P0008 on Chevrolet
Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1
P0008 on Chevrolet vehicles indicates engine position system performance - bank 1. Au7o has documented this code across 3 Chevrolet models — most commonly on Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Traverse. 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. Typical repair costs on Chevrolet range from $1,200 to $12,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0008
- •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
P0008 on Chevrolet by Model
Chevrolet Silverado 1500(2 issues)
- 6.2L L87 V8 Connecting Rod / Crankshaft Failure (Loss of Propulsion Recall 25V274)2021-2024
Certain 6.2L L87 V8 engines left the factory with manufacturing defects in the connecting rods and/or crankshaft — sediment/debris left in the crankshaft oil galleries and out-of-spec crankshaft finish starve the rod bearings of oil. The bearings spin, the rod can knock or seize, and the engine can suffer a sudden loss of propulsion at speed. This is the subject of a large 2025 safety recall covering roughly 600,000 U.S. trucks and SUVs (Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, Sierra 1500, Yukon, Escalade).
- 5.3L L83 Stretched Timing Chain / Cam Phaser Wear Setting Crank-Cam Correlation Codes2014-2019
On the Gen V 5.3L L83 (and 6.2L L86) in the Silverado 1500, the timing chain can stretch and the VVT cam phasers/actuators can wear, causing the camshaft to drift out of correlation with the crankshaft beyond what the variable-valve-timing system can correct. This sets crank/cam correlation and VVT codes, a startup rattle (slack chain before oil pressure builds), rough idle, reduced power, and on higher-mileage trucks a risk of the chain jumping. AFM operation and extended oil-change intervals accelerate the wear. It is a more involved repair than a sensor because it requires removing the front timing cover.
Chevrolet Tahoe(1 issue)
- VVT Cam Phaser / Timing Chain Cold-Start Rattle (5.3L)2014-2020
Gen V 5.3L engines use variable valve timing (VVT) with a cam phaser and VVT solenoid. Sludge and wear cause the phaser to rattle and the timing chain to stretch, producing a cold-start 'marbles in a can' rattle that often precedes a check-engine light. It sets crank/cam correlation codes (P0008/P0016/P0017) or VVT performance codes (P0011). GM TSB PIP5921B also documents a rattle/tick from the intake cam actuator when its cover-plate screws back out. Ignored, a stretched chain can jump timing and cause severe internal damage.
Chevrolet Traverse(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX)2009-2017
The 3.6L V6 (LLT and LFX variants) in the first-generation Traverse is notorious for premature timing chain stretch. The engine uses three timing chains — one primary and two secondary chains driving the variable valve timing actuators. The chains stretch beyond the tensioner capacity, causing the engine timing to slip. Symptoms progress from a rattle on cold start to a check engine light with camshaft correlation codes. If ignored, the stretched chains can skip teeth, causing catastrophic engine damage. The issue typically manifests between 80,000-120,000 miles.
Looking for P0008 on a different make?
View P0008 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0008 mean on Chevrolet?▼
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 Chevrolet specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0008 on Chevrolet vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chevrolet: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0008 on a Chevrolet?▼
Repair costs on Chevrolet range from $1,200 to $12,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chevrolet models have P0008 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0008 on 3 Chevrolet models: Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Traverse.