P0008 on Cadillac: How to Diagnose & Fix
Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1
4 Cadillac models · 4 documented issues · 1 critical · $1,800-$3,500 repair
P0008 on Cadillac by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
GM bulletin 12-06-01-009E covers listed 2007-2011 STS 3.6L High Feature V6 applications when worn timing chains set P0008, P0009 or P0016-P0019. It identifies application-specific service kits and warns that sprockets, actuators and guides should not be replaced automatically; guides are replaced only when wear reaches the base friction material.
Common Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- P0008 or P0009
- P0016 through P0019
How to Fix
Have a qualified technician confirm the 3.6L engine RPO, DTCs, build information and chain wear through current service information. For a 2007 vehicle, use the current 07-06-01-013 early-build identification instructions where directed. If 12-06-01-009E applies, use the GM kit mapped to the exact application, inspect guides using the bulletin criterion and inspect pre-June 5, 2009 cylinder-head hardware when applicable. Do not order a generic timing kit or oil from this card; the ShowMeTheParts lookup returned no candidate.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 3.6L LLT direct-injection V6 used in the 2008-2011 CTS (and the 2007 gen-1 3.6L LY7) is among the best-documented GM V6 failures: the primary and secondary timing chains elongate well before 100,000 miles, throwing off intake/exhaust cam correlation. Chain wear is strongly accelerated by extended oil-change intervals and low oil level, which starve the hydraulic chain tensioners. GM acknowledged the defect with Special Coverage bulletin 11340 (revisions A/B/C) extending timing-chain coverage to 10 years / 120,000 miles on affected models including the 2007-2009 CTS, and with service bulletin 12-06-01-009F describing the updated chain/tensioner/guide kit. This is an LLT/LY7 direct-injection-era issue and should not be attributed to the later LFX or to the 2.0L LTG four.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle or chirp from the front of the engine on cold start
- Check engine light with camshaft position correlation codes
- Rough idle and hesitation under load
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine may crank but not start in advanced cases
How to Fix
Confirm with a scan tool that cam-correlation codes (P0008/P0009/P0016/P0017) are present and check for a rattle on cold start. The repair is the full updated GM timing-chain kit - all three chains, tensioners, guides, and usually the cam actuators - not just the stretched chain. Verify eligibility for GM Special Coverage 11340C (10yr/120k) at a Cadillac dealer before paying out of pocket; many owners had this done free. Afterward, run 5,000-mile oil changes with dexos-spec oil and check level monthly, since tensioner health depends entirely on oil condition.
Sources for this issue (3)
GM bulletin 12-06-01-009E covers listed 2010-2012 SRX High Feature V6 applications when worn timing chains set P0008, P0009 or P0016-P0019. It identifies application-specific service kits and warns that sprockets, actuators and guides should not be replaced automatically; guides are replaced only when wear reaches the base friction material.
Common Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- P0008 or P0009
- P0016 through P0019
How to Fix
Have a qualified technician confirm the DTCs, engine RPO, build information and chain wear through current service information. If the bulletin applies, use the GM kit mapped to the exact application, inspect guides using the bulletin criterion and inspect pre-June 5, 2009 cylinder-head hardware when applicable. Do not order the frozen aftermarket kit or water pump from this card; the ShowMeTheParts lookup returned no candidate.
Sources for this issue (1)
GM PIP3423P covers 2013-2019 XTS vehicles with the 3.6L LFX or LF3 engine when two or more of P0008, P0009 and P0016-P0019 are present. GM directs technicians to check for loose chains or tensioners and, if normal SI diagnosis does not find the cause, inspect whether the crankshaft-sensor reluctor moved. The bulletin does not establish automatic chain replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Check-engine light with two or more correlation DTCs
- P0008 or P0009
- P0016 through P0019
How to Fix
Have a qualified technician confirm that at least two listed correlation DTCs are present, then follow current SI diagnosis for chains and tensioners. If the cause remains unresolved, inspect the crankshaft reluctor as directed by PIP3423P. Do not order the former generic timing kit or water pump from this card; the exact ShowMeTheParts lookup returned no timing-chain candidate.
Sources for this issue (1)
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 on a Cadillac?
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. On Cadillac it is documented across 4 models: STS, CTS, SRX, XTS.
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 on a Cadillac?
Published repair estimates on Cadillac range from $1,800 to $3,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0008 on a different make?
View P0008 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.