain stretch or a moved crank reluctor; on an Atlas-engine Canyon it is the exhaust phaser system and its oil supply.

Can I keep driving with P0017?

Often in the short term, but cam timing faults can worsen — and GM's Atlas documents describe stalls. Have it diagnosed soon, especially if it came with a rattle or rough idle.