EngineLightCodes
Powertrain code

P0008 Engine Position System Performance Bank 1

Severity
Stop soon
Typical repair cost
$1,650–$4,400
Do it yourself
Shop job
Shop time
8–20 hours

The computer has noticed that both camshafts on bank 1 are out of step with the crankshaft by the same amount. Because both are off together, the problem is usually in the part they share: a stretched timing chain or a worn chain tensioner.

How the engine computer detects it

The engine control module learns how far each camshaft of bank 1 is offset from the crankshaft and compares this with a reference. P0008 is set when both camshafts of this bank are shifted in the same direction beyond a threshold. That points to the drive shared by the bank: a stretched primary timing chain, a worn tensioner, an idler gear or a crankshaft reluctor wheel that has slipped. A single faulty camshaft phaser does not set this code, because it affects only one camshaft.

Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Timing chain rattle, especially at cold start
  • Loss of power or rough running
  • Often stored together with P0016 to P0019

Common causes

  1. Primary or timing chain stretched Most likely
  2. Chain tensioner worn or loose Possible
  3. Timing drive fitted incorrectly after an engine repair Possible
  4. Crankshaft reluctor wheel slipped Less likely

How to diagnose P0008

  1. Check the oil level and how long it has been since the last oil change. Low or old oil speeds up timing chain wear.
  2. Listen at the engine for a rattle during the first few seconds after a cold start. It's a typical sign of a stretched chain or a weak tensioner.
  3. Check for P0016 to P0019 as well. Together with P0008 they point to the timing chain rather than a single camshaft phaser.
  4. A shop can read the cam and crank correlation values on a scanner to see how far the timing has drifted.
  5. Ask about service bulletins or extended warranty coverage for timing chains on your engine before paying for the repair.
  6. The fix is usually a complete timing chain kit with tensioners and guides. It's a large job for a shop.

Vehicles that report P0008 most

VehicleYearsReportsMedian miles
Chevrolet Traverse2009–20113789k
Chevrolet Camaro20102072k
Buick Enclave2008–20111582k
Cadillac CTS2007–20101286k
GMC Acadia2009–201112110k
Cadillac SRX2006–2008487k
Suzuki XL72007–20084110k
Chevrolet Equinox2008–2009481k

Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0008 (113 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.

Reading the code

P
Powertrain
0
Generic (SAE) code
0
Fuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
08
Specific fault

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with code P0008?

Don't put it off. A stretched chain can skip a tooth, and on many engines that causes serious engine damage. Drive only to a shop, and stop if you hear loud rattling or the engine starts running badly.

Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0008?

Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.

Often reported together

Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0008. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.

This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.