P0009 Engine position system performance, bank 2: the crankshaft and bank 2 camshaft timing no longer agree

Engine Position System Performance (Bank 2)

P0009 in short

P0009 means the computer sees the bank 2 camshaft timing out of step with the crankshaft. On GM 3.6L V6 engines the documented cause is a stretched timing chain, but low or wrong oil and a faulty cam actuator can also set it. The engine may run, but have it inspected soon because chain wear gets worse.

The engine computer compares the crankshaft position signal with the camshaft position signal. On a V6 or V8, bank 2 is the side that does not hold cylinder 1. P0009 sets when the bank 2 camshaft sits too far from where the computer expects it to be.

Two very different things can cause that. The first is hydraulic: variable valve timing moves the cam with oil pressure, so low oil, the wrong oil, or a clogged screen or solenoid can leave the cam where it should not be. The second is mechanical: a stretched timing chain, a weak tensioner or worn guides let the cam drift from the crank.

GM has published several bulletins for its 3.6L V6 that cover P0008, P0009 and P0016 to P0019 together, with stretched timing chains as the main finding and a moved crankshaft reluctor ring as the fallback.

Most likely causes

  1. Stretched timing chain (GM 3.6L V6)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletin 12-06-01-009F offers high feature V6 timing chain kits and guide replacements for stretched chains that set P0008, P0009 and P0016 to P0019 on 2007-2012 models. CarParts also lists a worn chain as a cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if chain stretch is measured with the service-information procedure, or the engine rattles on cold start. Falls if the chain is within limits.

  2. Low oil level or oil that does not meet the specification

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Variable valve timing is driven by oil pressure, so low or incorrect oil is the cheapest thing to rule out. CarParts lists both.
    What would change this
    Rises if the oil is low, overdue or the wrong grade. Falls if the oil is correct and clean.

  3. Loose chain, weak tensioner or worn guides

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIP3423P tells technicians to inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners when these codes are set.
    What would change this
    Rises if a technician finds slack or a noisy tensioner. Falls if the chain train is tight.

  4. Crankshaft reluctor ring has moved

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIP3423P says that if the chain train checks out, inspect the crankshaft sensor reluctor, which can shift on the crankshaft; CarParts lists a damaged or shifted reluctor wheel too.
    What would change this
    Rises if the chain and tensioners pass inspection and the reluctor is out of position. Falls if it is correctly positioned.

  5. Faulty cam phaser (actuator) or oil control solenoid

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    CarParts lists the VVT solenoid and actuator as possible causes, but on the GM engines in the bulletins the chain is the documented cause first.
    What would change this
    Rises if oil and chain checks pass and the solenoid or phaser does not respond when commanded. Falls if it responds normally.
    How to test the variable valve timing (vvt) oil control solenoid

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. With the engine off and cool on level ground, check the oil level and note when the oil was last changed and what grade is in it.

    Low risk

  2. Read all stored codes. Note whether P0008 or P0016 to P0019 are stored with P0009, and whether the engine is a GM 3.6L V6.

    Low risk

    • IfP0008, P0016-P0019 are also stored on a GM 3.6L

      It meansGM covers these together and points at the timing chain.

      Go to step 3

    • IfOnly P0009 is stored on another make

      It meansHave the cam phaser and solenoid checked with a bidirectional scan tool.

      Go to step 4

  3. Have a shop check timing chain stretch and tensioner condition with the service-information procedure, then inspect the crankshaft reluctor if the chain passes.

    Best left to a shopTool: service information, scan tool

    Warning:Checking the chain means removing engine covers and measuring with the engine apart. Let a shop do it.

  4. Command the bank 2 cam actuator with a bidirectional scan tool and compare the desired and actual cam angle.

    Low riskTool: bidirectional scan tool

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough running or reduced power
  • Longer cranking or hard starting
  • Rattle from the front of the engine, mostly on cold start Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on, Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Check the engine oil level with the engine off and cool, and top up with the grade in the owner's manual if it is low.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN is covered by a timing chain or cam actuator bulletin before replacing parts.

Parts and cost context

  • Variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid:On GM 3.6L V6 engines the chain train is the documented fix, so confirm the diagnosis before buying actuators. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 3.6L V6

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM names stretched timing chains on its 3.6L V6 as the cause of P0009 together with P0008 and P0016 to P0019, and offers timing chain kits (12-06-01-009F). Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 12-06-01-009FStatus unverified

    High feature V6 timing chain kits and guides for P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019

    2007–2012equinox, malibu, traverse, camaro, impala · issued · NHTSA 10113723

    Announces timing chain kits and chain guide replacements to repair stretched chains on GM 3.6L V6 models that set P0008, P0009 and P0016 to P0019.

    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 chain, tensioner, then reluctor

    2004–2019equinox, malibu, traverse, camaro, colorado, impala · issued · NHTSA 10144453

    Inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners, then the crankshaft sensor reluctor, if service information finds no other cause.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Buick

  • 2007–2012 · LaCrosse · 3.6L V6

    Supported by vehicle data

    Buick LaCrosse and Enclave with the GM 3.6L V6 are listed in the same timing chain bulletin family for P0008, P0009 and P0016 to P0019. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 12-06-01-009CStatus unverified

    High feature V6 timing chain kits and guides, DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019 (revision C)

    2007–2012lacrosse, enclave · NHTSA 10245794

    Information on timing chain kits and chain guide replacements for the codes listed.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0008Engine position system performance, bank 1: the crankshaft-to-camshaft timing relationship has drifted out of range

    Other bank Supported by vehicle data

    P0008 is the bank 1 version. GM bulletins cover P0008, P0009 and P0016 to P0019 together on the 3.6L V6.

  • P0017Crankshaft and exhaust camshaft positions do not agree (bank 1, sensor B)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM lists P0016 to P0019 with P0008 and P0009 as one group for stretched timing chains on the 3.6L V6.

All Variable valve timing (VVT) codes

P0009 questions

Does P0009 always mean a bad timing chain?

No. On GM 3.6L V6 engines the chain is the documented cause, but low or wrong oil and a faulty cam actuator can set it too. Check the oil first.

What is the difference between P0008 and P0009?

P0008 is bank 1 and P0009 is bank 2. Both mean the same type of timing disagreement on different sides of the engine, and they often appear together.

Sources and review

  1. P0009 Code: Engine Position System Performance Bank 2 — CarParts.com Research Team
  2. GM 12-06-01-009F: High Feature V6 timing chain kits and chain guide replacements for DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  3. GM PIP3423P: P0016-P0019, P0008 or P0009 set, inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners, then the crankshaft reluctor — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  4. GM 12-06-01-009C: High Feature V6 timing chain kits and chain guide replacements, DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019 — General Motors / NHTSA
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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