P0017 on 2017-2022 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L: Exhaust Cam/Crank Correlation Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2017-2022 Chevrolet Colorado

The 3.6L V6 engine family has a historical reputation for stretched timing chains, particularly in the earlier LY7 and LLT versions. However, the LGZ engine in the 2017-2022 Colorado is a later generation with an improved, more durable timing system design. While a timing chain failure is still possible, owner experiences and mechanic reports for the LGZ engine show that a faulty camshaft actuator solenoid (VVT solenoid) is a much more common and less expensive cause for P0017. It's critical to diagnose the simpler potential causes before assuming a costly timing chain replacement is needed.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light illuminated
• Engine stumbles or idles roughly, especially at low speed or when first accelerating from a stop.
• Reduced engine power or sluggish acceleration
• Engine stalling at low speeds
• Rattling or tapping noise from the engine, especially on startup (this strongly suggests a timing chain issue)

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Bank 1 Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft These solenoids control oil flow to the cam phasers and are a known failure point on the LGZ engine. They can fail electrically or their fine mesh screens can become clogged with debris, tear, or collapse. A Reddit user noted the updated OEM part has a spring wrap to prevent screen failure.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool to monitor desired vs. actual cam position. A common diagnostic step is to swap the exhaust solenoid with the intake solenoid on the same bank (they are identical parts) and see if the code changes to P0016 (intake correlation fault). Visually inspect the screens on the removed solenoid for damage or debris.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1 (passenger side) exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the VVT solenoid. It is highly recommended to use an OEM part (ACDelco) as aftermarket versions have a higher failure rate and may lack the updated screen design. An oil change is recommended at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $30-$70
2. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The entire Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system is hydraulic and requires clean oil at the proper level and pressure to function. Neglecting oil changes or running the engine low on oil is a primary contributor to VVT faults and timing chain wear. Some owners report the P0017 code appearing when the oil life monitor gets below 10-15%. Manufacturer bulletin #PIP4913A suggests that if standard diagnostics do not isolate the cause of P0017, technicians should specifically monitor the engine oil pressure.
   How to confirm: Physically check the engine oil dipstick for level and inspect the oil's condition. This should always be the first step.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change using the correct viscosity oil (5W-30). Clear the code and test drive to see if it returns. Shortening oil change intervals to 5,000 miles is a common preventative measure.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
3. Stretched Timing Chain(s) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Timing Chain While the LGZ engine has improved timing components over its predecessors (LFX/LLT), chain stretch can still occur, especially with extended or neglected oil changes. Manufacturer bulletin #PIP3423P notes that P0017 may be set due to loose timing chains or tensioners.
   How to confirm: A persistent P0017 after replacing the solenoid and changing the oil is a strong indicator. A rattling noise on startup is a classic symptom. Confirmation requires significant labor to physically inspect the chains for slack or using an oscilloscope to perform a cam/crank correlation test. 🎬 Watch: How to test for timing chain stretch using a labscope.
   Typical fix: This is a major repair requiring the replacement of all three timing chains, tensioners, and guides. It is best left to a professional and can cost over $3,500.
   Est. part cost: $300-$700
4. Faulty Camshaft or Crankshaft Position Sensor ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor
   How to confirm: Sensors can be tested with a multimeter or oscilloscope. However, a correlation code like P0017 is more often caused by a mechanical or hydraulic issue than a sensor failure. Technicians often state that the sensors are just accurately reporting the timing discrepancy. Manufacturer bulletin #PIP4945B advises that technicians must follow published Service Information and all technical service bulletins when P0017 is set as a current or history code.
   Typical fix: Replace the specific sensor that has failed testing. The Bank 1 exhaust camshaft sensor is on the passenger side valve cover.
   Est. part cost: $20-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Oil Contamination in Crankshaft Sensor Connector: → Shop Engine Crankshaft A documented case on a GMC Canyon with the same engine showed that spilled oil during an oil change can seep into the crankshaft position sensor's electrical connector, which is located below the oil fill cap. This contamination can cause a bad signal and trigger P0017. It's worth inspecting and cleaning the connector with electrical contact cleaner before replacing parts.
• Slipped Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel: → Shop Engine Crankshaft A GM Technical Service Bulletin (PIP3423P) notes that on some V6 engines, the reluctor wheel pressed onto the crankshaft can move, causing timing codes. This is a rare but possible cause if all other diagnostics fail.
• Chafed Engine Wiring Harness: On the 3.6L engine, the engine wiring harness can chafe on the back of the passenger side cylinder head. This can cause shorts in the circuits for the cam sensors and other components, leading to multiple codes including P0017, P0365, and P0366. TSB #18-NA-307 addresses a similar issue on these trucks.
• Loose Crankshaft Balancer Bolt: → Shop Engine Crankshaft According to manufacturer bulletin #PIP4581B, if a rattle noise is duplicated along with code P0017 and standard diagnosis does not isolate the cause, the crankshaft balancer bolt should be re-torqued to specifications.
• Engine Belt Noise and Rough Idle: Manufacturer bulletin #PIP3694F indicates that vehicles may exhibit engine belt noise or a rough idle when P0017 is present. If a rough idle is duplicated, code P0106 may also be stored.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check Engine Oil: Verify the oil level is correct and the oil is clean. If low, dirty, or near the end of its life, perform an oil and filter change with full synthetic 5W-30 oil. Clear the code and drive.
2. Scan for Other Codes: Check if other codes like P0016, P0018, or P0019 are present, as this can help pinpoint the problem's scope.
3. Inspect Crankshaft Sensor Connector: Inspect the wiring and connector for the crankshaft position sensor, located on the driver's side of the engine block, below the oil fill area. Ensure it is free of oil contamination or damage.
4. Inspect and Swap the Solenoid: Remove the Bank 1 (passenger side) exhaust solenoid. Inspect its screens for tears or clogging. Swap it with the adjacent intake solenoid. Clear codes and see if the fault moves to the intake cam (P0016). If it does, the solenoid is bad.
5. Replace Solenoid: If the solenoid is confirmed bad, replace it with a new OEM ACDelco part. Ensure the new part has the updated screen design if applicable.
6. Professional Diagnosis: If the code persists after these steps, especially if a rattling noise is present, the issue is likely a stretched timing chain or a less common issue like a slipped reluctor wheel, which requires professional diagnosis.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (VVT Solenoid) (OEM #12679100) — This is the most common failure part for code P0017 on the 3.6L LGZ engine. It's an inexpensive first part to replace during diagnosis.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine)
  OEM price range: $30-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$50
• Timing Chain Kit (OEM #12713649 (example from related LGX)) — Required if the timing chain has stretched, which is the most serious and expensive potential cause of this code.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Cloyes
  OEM price range: $400-$700
  Aftermarket price range: $250-$500
• Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #12646782) — Replaced if the sensor itself is tested and found to be faulty, though this is an uncommon cause for a correlation code.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Bosch
  OEM price range: $20-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0016 — This is the correlation code for the intake camshaft on the same bank (Bank 1). If P0016 and P0017 appear together, it strongly suggests a base timing issue affecting the entire bank, like a stretched timing chain.
• P0019 — This is the same exhaust correlation code but for Bank 2 (driver's side). Seeing P0017 and P0019 together points to a systemic issue like low oil pressure or a problem affecting both banks.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #PIP3423P: Addresses timing correlation codes and instructs technicians to inspect for loose timing chains, tensioners, or a moved crankshaft reluctor wheel.
• Bulletin #PIP4945B: Provides information regarding vehicles with the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on and code P0017 set in current or history, directing technicians to follow published Service Information.
• Bulletin #PIP4581B: Notes that if a rattle noise is present with P0017 and diagnosis is inconclusive, the crankshaft balancer bolt should be re-torqued.
• Bulletin #PIP3694F: Describes symptoms of engine belt noise and rough idle associated with P0017, noting that P0106 may also be stored if rough idle is present.
• Bulletin #PIP4913A: Recommends monitoring oil pressure if standard diagnostics do not isolate the cause of a P0017 code.
• Addresses a shake/shudder condition in 8-speed automatic transmissions, fixed by a fluid exchange with a specific Mobil 1 synthetic fluid. This is a common platform issue, not directly related to P0017.
• Addresses a wiring harness chafing issue on the passenger side cylinder head that can cause various codes, including those for camshaft position sensors (P0366). While not specific to P0017, it points to a known wiring vulnerability in that area.
• A GM Special Coverage program for the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator on 2020 model year vehicles, indicating a known high failure rate for this component.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• While not a TSB for P0017 specifically, GM issued a special coverage (N232430470) for the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft actuator on 2020 model year vehicles. This indicates a known issue with these components from the manufacturer.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (VVT Solenoid) Resistance — expected: 5 to 15 Ohms. A more precise range is 7-12 Ohms at 68°F (20°C).. Failure: A reading of 0 Ohms (short), OL/infinite resistance (open circuit), or a value significantly outside the expected range.
• Scan Tool Camshaft Position Variance at Idle — expected: Less than 2 degrees between desired and actual camshaft angle.. Failure: A variance greater than 2 degrees at idle when the actuator is commanded to its home position indicates a correlation problem.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Signal Circuit Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: 4.8 to 5.2 Volts on the reference wire (Terminal A) and a solid ground on the low reference wire (Terminal B).. Failure: No voltage or significantly low voltage on the reference wire points to a wiring or ECM issue, not necessarily a bad sensor.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Global Diagnostic System 2): Camshaft Position Actuator Test — This bidirectional control allows a technician to command the VVT solenoid to a specific percentage while the engine is running. By monitoring the 'Desired vs. Actual Camshaft Angle' PIDs, you can confirm if the phaser is physically responding to the solenoid's commands. This is the definitive way to isolate a bad solenoid from a stuck phaser or oil pressure problem.
• GDS2 (GM Global Diagnostic System 2): Crankshaft Position Variation Learn — This relearn procedure is required after replacing the crankshaft, crankshaft position sensor, or the Engine Control Module (ECM). Failure to perform this can lead to false correlation codes.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Harness Chafe Points — Primarily on the driver's side. Check where the harness passes the ECM/TCM bracket, the upper control arm, and the shock tower bolt.. Chafing in these areas can damage the wiring for the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors, causing intermittent signals, shorts to ground, and triggering correlation codes like P0017. GM has issued bulletins like #21-NA-149 for similar models addressing this.
• G102, SP-105, SP-106 — G102 is a main engine bay ground. SP-105 is a splice pack near the battery (driver's side), and SP-106 is behind the engine airbox (passenger side).. The camshaft and crankshaft position sensors rely on a clean ground reference. Corrosion or looseness at these ground points can introduce electrical noise and cause the ECM to misinterpret sensor signals, leading to correlation faults.
• Bank 1 Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor Connector — Rear of the passenger side cylinder head.. This is the direct connector for the sensor in question. Pin A is the 5V reference, Pin B is the low reference (ground), and Pin C is the signal wire. All voltage and resistance tests for the sensor circuit start here.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• BobIsTheOilGuy forum user (2021 GMC Canyon 3.6L LGZ, 90,000 miles) — Intermittent stumble/hesitation on light throttle application when cold. A pending P0017 code was discovered with a scan tool. No startup rattle.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner maintained the vehicle with frequent high-quality synthetic oil changes, ruling out sludge as a primary cause.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The consensus from experienced forum members was that the VVT actuator solenoids are a common failure item on the LGZ engine, even on well-maintained vehicles, and replacing the Bank 1 exhaust solenoid was the most likely fix.
• GMTNation forum user (GMC Envoy (related GM platform)) — P0017 code, engine stalling.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced VVT solenoid, Replaced camshaft position sensor, Replaced crankshaft position sensor, Replaced timing chain and guides, Replaced cam phaser
  ✅ What actually fixed it The P0017 code returned instantly after all parts were replaced. The likely cause, identified by another forum member, was that the new timing chain was installed incorrectly, off by a single tooth on one of the sprockets. This highlights the precision required for the timing chain job.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12628348, 12646784, 12655421 → 12679100 — Part has been repeatedly updated by GM to improve reliability and performance, likely addressing issues with screen failure and internal sticking.
  Heads up: While older part numbers may physically fit, it is critical to use the latest service part (12679100) for this repair. Do not reuse or swap older solenoids, as the original designs are known to be failure-prone.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2017-2022: The core components related to a P0017 fault (VVT solenoids, cam/crank sensors, timing assembly) are largely consistent for the LGZ V6 engine in this year range. The most notable variation was GM's Special Coverage N232430470 for the Bank 2 exhaust actuator on some 2020 models, indicating a potential batch issue with that specific component in that year.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• 8-Speed (8L45) Transmission Shudder 🟠 Medium — Very common on 2017-2019 models, less common after a mid-2019 fluid change at the factory. Typically appears between 25-80 mph under light throttle. (Ref: TSB 18-NA-355)
• Harsh 1-2 Shift When Cold 🟡 Low — Common on vehicles with the 8-speed (8L45) transmission. Occurs on the first 1-2 shift of the day. (Ref: TSB 16-NA-361 (states this is a normal characteristic))
• Noisy Valve Train / Lifter Failure 🟠 Medium — Reported by some owners, often manifesting as a ticking noise. Can be related to the complex VVT system and oil condition.
• Thermostat / Temp Sensor Failure 🟡 Low — A commonly reported failure point on the LGZ engine, leading to incorrect temperature readings or cooling issues.
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall) 🔴 High — Affects a specific batch of 2018 models where a weld could fail, potentially causing a fuel leak. (Ref: Recall 18V358)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, using used parts is generally not recommended for the primary failure components. A used engine wiring harness from a low-mileage, non-crashed vehicle could be a cost-effective solution if a chafe is confirmed and a new harness is unavailable or too expensive.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 75000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a wiring harness, inspect for any signs of previous chafing, brittle plastic, or repaired wires.
• Ensure all connector locking tabs are intact.
• Verify the donor vehicle VIN to ensure it had the same engine and options.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (VVT Solenoid): The OEM ACDelco part has been updated for reliability. Aftermarket versions are known for high failure rates.
• Timing Chain Kit: This is a critical, high-labor repair. Using used or cheap aftermarket timing components is extremely risky and can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Camshaft/Crankshaft Position Sensors: If not buying OEM, brands like Delphi, NTK, or Standard Motor Products (SMP) are generally considered reliable alternatives by professionals.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded or 'white box' VVT solenoids and sensors from online marketplaces should be avoided due to inconsistent quality and high failure rates.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0016 — The intake-side equivalent of P0017; often appears if the fault is on the intake camshaft or if a technician swaps solenoids to test for a failure.
• P0018 — A correlation code for Bank 2, often checked alongside P0017 to determine if the timing issue is isolated to one bank or systemic.
• P0019 — A correlation code for Bank 2, often checked alongside P0017 to determine if the timing issue is isolated to one bank or systemic.
• P0366 — A camshaft position sensor circuit code that can be triggered by the wiring harness chafing issue described in TSB 18-NA-307.

Frequently Asked Questions