P0008 — Engine Position System Performance (Bank 1)
Category: Powertrain Severity: High
Updated:
DTC code P0008 means: Engine Position System Performance (Bank 1). It falls under the "Powertrain" category, with an estimated severity of High. Common causes include stretched timing chain, worn chain tensioner or guides and faulty variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid; it's worth confirming the diagnosis before replacing parts.
Possible causes
- Stretched timing chain
- Worn chain tensioner or guides
- Faulty variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid
- Low or wrong-grade engine oil
- Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Timing chain rattle on cold start
- Loss of power
- Hard starting or rough idle
How to diagnose it step by step
- Check oil level and viscosity; change it if it is old or the wrong grade.
- Clear the code and see if it returns after several cold starts.
- Read crank/cam deviation data with a scan tool.
- Listen for chain rattle in the first seconds after start-up.
- If the deviation exceeds the manufacturer limit, replace the complete timing chain kit.
How to fix it
Check the oil level and grade first. If the oil is fine, read crank/cam correlation with a scan tool: a large deviation almost always means a stretched timing chain, which should be replaced together with the tensioner and guides.
Estimated repair cost
Oil change: $60–120. Timing chain kit including labor: $900–2,500 depending on the engine.
Frequently asked questions
What does DTC code P0008 mean?
Engine Position System Performance (Bank 1).
Is code P0008 serious?
Severity High. Have it checked as soon as possible, especially if it affects safety or the catalytic converter.
Can I keep driving with code P0008?
Short trips are possible, but not advisable: if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves can hit the pistons and the repair cost multiplies.
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P0010 P0011 P0012 P0013 P0014 P0016 P0017 P0018 P0019 P0021
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