What Does Code P0009 Mean?
- P0009 definition: The Engine Control Module (ECM) has found a difference between the bank 2 camshaft position and crankshaft position.
- Issue Severity: SEVERE – Stop driving immediately
- Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately (same day if possible) to avoid internal engine damage.
- Diagnosis: This trouble code can cause the vehicle to be hard to start and run rough. In some cases, the vehicle may not be driveable. It should be addressed as soon as possible.
In order for the engine to run smoothly and efficiently, it has to know exactly where the camshaft and crankshaft are in their rotation, as well as relative to each other. It does this by monitoring these components using the Camshaft Position Sensor(s) and Crankshaft Position Sensor. If the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the bank 2 camshaft and crankshaft are not in the correct position, it will trigger code P0009.
P0009 Causes
There are many potential causes of code P0009.
- Stretched timing chain
- Jumped timing
- Slipped reluctor ring on the crankshaft
- Slipped reluctor ring on bank 2 camshaft
- Faulty timing chain tensioner
P0009 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Rough running engine
- Poor fuel economy
- Decreased engine performance
- Timing chain noise
- Hard/extended start
- No start
- No noticeable adverse conditions in some cases
How Do I Fix Code P0009?
With an position sensor problem, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem.
If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.
These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.
> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0009?
P0009 can be caused by anything from a bad camshaft or crankshaft position sensor to a faulty reluctor ring to an engine timing problem. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first.
If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0009 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0009
For error code P0009, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.
- Timing chain $600-$1200
- Reluctor ring $200-$600
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0009
Engine code P0009 could be caused by a number of things, including a bad position sensor, a dirty or damaged reluctor ring, or an engine timing problem. If you’d like to try to fix code P0009 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind this is an advanced-level diagnosis and repair and not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.
DIY difficulty level: Advanced
This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
- FIXD
- Basic Hand Tools
- Vehicle Specific Service Manual
- Oscilloscope
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Use FIXD to check if there are any other codes along with P0009.
STEP 2: CHECK FOR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS.
Check for any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your particular vehicle that refer to code P0009. General Motors vehicles in particular have a known issue with stretched timing chains. Follow their advice before proceeding further.
STEP 3: CHECK SENSOR READINGS WITH AN OSCILLOSCOPE.
This code requires an oscilloscope for proper diagnosis. Not all shops are equipped with this but many are. Using the O-scope (oscilloscope), you would connect to the signal wire for the crankshaft position sensor, bank 1, and bank 2 camshaft position sensors, and compare the three to each other. If they are offset from their proper locations, a stretched timing chain, jumped timing or slipped reluctor ring is the issue. Replace the necessary parts to resolve the concern.
Common P0009 Diagnosis Mistakes
Not checking for TSBs before starting diagnostics.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0009?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0009, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.
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Fixed It But The Check Engine Light Is Still On?
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