When dealing with Saab’s P0017 code, it’s important to understand the definition, description and possible causes of this engine malfunction. The P0017 code is defined as the crankshaft position (CKP) – exhaust camshaft position (CMP) correlation, and the ECM detects the learned camshaft angle to be more than 10 degrees advanced or 10 degrees retarded in relationship to the crankshaft. Possible causes of this code include a timing chain tensioner condition, incorrectly installed timing chain, excessive play in the timing chain, cam actuator stuck in the full advance or retard position, and a crankshaft reluctor wheel that has moved in relationship to top dead center (TDC) on the crankshaft.
Causes and Solutions for Saab P0017 Code
| Causes | Solutions |
|——–|———–|
| Timing chain tensioner condition | Replace the timing chain tensioner |
| Incorrectly installed timing chain | Have a professional mechanic install the timing chain |
| Excessive play in the timing chain | Tighten the timing chain |
| Cam actuator stuck in the full advance or retard position | Replace the cam actuator |
| Crankshaft reluctor wheel moved in relation to TDC on crankshaft | Replace the crankshaft reluctor wheel |
Timing Chain Tensioner Condition
The timing chain tensioner condition is one of the most common causes of the Saab P0017 code. If the timing chain tensioner is worn out, it can cause the chain to slip and result in the ECM detecting the camshaft angle to be more than 10 degrees advanced or 10 degrees retarded in relation to the crankshaft. To fix this issue, the timing chain tensioner needs to be replaced with a new one.
Incorrectly Installed Timing Chain
The second most common cause of the P0017 code is an incorrectly installed timing chain. If the timing chain is not installed correctly, it can result in the ECM detecting the camshaft angle to be more than 10 degrees advanced or 10 degrees retarded in relation to the crankshaft. To prevent this issue, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic install the timing chain.
Excessive Play in the Timing Chain
Excessive play in the timing chain can cause the Saab P0017 code. If the timing chain has too much play, it can cause the ECM to detect the camshaft angle to be more than 10 degrees advanced or 10 degrees retarded in relation to the crankshaft. To fix this issue, the timing chain needs to be tightened to reduce the amount of play in the chain.
Cam Actuator Stuck in the Full Advance or Retard Position
The cam actuator can become stuck in the full advance or retard position, which can result in the Saab P0017 code. If the cam actuator is stuck, the ECM will detect the camshaft angle to be more than 10 degrees advanced or 10 degrees retarded in relation to the crankshaft. To fix this issue, the cam actuator needs to be replaced with a new one.
Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel Moved in Relationship to TDC on Crankshaft
The crankshaft reluctor wheel can move in relationship to top dead center (TDC) on the crankshaft, which can cause the Saab P0017 code. If the crankshaft reluctor wheel has moved in relation to TDC, the ECM will detect the camshaft angle to be more than 10 degrees advanced or 10 degrees retarded in relation to the crankshaft. To fix this issue, the crankshaft reluctor wheel needs to be replaced.
Conclusion: Diagnosing and Repairing Saab P0017 Code
The Saab P0017 code is caused by a variety of issues, including a timing chain tensioner condition, an incorrectly installed timing chain, excessive play in the timing chain, a cam actuator stuck in the full advance or retard position, and a crankshaft reluctor wheel that has moved in relation to top dead center (TDC) on the crankshaft. To diagnose and repair the Saab P0017 code, the timing chain tensioner needs to be replaced, the timing chain needs to be installed correctly, the timing chain needs to be tightened, the cam actuator needs to be replaced, and the crankshaft reluctor wheel needs to be replaced. Diagnosing and repairing the Saab P0017 code requires the help of a professional mechanic.
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