Those who love SUVs will surely have heard about the Chevy Traverse model of Chevrolet. It is always on the list of favorite products thanks to its performance, price, and other outstanding features.
However, one thing owners often face is the P0008 Chevy Traverse code. How do you diagnose and deal with this situation? Scrolling down to get more information!
About P0008 Chevy Traverse: Symptoms, Causes, And Solution
P0008 is a diagnostic trouble code for “Engine Position System Performance Bank 1. It is not a serious fault that will cause your car to be damaged or explode immediately.
However, it would be best yo fix it as soon as possible. The next parts are what you shouldn’t miss if you’re curious about:
- 2009 Chevy Traverse P0008
- 2010 Chevy Traverse P0008
- 2011 Chevy Traverse P0008
What Is It?
When your vehicle’s power control module (PCM) (primary computer) detects the camshaft and crankshaft are out of sync, the P0008 code for “Engine Position System Performance Bank 1” appears.
The vehicle’s camshaft sensor sends a signal to the PCM, determining when to fire your fuel injectors or the spark plugs.
The PCM checks for the imbalance between the camshafts and crankshaft to ensure that the engine is properly timed.
The timing between them is critical in an internal combustion engine because it influences engine efficiency.
The PCM may warn you via the trouble code if the camshaft is misaligned concerning the crankshaft.
The 2011 Chevy Traverse code P0017 and P0008 usually stem from this issue. If your OBD-II scanner picks up this code, it’s advisable to fix it as soon as possible.
The Symptoms
When your OBD-II tool scans and identifies the code P0008 Chevy Traverse, you may have to face one or more of the common symptoms below:
- The timing chain has a strange sound
- The engine is hard to start or even not start
- Rough running engine
- Fuel consumption increases unusually
- Rattling or grinding noise at idle or when driving
- Check Engine Light
You need to watch out for this because these signs can also appear with codes like P0009, P0016, or P0017.
Causes
2009, 2010, or 2011 Chevy Traverse code P0008 can be caused by various factors, including a worn timing chain or a faulty valve timing actuator.
This can make determining the exact cause difficult. But in general, they include:
- Stretched or loose timing chain
- Camshaft or crankshaft sensor malfunctions
- Wiring damage
- Worn components
- ECM (Engine Control Module) issues
- Engine oil level is low.
- Other internal damages
How To Fix It?
The first step in dealing with a 2010 Traverse P0008 code is to have it properly diagnosed to determine what is triggering the engine timing malfunction.
It is important to reiterate that fixing them is not easy. Our advice is to ask for the help of technical mechanics or bring your car to the nearest car service for advice.
However, if you are confident that you has the experience and ability to fix it at home, refer to the suggested repair procedure below:
- Check for any other codes that may be related to the problem, and then clear them. Recheck which ones come back.
- Analyze the data on the scan tool. Check to see if it returns or if the symptoms exist.
- Examine the components visually (noises, wiring, etc.).
- To determine where the problem is, the wiring and signals from the sensors must be analyzed using a digital voltage scope.
- When you see the values with specifications, its timing/front engine cover may need to be removed.
- Check to see whether the marks on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets are aligned.
- Inspect for signs of wear on the timing chain/belt and guides.
- Replace the faulty part detected during the initial testing.
Diagnose Chevy Traverse P0008 Code
Diagnosing Steps
If you want to diagnose the 2010 Traverse P0008 code or in any other car year, you can follow the instructions below:
- Use the dedicated program or OBD-II scanner to check the code. It’s essential to make sure that code P0008 is the only one.
- If you see other codes, check them first before fixing this one.
- It’s also necessary to prevent the freeze frame data. You can identify other issues with this.
- Connect the O-scope to the signal wires for the crankshaft sensor and the bank 1 camshaft sensor (and bank 2 if equipped), then compare the two or three.
- If they are out of place, the cause is a stretched timing belt or chain, a slipped reluctor ring, or jumping timing.
Common Mistakes When Diagnose
Based on this code, inexperienced technicians frequently assume the engine requires a new timing belt or chain.
A vehicle owner could spend hundreds of dollars without processing a diagnostic procedure and still not solve their problem.
A simple reprogramming could be used to solve the code. Before replacing components solely because of the code, a proper diagnosis is always recommended.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Fix The P0008 Code Chevy Traverse?
To fix the 2010 Chevy Traverse code P0008, you can save money by doing it yourself at home.
However, this method is risky when you do not have enough knowledge and experience, and it can worsen the damage.
If you bring the car to the repair center, the cost will be divided into 2 main parts: diagnostic and repair costs.
The former ranges from $75 to $150, depending on the complete diagnosis time taken. Meanwhile, the latter can be up to several thousand dollars depending on the damaged part.
This price is for reference because the labor rate in each area and the service charge in each car center are different. You can ask about the cost before deciding to use their service.
What If I Continue Driving With Chevy Traverse P0008 Code?
The P0008 code can cause various problems in your vehicle, including a loss of power, decreased fuel efficiency, idle instability, long-term engine damage, etc.
This is why we advise you to fix it as soon as you can.
In the worst case, continuing to drive with the P0008 code can lead to unforeseen accidents. When it causes more serious damage, you will have to pay more to repair it.
Final Thoughts
P0008 Chevy Traverse code should be fixed at once when you recognize it. Although it doesn’t immediately take a toll on your vehicle, the long-term consequences are unpredictable.
As it can be complicated and requires years of experience, it’s advisable to drive your car to the service center and get help from professional mechanics.