2010 chevy traverse crankshaft position sensor problems

A glowing check engine light, stalling, poor acceleration and bad fuel mileage are all possible signs your camshaft position sensor may be failing.

Gone are the days of carburetors and distributors, replaced by a variety of sensors that help a car’s computer get the maximum performance out of the engine. A camshaft position sensor (or any sensor) can fail due to wear-and-tear or an accident. Here’s what you need to know.

• What Is a Camshaft Position Sensor and What Does It Do?
• What Are the Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Camshaft Position Sensor?
  • 1. Check Engine Light Comes On
  • 2. Poor Drivability
  • 3. Transmission Shifting Problems
  • 4. Bad Fuel Economy
• The Engine Will Not Start

What Is a Camshaft Position Sensor and What Does It Do?

A camshaft position sensor is an electronic device that does what it suggests — monitor the camshaft position and speed — and feeds that data to the vehicle’s engine control module (ECM). The ECM needs this data to control how much fuel enters the combustion chamber and ignition (spark) timing to ignite the fuel. When the air/fuel mixture is ignited at precisely the right time, engine power and fuel economy increase, and tailpipe emissions decrease.

On modern auto-start/auto-stop engines, the camshaft position sensor determines which cylinder is in its power stroke relative to the crankshaft position, delivering fuel and spark to start the engine when you step on the accelerator.

A bad camshaft position sensor may give you a warning before it completely fails and leaves you stranded.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Camshaft Position Sensor?

1. Check Engine Light Comes On

The most common indicator that the camshaft position sensor is failing is a lit Check Engine light.

OBD II (on-board diagnostics II) systems efficiently monitor vehicle hardware and software and can detect part deterioration that causes imperceptible performance changes before a part completely fails. Although you can connect to the ECM using a DIY scan tool to try and diagnose the problem, it’s best to take it to the pros when the Check Engine light illuminates. Ignoring the Check Engine light can lead to expensive engine or transmission repairs.

2. Poor Drivability

A failing camshaft position sensor begins losing its ability to quickly transfer data. Mismatched fuel delivery and ignition timing, even if off by a few milliseconds, will cause your vehicle to sputter, accelerate poorly, lack power, stall or even shut off.

3. Transmission Shifting Problems

Data received by the ECM from a failing camshaft position sensor can keep transmission shift solenoids from operating and gears from shifting. Called “limp-home-mode” on some models, it helps protect the engine from damage by restricting engine speed.

4. Bad Fuel Economy

Inaccurate camshaft position sensor data can keep fuel injectors open too long, forcing excess fuel into the combustion chamber. This also can cause engine knocking and serious damage if too much liquid gasoline (which does not compress) builds up in the combustion chamber.

The Engine Will Not Start

If you ignore the symptoms listed here and your camshaft position sensor fails, your vehicle will not start. As a camshaft position sensor weakens, so does the data it transmits to the ECM. Eventually the data signal becomes so weak the ECM switches off fuel and spark delivery, and your engine will not start.

This is only a frustrating inconvenience if it happens while your car is parked, but it can be a dangerous situation if your car shuts off while you’re driving.

When your vehicle doesn’t run like it used to, or the Check Engine light is on, the camshaft position sensor may need to be replaced. Eventually your engine will stop running if you disregard these symptoms.

Vehicles are becoming increasingly complex as time goes on. With all of the new technology and features that come with them, it can be hard to keep up with what’s going on under the hood.

One code that you may encounter while scanning your Chevy Traverse is P0017 – Crank/Cam Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor “B”.

In this article, we will explain what this code means, where the sensor is located, and how to fix it if necessary.

If you are driving a Chevy Traverse and have the code P0017, it means that there is a correlation issue between the crank and cam position sensors on Bank 1.

When there is a misalignment between these sensors, it can cause the engine to run rough and lose power. The sensor in question is located on the side of the engine near the firewall. It is a black cylinder with two wires coming out of it.

What is Bank1 Sensor B?

The bank in question is the side of the engine that contains cylinder number one. The sensor referenced in this code is the second sensor on that side of the engine.

This sensor helps to monitor the position of the camshaft, and when it goes out of alignment with the crankshaft, it can cause all sorts of problems.

If your Traverse has this code, it is a good idea to take it to a mechanic and have them take a look. There may be something wrong with the sensor or the wiring, or there may be an issue with the timing of the engine.

Where Is the Camshaft Position Sensor A Bank 1 Located?

The camshaft position sensor is located on the side of the engine near the firewall. It is a black cylinder with two wires coming out of it.

Where Is Camshaft Position Sensor B located?

The camshaft position sensor B is located on the side of the engine near the firewall. It is a black cylinder with two wires coming out of it.

What Are The Symptoms of P0017 on the Chevy Traverse

Failure to start

When your car’s engine fails to start, a P0017 code may be the culprit. This code is usually accompanied by other codes, such as P0016 (Crank Position Sensor “A”), P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor), or P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor).

The P0017 code causes an engine to fail to start because the cam and crank position sensors are not in alignment. When these sensors are out of sync, the engine will not be able to start because it won’t know where it is in the rotation.

Loss of power

If your Chevy Traverse is experiencing a loss of power, there’s a good chance that P0017 is the code causing it. When the engine doesn’t have the proper amount of power, it can cause a variety of problems such as stalling, slowing down, and decreased acceleration.

Rattle coming from the motor

Have you noticed a strange rattling noise coming from your Chevy Traverse’s engine? If so, P0017 may be the cause. This code can sometimes result in a rattling noise that gets worse as you drive. The rattle is due to the misalignment of the cam and crank position sensors.

“Service Engine Soon” Light

If the “Service Engine Soon” light comes on in your Chevy Traverse, there’s a good chance that P0017 is the code you need to address. This light will come on when there is a problem with the engine that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

How Do You Fix Code P0017 on Chevy Traverse?

Problems with the wiring

Damage to the wiring harness is often a common cause of the P0017 code. If the wiring is damaged or corroded, it can create a correlation issue between the crank and cam position sensors.

The wiring to and from the Crank/cam sensors is usually vulnerable to exhaust and vibration. As such, it’s important to check the wiring for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary.

To fix this problem, you will need to replace the wiring harness. This can be a difficult task, so it’s best to leave it to a professional mechanic.

Bad sensors

After inspecting the wiring, you need to check the sensors themselves for any problems. If a sensor is bad, it can cause the P0017 code. The best way to determine if a sensor is bad is to test it with a scanner.

Testing the sensor using a scanner involves putting the scanner in “read mode” and then checking the sensor values. If the values are not consistent, the sensor is most likely bad.

If a sensor is determined to be bad, it will need to be replaced. The process of replacing a sensor can be difficult, so it’s best to leave it to a professional mechanic.

You can also replace it by unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one. Make sure that you get the correct sensor for your Chevy Traverse. There are different sensors for different models of cars.

Misaligned timing chain

Another common cause of the P0017 code is a misaligned timing chain. If the timing chain is off, it can cause the cam and crank position sensors to be out of alignment. The best way to check if the timing chain is misaligned is to use a scanner and check the timing marks.

Misaligned timing chains should be left to expert mechanics to correct, as the process is difficult and can be dangerous.

Bad engine control module

A bad engine control module (ECM) can also be the cause of the P0017 code. If the ECM is not functioning properly, it can cause the cam and crank position sensors to be out of alignment. The best way to determine if the ECM is bad is to test it with a scanner.

If the ECM is determined to be bad, it will need to be replaced. The process of replacing an ECM can be difficult, so it’s best to leave it to a professional mechanic. You can also replace it by unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one.

Make sure that you get the correct ECM for your Chevy Traverse. There are different ECMs for different models of cars.

Problems with the Crank/Cam Reluctor Ring

The Crank/Cam Reluctor Ring can also be the cause of the P0017 code. This ring is responsible for sending signals to the cam and crank position sensors.

If there is a problem with the ring, it can cause the sensors to be out of alignment. The best way to determine if there is a problem with the ring is to test it with a scanner.

If there is a problem with the ring, it will need to be replaced by a professional mechanic.

What Are The Other Error Codes on the Chevy Traverse?

P0016 Code

This code is similar to P0017, but it is for the cam position sensor bank two. If you are getting the P0016 code, it means that there is a problem with the cam position sensor bank two. The best way to address this code is by checking the wiring, sensors, and timing chain.

P0335 Code

This code is for the Crank Position Sensor. If you are getting this code, it means that there is a problem with the Crank Position Sensor. The best way to address this code is by checking the wiring, sensors, and timing chain.

P0011 Code

This code is for the Intake Camshaft Position (ICP) sensor. If you are getting this code, it means that there is a problem with the Intake Camshaft Position (ICP) sensor. The best way to address this code is by checking the wiring, sensors, and timing chain.

P0014 Code

This code is for the Exhaust Camshaft Position (ECP) sensor. If you are getting this code, it means that there is a problem with the Exhaust Camshaft Position (ECP) sensor. The best way to address this code is by checking the wiring, sensors, and timing chain.

P0300 Code

This code is for a random misfire. If you are getting this code, it means that there is a problem with the engine. The best way to address this code is by checking the wiring, sensors, and timing chain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the P0017 Code on the Chevy Traverse indicates a problem with the correlation between the cam and crank position sensors bank 1.

There are several potential causes of this code, including misaligned timing chains, bad engine control module, problems with the Crank/Cam Reluctor Ring, and problems with the cam or crank position sensors.

The best way to address this code is by checking the wiring, sensors, and timing chain. If you are unable to address the code yourself, it is best to take your car to a professional mechanic.

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