P0009: How to Diagnose & Fix — Engine Position System Performance - Bank 2
15 vehicles · 7 makes · $800-$6,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0009: 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.
GMC Terrain · 2010–2017
First-generation Terrains ordered with the optional V6 - the 3.0L LF1/LFW in 2010-2012 and the 3.6L LFX from 2013-2017 - use GM's High Feature V6 architecture with three timing chains (one primary, two secondary). The chains and their tensioners/guides stretch and wear prematurely, particularly on engines run on the oil-life monitor's long intervals or that have consumed oil between changes and starved the hydraulic tensioners. The ECM detects the resulting camshaft-to-crankshaft phase error and sets P0008 or P0009. This is a completely separate failure from the 2.4L Ecotec timing chain issue already documented: different engine family, different chain count, different repair.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes
- Rattle from the front of the engine on cold start
- Rough idle and reduced power
- Low oil level between changes
- Engine may crank but not start in severe cases
How to Fix
Confirm cam/crank correlation and oil-pressure/maintenance condition, then replace the primary and both secondary chains, guides, tensioners and sprockets as a set. Correct the oil-consumption or lubrication cause rather than clearing codes alone.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Cloyes 9-0753SWP timing-chain kit with sprockets and water pump$355
Direct listing supplies three chains, guides and tensioners; verify VIN/engine and confirm any seals, one-time fasteners and VVT components required separately.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (4)
- GM Bulletin 12-06-01-009A - High Feature V6 timing chain kits and guide replacements, DTCs P0008/P0009/P0016-P0019 (2010-2012 Terrain LF1/LFW)tsb
- P0008 on 2010-2017 GMC Terrain 3.0L V6 - Stretched Timing Chain Causes and Fixesarticle
- P0009 on 2010-2017 GMC Terrain - V6 Timing Chain Causes and Fixesarticle
- 2017 3.6 (V6) Terrain: Oil Consumption - GMC Terrain, Equinox and SRX Forumforum
Buick LaCrosse · 2010–2016
The GM 3.6L LLT (built 2007-2011) and LFX (built 2012 on) "High Feature" V6 in LaCrosse, Enclave, Acadia, Traverse, CTS, Cadillac SRX, and many others suffers timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-150,000 miles. Root cause is oil-related — original OLM intervals (up to 12,000 miles) starved the chain of fresh oil. Excessive oil consumption (LLT also has a known consumption issue) accelerates wear.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- check engine light
- extended cranking
- misfire
- low oil between changes
How to Fix
Full timing chain kit ($2,000-$4,500 incl. labor) — both primary and secondary chains, all tensioners and guides. Switch to 5,000-7,500 mile oil intervals with full-synthetic dexos1 5W-30. LLT engines may also need PCV valve replacement to reduce oil consumption (TSB 10-06-01-007).
Sources for this issue (2)
Saturn Vue · 2008–2010
The 3.6L 'High Feature' V6 used in the redesigned 2008-2010 Vue (and shared with Aura/Outlook/Acadia/CTS) is prone to timing chain stretch, often aggravated by extended oil-change intervals. As the chains and plastic guides wear, cam/crank timing drifts out of correlation, triggering the check-engine light, rough running, and a rattle on cold start. GM issued Information Bulletin 12-06-01-009F covering timing chain kit and guide replacement for DTCs P0008/P0009/P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rattle or rattling on cold start
- Rough idle / engine running rough
- Reduced power
- Timing correlation fault codes
How to Fix
Verify oil level and condition first; severely stretched chains require replacing the timing chains, tensioners, and guides as a complete set (often all three chains on this engine). Owners can reduce risk by using the correct dexos1-spec oil and changing it at conservative (e.g., ~5,000-mile) intervals rather than relying on the oil-life monitor's longer recommendations.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Cloyes 9-0753S complete three-chain timing set with sprockets
Variable-valve-timing sprockets/components, seals, gaskets, fluids and required one-time fasteners are not included; inspect and VIN-confirm those separately.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
Cadillac CTS · 2007–2011
Ford F-150 · 2017–2020
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P0009 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 P0009 mean?
P0009 stands for "Engine Position System Performance - Bank 2." This code means the engine control module detected that the position of the camshaft(s) on bank 2 is out of alignment with the crankshaft beyond an acceptable range. The computer compares crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals to confirm the valve timing is correct; when bank 2 is off, the engine's intake and exhaust valves are not opening and closing at the proper moments. This can cause rough running, reduced power, hard starting, or rattling, and on engines with variable valve timing it often involves the timing components or the phasing system. It generally indicates a mechanical timing problem — such as a stretched chain or jumped timing — on the bank of cylinders not containing cylinder 1.
What are the most common causes of P0009?
The most common causes of P0009 are: Stretched or worn timing chain on bank 2, Worn timing chain guides or tensioner, Faulty camshaft phaser / variable valve timing actuator, Stuck or clogged VVT oil control (cam phaser) solenoid, Low oil level or dirty oil affecting VVT operation, Camshaft or crankshaft position sensor fault, Timing chain that has jumped a tooth (skipped timing). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0009?
Repair costs for P0009 range from $800 to $6,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0009?
Au7o has documented P0009 across 15 vehicle models from 7 manufacturers: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Lincoln, Saturn.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.