P0008: Engine position system performance, bank 1: the crankshaft-to-camshaft timing relationship has drifted out of range
Engine position system performance (bank 1)
Severity: Inspect soon
P0008 points at the mechanical timing between crankshaft and camshaft drifting, which GM ties to a stretched timing chain on its 3.6L V6. The engine usually keeps running, but chain wear gets worse with use, so have it inspected soon rather than ignoring it.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: The check engine light starts flashing. That means misfire heavy enough to overheat and damage the catalytic converter; avoid further driving and get it checked.
- Stop: A new loud rattle or slapping noise from the timing chain area, or the engine stalls or will not restart. A loose or badly stretched chain can jump teeth, and further driving risks serious engine damage.
P0008 in short
P0008 means the engine computer sees the bank 1 crankshaft and camshaft drifting out of their normal timing relationship. On GM's 3.6L V6 a stretched timing chain is the documented cause. Check the oil level first, then have the chain measured. Get it inspected soon; stop driving if it rattles loudly.
The engine computer reads the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on every revolution and learns how far apart their signals sit. P0008 sets when that learned offset on bank 1 (the side with cylinder 1) drifts past a limit, which usually means something in the timing drive has moved rather than a sensor circuit failing.
On GM V6 engines P0008 usually appears together with P0009 (the bank 2 version) and with the camshaft correlation codes P0016-P0019. When several of these set at once, a stretched or loose timing chain shared by both banks is far more likely than a fault on one camshaft.
Low or dirty oil can also upset cam phasers and the chain tensioner, so the oil is the free first check before anyone quotes a timing job.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Stretched timing chain (documented on GM 3.6L V6)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM's bulletin supplies timing chain kits specifically for stretched chains setting P0008, P0009 and P0016-P0019 on 2007-2012 3.6L V6 models. The bulletin is on NHTSA but its current status is not verified.
- What would change this
- Rises on a GM 3.6L V6, at higher mileage, with overdue oil changes or with several correlation codes on both banks; a chain stretch measurement or cam/crank offset reading confirms it.
Cause 2: Low oil level, old or sludged oil, or the wrong viscosity
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Cam phasers and hydraulic chain tensioners run on engine oil pressure, so low level, sludge or the wrong grade is the free first check.
- What would change this
- Rises if the dipstick is low, the oil is overdue or thick, or the grade differs from the owner's manual; falls if the oil is full, fresh and correct.
Cause 3: Loose timing chain, worn guide or weak tensioner
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM preliminary information tells technicians to inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners when P0008 or P0016-P0019 set.
- What would change this
- Rises with chain slap at start-up or a worn guide found on inspection.
Cause 4: Crankshaft sensor reluctor moved on the crankshaft (some GM engines)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM says that if no root cause is found after normal diagnosis, inspect the crankshaft sensor reluctor; if it has moved, the crankshaft is replaced.
- What would change this
- Rises when chain and timing marks check out but the cam/crank offset is still wrong.
Cause 5: Sticking cam phaser or oil control solenoid
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- A phaser that does not return to its rest position can shift the measured cam position, but on its own it more often sets P0011 or P0016 than P0008.
- What would change this
- Rises if the actual cam angle does not follow the commanded angle on a scan tool.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil grade matches the owner's manual.
IfOil is low, overdue, sludgy or the wrong viscosity
It meansCorrect the oil first, clear the code and drive; many cam timing codes return no further.
Points to: Low oil level, old or sludged oil, or the wrong viscosity
IfOil is full, fresh and the right grade
It meansLook at what the camshaft is actually doing.
Step 2: Read all stored codes and freeze frame with a scan tool and note any companion timing codes (P0009, P0016-P0019).
IfP0008 sets with P0009 or several P0016-P0019 codes
It meansBoth banks are affected, which points at the shared timing chain rather than one camshaft.
IfP0008 is the only timing code
It meansCheck what the camshaft phaser on bank 1 is doing.
Step 3: With the engine warm, watch desired versus actual bank 1 cam angle and any cam/crank offset values your scan tool offers while varying engine speed.
IfActual cam angle lags or does not follow the commanded angle
It meansThe phaser or its oil control solenoid is not responding.
IfCam angle follows commands but the offset reading is out of range
It meansThe cam is responding, so the baseline timing has moved.
Step 4: Have a shop measure timing chain stretch (by cam/crank offset readings or by inspection) and check the guides and tensioner, following the service information for the engine.
Warning:Timing chain inspection means removing engine covers and possibly the timing cover; mistakes can destroy the engine. Leave it to a shop.
IfChain stretch is beyond the service limit
It meansReplace the chain set as the bulletin describes.
Points to: Stretched timing chain (documented on GM 3.6L V6)
IfChain is within limit but the tensioner or a guide is worn or loose
It meansRepair the tensioner and guides.
IfChain, guides and timing marks are correct
It meansCheck the crank sensor reluctor position as GM describes.
Points to: Crankshaft sensor reluctor moved on the crankshaft (some GM engines)
Symptoms
- Check engine light on, often with P0009 or P0016-P0019
- Rough running or reduced power
- Rattle from the timing chain area, especially at start-up Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Stalling or hard starting Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power, Rough idle with the check engine light on
How to fix
Step 1: Check the oil level and top it up to the full mark with the grade listed in your owner's manual.
Warning:Engine off and on level ground; wait a few minutes for oil to drain back.
Step 2: If the oil is overdue or the wrong grade, change the oil and filter with the specified oil, clear the code and drive normally to see whether it returns.
Warning:Let the engine cool before draining; hot oil burns. Support the car on ramps or stands, never just a jack.
Parts and cost context
- Variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid:GM says cam actuators, idler sprockets and guides are normally not replaced for a stretched chain unless worn through, so confirm the diagnosis before buying phasers. Labour varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2007–2012 · 3.6L V6 (High Feature)
Supported by vehicle dataOn GM's 3.6L High Feature V6, P0008 is tied to a stretched timing chain. GM supplies a chain kit and says actuators and sprockets are normally not replaced for chain stretch. Check oil first, then have the chain measured.
12-06-01-009FStatus unverified
High Feature V6 timing chain kits for stretched chains, P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019
2007–2012equinox, malibu, traverse, camaro, impala · 3.6L V6 (High Feature) · issued · rev. F · NHTSA 10113723
Supplies timing chain kits and guide replacements for stretched chains setting P0008, P0009 and P0016-P0019 on the 3.6L V6. NHTSA also lists Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Pontiac and Saturn models.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
PIP3423PStatus unverified
P0016-P0019, P0008 or P0009: inspect timing chains, tensioners and the crank reluctor
2004–2019equinox, malibu, traverse, camaro, colorado, impala · issued · rev. P · NHTSA 10144453
Inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners; if no root cause is found, inspect the crankshaft sensor reluctor and replace the crankshaft if it has moved. NHTSA lists many Buick, Cadillac, GMC and other GM models.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
GMCYour car
2007–2012 · 3.6L V6 (High Feature)
Supported by vehicle dataAcadia and Terrain with the 3.6L V6 are covered by the same GM timing chain bulletin as the Chevrolet models.
BuickYour car
2007–2012 · 3.6L V6 (High Feature)
Supported by vehicle dataEnclave and LaCrosse with the 3.6L V6 are covered by the same GM timing chain bulletin.
CadillacYour car
2007–2012 · 3.6L V6 (High Feature)
Supported by vehicle dataCTS, SRX and STS with the 3.6L V6 are covered by the same GM timing chain bulletin.
Related codes
P0008 questions
Does P0008 always mean a timing chain?
Not always, but on GM's 3.6L V6 it is the documented cause, especially when P0009 or P0016-P0019 are stored too. Rule out low or wrong oil first, then have the chain stretch measured before replacing anything.
Can I keep driving with P0008?
Usually for a short time while you arrange an inspection. Stop driving if the light flashes, the engine rattles loudly from the timing area, or it stalls, because a worn chain can jump and damage the engine.
Sources and review
- P0008 Code: Engine Position System Performance Bank 1
- GM 12-06-01-009F: High Feature V6 timing chain kits for stretched chains setting P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II)
- 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine)
- 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
- GM PIP3423P: P0016-P0019, P0008 or P0009 - inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners, then the crank reluctor
- Variable Valve Timing
- ASE A1 study guide: VVT phaser diagnostics
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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