P0017 on 2007-2010 Saturn SKY: Exhaust Cam Timing Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2007-2010 Saturn SKY

The Saturn SKY and its sibling, the Pontiac Solstice, use GM's Ecotec engines (2.4L LE5 and 2.0L LNF) which are well-known for premature timing chain wear. The primary culprits are often the original timing chain tensioner design and the plastic guides, which can become brittle and break. Unlike many other vehicles where a P0017 code might point to a simple sensor fault, on this platform it is a strong indicator of a stretched timing chain, worn guides, or a failing tensioner. This issue is so common that a startup rattle combined with this code is considered a classic symptom of the need for a timing chain replacement.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• A short, sharp rattle noise from the front of the engine on cold startups, lasting 2-5 seconds
• Rough or unstable idle
• Reduced engine power and poor acceleration
• Engine may crank but fail to start
• Engine stalling at low speeds
• A whining noise from the engine that increases with RPM

Most Likely Causes

1. Stretched Timing Chain, Worn Guides, or Failed Tensioner 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Timing Chain The original plastic timing chain guides can become brittle and break, and the chain itself can stretch over time. The original tensioner design is also a known weak point. This is a widely documented issue with the 2.0L LNF and 2.4L LE5 Ecotec engines.
   How to confirm: Listen for a distinct rattling sound from the passenger side of the engine for 2-5 seconds on a cold start. The presence of both P0016 and P0017 codes 🎬 Watch: Common causes and fixes for the P0017 code. is another very strong indicator. Definitive confirmation requires removing the valve cover to physically check for chain slack between the cam sprockets.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire timing chain kit, including the primary chain, balance shaft chain, all guides, and tensioners. It is also highly recommended to replace the water pump at the same time as it is driven by the timing chain. Many owners and mechanics recommend using an updated/aftermarket kit which may have improved guide materials.
   Est. part cost: $150-$450
2. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The VVT system, which includes the camshaft actuators and solenoids, is hydraulically operated by engine oil. If the oil level is low or the oil is dirty and sludgy, it can't provide the necessary pressure to operate the system correctly, leading to correlation codes.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level on the dipstick and inspect its condition. If the oil is very low or appears dark, gritty, or sludgy, it should be changed.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change using a full synthetic 5W-30 oil that meets GM specifications. Clear the code and see if it returns.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
3. Faulty Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (VVT Solenoid) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft These solenoids can fail over time, often due to clogging from dirty oil. While a possible cause, it's less common for P0017 than a timing chain issue, especially if a startup rattle is present.
   How to confirm: The solenoid can be removed and tested for resistance with a multimeter (typically 8-13 ohms). A common and effective diagnostic step is to swap the exhaust solenoid (black connector) with the intake solenoid (grey connector). If the code changes to P0016 (intake correlation), the solenoid is faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the exhaust VVT solenoid. It is a simple repair, located on the top of the engine under the plastic cover, held by a single 10mm bolt. 🎬 See how to test your VVT camshaft actuators.
   Est. part cost: $30-$60

Rare But Worth Checking

• Spun Camshaft Reluctor Ring: → Shop Engine Camshaft TSB #PIP4548F mentions that on a properly timed engine, the metal reluctor ring that the camshaft sensor reads can spin out of position on the camshaft itself, often due to an engine overheat condition. This will cause a correlation code even with a new timing chain. The fix is to replace the entire camshaft.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. If low or dirty, perform an oil and filter change with full synthetic 5W-30 oil, clear the codes, and see if the problem returns.
2. Listen carefully for a rattling noise from the passenger side of the engine during a cold start. The presence of this noise for 2-5 seconds strongly suggests a timing chain issue.
3. Scan for other trouble codes. The presence of P0016 alongside P0017 points heavily towards a base timing problem.
4. Perform a VVT solenoid swap test. The solenoids are easily accessible on top of the engine. Swap the exhaust (black connector) and intake (grey connector) solenoids. Clear the codes and run the engine. If the code changes to P0016, the solenoid you moved to the intake position is bad and must be replaced.
5. If the above steps do not resolve the issue, a more in-depth mechanical inspection is required. This involves removing the valve cover to inspect the timing chain for slack and to check the camshaft reluctor rings for any signs of movement, as noted in TSB PIP4548F.
6. If slack is found or guides are broken, proceed with a full timing chain kit replacement. This should include the balance shaft chain and water pump.
7. If the timing chain appears correct, but the code persists, the issue may be a spun reluctor ring, requiring camshaft replacement.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Engine Timing Chain Kit (OEM #12680750) — This is the most common cause of P0017 on the Saturn SKY. A complete kit replaces all wearable timing components to restore proper engine timing. This part number supersedes previous versions 12635447, 12673669, and 12675579.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Cloyes, Melling
  OEM price range: $400-$500
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$250
• Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid (OEM #12679100) — If the timing chain is not at fault, a sticking or failed VVT solenoid can cause this code by failing to properly adjust the exhaust cam timing. This part number supersedes the older 12655421.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Delphi, Dorman
  OEM price range: $45-$65
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$45
• Balance Shaft Chain Kit — Since the timing cover must be removed for the main timing chain, it is highly recommended to replace the balance shaft chain, guides, and tensioner at the same time to avoid duplicate labor costs in the future. A recommended aftermarket part is Cloyes 9-4202SX.
  Trusted brands: Cloyes, ACDelco
  OEM price range: $80-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70
• Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #12674704) — This is an uncommon fix, but a failing sensor can send incorrect data to the ECM. Both intake and exhaust sensors use the same part number.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Bosch, NTK
  OEM price range: $40-$55
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0016 — P0016 is the correlation code for the intake camshaft. When P0016 and P0017 appear together, it is an extremely strong indication of a base mechanical timing issue, such as a stretched timing chain, rather than a problem with a single VVT solenoid or sensor.
• P0014 — P0014 indicates an over-advanced exhaust camshaft. TSB #PIP4716F notes this code can appear along with P0017 and the startup rattle symptom, pointing towards a fault in the timing chain or VVT system.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIP4716F: Notes that DTC P0017 can be related to a short, sharp rattle noise from the front of the engine at start up.
• PIP4548F: Advises technicians to inspect the camshaft reluctor ring if P0017 sets on a properly timed engine, as the ring can spin on the camshaft.
• PIP4729: A warning for technicians that after a timing service on the 2.0L LNF engine, P0017 can be set by mistaking a mark on a washer for the true crankshaft timing mark.
• Bulletin No. 14882: While not directly for P0017, this special coverage bulletin for 2.4L engines addresses issues like a plugged PCV system that can lead to oiling problems, which are a root cause of VVT and timing system failures.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A short, sharp rattle from the engine on startup is a key diagnostic clue pointing to a worn timing chain system, as mentioned in TSB #PIP4716F.
• In rare cases on a properly timed engine, the camshaft reluctor ring can spin on the camshaft, causing P0017. This requires camshaft replacement, per TSB #PIP4548F.
• A YouTube video by user 'Boosted Sky' titled 'My biggest job to date: Saturn sky timing chain replacement' provides a detailed, real-world account of replacing the timing chain, guides, and related components, including a list of part numbers used. The owner noted the chain was noticeably loose upon inspection.
• TSB #PIP4729: A warning for technicians that after a timing service on the 2.0L LNF engine, P0017 can be set by mistaking a mark on a washer for a timing mark on the camshaft.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Actuator (VVT) Solenoid Resistance — expected: 8 to 13 Ohms between the two pins of the solenoid.. Failure: A reading of OL (open loop), mega-ohms, or a wildly fluctuating value indicates a failed solenoid.
• Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) Voltage — expected: With key on, engine off: Reference wire should have ~5V, and the signal wire should also read ~5V.. Failure: Placing a metal object near the sensor tip should cause the signal wire voltage to drop to 0V. If it does not, the sensor is likely faulty.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 / Tech2 or equivalent professional scanner: Camshaft Position Actuator Control — After verifying oil level and solenoids, a technician can use this function to command the exhaust camshaft phaser to a specific degree of advance or retard. By comparing the 'Desired Cam Position' with the 'Actual Cam Position' on the live data screen, they can determine if the phaser is physically stuck, slow to respond, or if the sensor is reading incorrectly, which helps differentiate between a hydraulic, mechanical, or sensor issue.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G104 — On the right side of the engine compartment, sometimes specified as the right rear corner of the engine.. This is a primary engine ground. A corroded or loose connection here can create electrical noise or incorrect reference voltages for sensors and the Engine Control Module (ECM), potentially leading to false correlation codes.
• G102 — Located at the right front corner of the engine compartment.. This ground is also tied into the engine control system. Verifying all major engine and chassis grounds are clean and tight is a crucial step in diagnosing any electronic engine code.
• Engine Control Module (ECM) — Located in the left rear corner of the engine compartment.. This is the brain that receives signals from the crankshaft and camshaft sensors and controls the VVT solenoids. All related wiring terminates here, making its connectors a key inspection point for corrosion or damage.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics' (2015 Chevy Equinox with 2.4L Ecotec (engine platform shared with Saturn SKY)) — Check Engine Light with codes P0016 and P0017 immediately after a timing chain replacement.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The initial timing chain replacement was done correctly according to the colored links on the new chain.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The mechanic discovered the timing was retarded by one tooth at the crankshaft. Despite the colored links lining up during initial assembly, the base timing was off. He removed the tensioner, re-aligned the cams and crank by one tooth, and reassembled. This cleared the P0016 and P0017 codes permanently.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Various older designs → GM 'Gen 3' design (or aftermarket equivalent like Cloyes) — The original timing chain tensioner designs were prone to failure, either by collapsing due to low oil pressure or the ratchet mechanism wearing out. The updated design is hydraulic and provides more reliable tension.
  Heads up: The newest tensioner design has a distinct raised bump on the head, whereas the original factory tensioner head is flat. Using the old design will perpetuate the risk of failure.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2007-2010: While there were minor running changes to the Ecotec engine (such as connecting rod material in mid-2007), the fundamental causes and diagnostic procedures for code P0017 related to the timing chain system, VVT solenoids, and sensors are consistent across all 2007-2010 Saturn SKY models with both the 2.4L LE5 and 2.0L LNF engines.