What P0009 means
The engine control module learns how far each camshaft of bank 2 is offset from the crankshaft and compares this with a reference.
How the engine computer detects it
P0009 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. Bank 2 exists only on V and boxer engines.
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
- Primary or timing chain stretched Most likely
- Chain tensioner worn or loose Possible
- Timing drive fitted incorrectly after an engine repair Possible
- Crankshaft reluctor wheel slipped Less likely
How to diagnose P0009
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: timing chain, timing chain tensioner, crankshaft reluctor wheel, crankshaft position sensor.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Vehicles that report P0009 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Traverse | 2010–2011 | 3 | 84k |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0009 (7 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
- 09
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0009?
Usually yes for a short time, if the car drives normally, the temperature gauge reads normal and the check engine light is steady. If the light flashes, the engine loses power or overheats, or other warning lights come on, pull over and have it checked.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0009?
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.
Will P0009 clear by itself?
The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0009. 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.