P0008: Engine Position System Performance Bank 1
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Gently and briefly - the usual cause is a stretched timing chain, and a chain that has stretched only stretches further. A jumped chain turns a repair into an engine.
Symptoms
- Rattle from the front of the engine on cold start
- Check engine light, sometimes with cam correlation codes
- Rough running or misfire-like behavior
- Gradually worsening over months
Likely causes, most common first
- Stretched timing chain
- Worn chain guides or tensioner
- Chain jumped a tooth
- Oil neglect accelerating chain wear
Read P0008 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0008 says the crankshaft and the bank 1 camshafts have drifted out of their designed mechanical relationship - the computer watches both through their sensors and does the geometry every revolution. Unlike a sensor code, this one is accusing the hardware: the chain connecting them has effectively grown longer.
This code built its reputation on high-feature V6 engines whose long chains and interval-stretched oil changes made stretch a known life event. The cold-start rattle - a few seconds of chain slap before oil pressure tensions things - is the audible companion, and it typically precedes the light by months. The repair is not small, but the economics are stark: a chain kit on a running engine costs a fraction of what valves meeting pistons costs after the chain finally jumps. Fresh oil at honest intervals is both the prevention and, once the code is set, no longer the cure.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0008
“The check engine light comes on and off. The dealer pulled code P0008. Engine position system performance bank. There is a bulletin out for this code, indicating the crankshaft moves and gets out of time. They said the only fix is to replace the crankshaft. The dealer advised replacing the engine, since the cost is about the same, $9,864.21. I have kept up the maintenance on the vehicle, and it has only 132,820 miles.”2011 Buick Enclave · Aug 2022
“Vehicle started having a rattling noise when it was started, coming from the passenger side of the motor at just under 86k miles on the odometer. I have been advised by a Certified Mechanic that the timing chain has stretched, receiving a stored code of P0008 with no Check Engine Light being active. The entire timing chain assembly now has to be replaced.”2010 Chevrolet Traverse · May 2022
“My 2010 Chevy Camaro has a check engine light for a code P0008 which is an engine preformace bank 1 code. It is affecting my acceleration. I have noticed with other General Motors vehicles that have the 3.6L V6 have thrown this code for a timing chain issue around 100,000 miles and I belive other makes and models have been recalled for this issue and was concerned that it could be unsafe. I also wanted to know why this has not already been recalled on this make and model but has on others. If you could look in to this that would be great. Thank you”2010 Chevrolet Camaro · Feb 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have had this 2011 arcadia for less then a month. The dealer I bought it from assured me that the only issue it had was it needed a new a/c condenser. ( permanent codes, p0008, p0332, p0017 ) (pending codes p0161, p0332, p0017 ) ( stored codes, p0332, p0008 ) severe urgency replace timing chains and related components, t chain x1 t chain x1 t chain x2 timing tensioner x1 x1 x1 x1. I havent even been able to drive it and the sold me the car on false pretenses. They wont help me with fixing it, they wont even fix the a/c condenser. Im going through a divorce and I put the only money I had into this car. I dont know what to do.”2011 GMC Acadia · Nov 2020 · 163,000 mi
“I just got a oil change, a week later the engine light came on, so I thought it needs a tune up so I took it to get one and they said it does not need a tune up, they have a code( p0008) they said is the engine position system performance, something about a belt that's lose n it needs to be fix soon or it can be dangerous if I don't fix it so I look around and saw a recall on that code, so I was reading about it, people being having the same problems but they all said that the dealer refuse to fix. How is that possible if is a recall. *tr”2009 Cadillac CTS · Jun 2020 · 1,156 mi
“Vehicle with 110,000 miles with regular maintenance. Has codes p0017 and p0008 requiring a new timing chain. Timing chains are supposed to last the life of the motor. When do motors only last 100k miles? This known issue from 2009 has not been fixed and needs to be recalled. *tr”2010 Chevrolet Traverse · May 2020
“The timing chain and guides went bad at only 110k miles. And if it was recalled like the 2009 chevy traverse was then I wouldn't have had to fix it. It has the same motor. It is the 3.6l motor. Because it is the sports model. It was throwing p0008 p0018 p0017 and two transmission codes so I believe the transmission is bad now. It is throwing codes p0752 and p0700. *tr”2009 Chevrolet Equinox · May 2020 · 110,000 mi
“Codes p0017 and p0008 camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position keeps coming on driving and parked running. Even after replacing the sensor.”2011 Buick Enclave · Feb 2020 · 150,000 mi
“Transmissions slips. Engine check light codes p0780, p1733, p0008 and p0796. My transmission takes time to engage after I place the car in drive. Drive light also blinks. Is there a tcm in a 2010 honda accord exl.”2010 Honda Accord · Oct 2019 · 230,000 mi
“The check engine light was going on and off for several weeks. Sometimes the vehicle seemed to lose some power while driving. Took to mechanic to have it diagnosed. Code p0008 appears to be worn timing chaining. I have spoken to two independent mechanics as well as a chevy dealership - all have told me that the timing chain should last the life of the vehicle. A google search informed me that this appears to be a common issue with the chevy traverse. In fact, early models received an extended warranty for this issue. This warranty needs to be extended to other years as well.”2011 Chevrolet Traverse · Oct 2019 · 117,000 mi
Cars that report P0008 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0008?
Gently and briefly - the usual cause is a stretched timing chain, and a chain that has stretched only stretches further. A jumped chain turns a repair into an engine.
How much does it cost to fix P0008?
Typical US repair costs range from $100 for the simplest fix (verification via crank-cam correlation data) to $2,500 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0008. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.