P0008: How to Diagnose & Fix — Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1
35 vehicles · 14 makes · $200-$12,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0008: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class · 2013–2019
The turbo petrol M270 (and naturally-aspirated M270/M274 in B180/B200/B250) uses a two-stage timing chain whose plastic guide rails and hydraulic tensioner degrade prematurely. Owners report a loud metallic rattle for roughly 1-15 seconds on cold start that fades as oil pressure builds. Short-trip urban use accelerates the problem because the cold-start period (low oil pressure) makes up a large share of running time. Stretch typically appears from ~80,000 km (50,000 mi), with some city cars rattling from ~70,000 km. Left unaddressed, chain stretch alters valve timing, throws fault codes, and risks contact/wear on cam bearings and phasers.
Common Symptoms
- Metallic rattle on cold start lasting 1-15 seconds
- Rattle fades once engine warms
- Rough running or misfire
- Reduced power
- Check engine light
How to Fix
Diagnose with a cold-start listen and read live chain/cam-position data via XENTRY. If only the tensioner is at fault, replacing the hydraulic chain tensioner first is the cheaper initial fix; if the chain is stretched, replace the complete OEM timing kit (chain, both guide rails, tensioner, and cam phaser sprockets if worn) to avoid consequential damage. Use the correct MB-Approval 229.5/229.51 0W-40 or 5W-40 oil and shorten oil-change intervals on short-trip cars.
Sources for this issue (3)
SEAT Ibiza · 2010–2015
The EA111 1.2 TSI in Ibiza Mk4 (and Polo, Fabia, Audi A1) suffers timing chain stretch with the original tensioner design. Symptoms appear from 60,000-100,000 km: cold-start rattle, P0016/P0017 cam-crank correlation codes, eventual chain skip causing valve-piston contact. VW Group issued tensioner updates but the underlying chain wear remains. The newer EA211 1.2 TSI replaced this from ~2014 with belt drive — does NOT have the issue.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- check engine light
- misfire
- limp mode
How to Fix
Updated tensioner is a stopgap (~€200-€350 fitted). Full chain kit (chain, tensioner, guides) €700-€1,200. Some independents recommend replacement at 80,000 km regardless of symptoms. Use VW 504.00/507.00 oil at 10,000 km max.
Audi TTS · 2009–2015
The Audi TTS Mk2 (2009-2015) with early EA888 engines (Gen 1 and Gen 2) suffers from timing chain tensioner failure, the same critical issue affecting A3, A4, and A5 models with this engine. The tensioner's ratchet mechanism wears, allowing the piston to retract when the engine is off. On restart, the slack chain can jump teeth on the camshaft sprockets, causing valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine destruction. The signature warning sign is a brief rattle (0.5-1 second) on cold or semi-warm startup as the tensioner takes up chain slack. The TTS's higher output tune puts more stress on the timing chain system, potentially accelerating wear. TTForum.co.uk documents numerous cases of complete engine destruction from ignored timing chain rattle. Early models (2009-2012) with the earlier tensioner revision are most at risk.
Common Symptoms
- Brief rattle on cold startup lasting 0.5-1 second
- Metallic rattling or clattering from front of engine
- Rattling that disappears once engine warms up
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes (P0016, P0017)
- Engine won't start (chain has jumped teeth)
- Catastrophic engine noise (bent valves—chain broke)
How to Fix
PREVENTIVE REPLACEMENT: Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, and sprockets at 80,000-100,000 miles BEFORE symptoms appear ($2,000-$4,000). This is the MOST important preventive maintenance on the Mk2 TTS. IF RATTLING: Do NOT delay—the chain can jump at any startup. Schedule repair immediately. Use ONLY the latest OEM revised tensioner (06K109467K). IF CHAIN JUMPED: Engine likely destroyed—compression test all cylinders. Rebuild ($5,000-$8,000) or replacement engine ($6,000-$12,000). PREVENTION: Change oil every 5,000 miles with high-quality synthetic. Low oil level accelerates tensioner wear.
Sources for this issue (1)
Lincoln Navigator · 2015–2019
GMC Acadia · 2007–2016
Find P0008 by make
Browse every documented model and issue for your make.
P0008 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0008 mean?
P0008 stands for "Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1." P0008 means the engine computer detected that Bank 1 of the engine is timed incorrectly relative to where it should be — specifically, the relationship between the crankshaft and camshaft positions on that bank is off. The 'Engine Position System' refers to the components (timing chain/belt, sprockets, tensioners, and the variable valve timing actuators) that keep the camshafts synchronized with the crankshaft. When the computer commands a timing position but the sensors report the bank is out of the expected range, it sets this code. It generally signals a mechanical timing problem on Bank 1 that can affect performance and, if severe, risk internal engine damage.
What are the most common causes of P0008?
The most common causes of P0008 are: Stretched or worn timing chain, Failed or worn timing chain guides or tensioner, Faulty camshaft position (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil affecting timing actuator operation, Jumped or mistimed timing chain/belt after service, Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, Clogged oil control valve or oil passages. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0008?
Repair costs for P0008 range from $200 to $12,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0008?
Au7o has documented P0008 across 35 vehicle models from 14 manufacturers: Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dacia, Ford, GMC, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Pontiac, SEAT, Saturn, Suzuki.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.