P0017 on Audi: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B
9 Audi models · 11 documented issues · 11 critical · $1,000-$12,000 repair
P0017 on Audi by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Q5 2.0T uses the EA888 engine with the well-documented timing chain tensioner weakness. The 8R Q5 (2009-2017) is particularly affected as the heavier SUV puts more load on the engine. The tensioner loses pressure overnight, allowing chain slack on cold starts that progressively worsens until the chain jumps timing.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling on cold start lasting 1-5 seconds
- Rattle gets progressively longer over weeks
- Check engine light with timing codes
- Engine misfires
- Loss of power
- Engine runs rough after sitting overnight
How to Fix
Replace timing chain, tensioner (latest revision 06K109467K), guides, and upper chain tensioner as a complete kit. The Q5 requires more labor than the A4 due to engine bay packaging. Preventive replacement at 80,000 miles is strongly recommended, especially on pre-2013 engines.
Sources for this issue (1)
The A5 shares the B8/B8.5 platform with the A4 and inherits the same EA888 2.0T timing chain tensioner weakness. The original tensioner design allows the chain to slacken on cold starts, eventually jumping teeth and causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. Pre-2013 engines are most affected.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on cold start that fades when warm
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes
- Engine misfires at idle
- Rough idle after sitting overnight
- Loss of power under acceleration
- Metallic chain slap noise from front of engine
How to Fix
Replace timing chain, tensioner (use latest revision 06K109467K), and all guides as a complete kit. Preventive replacement recommended at 80,000-100,000 miles before symptoms appear. If chain has already jumped, engine teardown is required to assess valve and piston damage.
Sources for this issue (1)
The B8/B8.5 A5 with the 2.0 TFSI engine (2008-2016) suffers from premature timing chain tensioner failure, identical to the A4 and A6. The tensioners wear out between 60,000-120,000 miles, causing the timing chain to stretch and rattle. A loud rattling noise on cold start from the front of the engine is the classic warning sign. If ignored, the timing chain can jump timing or break, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and destroying the engine. Early B8 models (2008-2012) are more prone to failure than later B8.5 models (2013-2016). A5OC forum members report many failures under 100,000 miles, with some owners experiencing complete engine destruction. The repair requires removing the front of the engine and costs $2,000-$5,000. Some owners report oil consumption issues leading to accelerated tensioner wear.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling or clattering noise from front of engine on cold start
- Metallic rattling that disappears after 10-30 seconds of warm-up
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes (P0016, P0017, P0087)
- Rough idle or misfires
- Engine won't start (if chain has jumped)
- Catastrophic engine damage if chain breaks (bent valves, destroyed pistons)
How to Fix
PREVENTIVE REPLACEMENT: Replace timing chain, tensioners, and guides at 80,000-100,000 miles BEFORE rattling starts ($2,000-$3,000). If rattling has already begun, DO NOT delay—chain can jump at any moment. Repair requires removing front engine cover, water pump, and thermostat. Labor is 8-12 hours. Use ONLY OEM Audi parts—aftermarket tensioners fail quickly. Change oil every 5,000 miles and check oil level weekly to prevent accelerated wear. If catastrophic failure occurs, engine replacement ($6,000-$10,000) may be more cost-effective than rebuild.
Sources for this issue (1)
The first-generation Q3 uses the EA888 2.0T engine with the same timing chain tensioner vulnerability found across the VW/Audi platform. The tensioner can lose pressure on cold starts, allowing chain slack that leads to jumped timing and potential engine destruction. Pre-2016 production units are most susceptible.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on cold startup
- Chain noise diminishes as engine warms
- Check engine light with cam timing codes
- Engine misfires at idle
- Loss of power
- Rough running on startup
How to Fix
Replace the timing chain, tensioner, guides, and related hardware as a complete kit. Use the latest OEM revised tensioner part number. Preventive replacement is recommended at 80,000-100,000 miles. Cold-start rattle is the critical warning sign that should not be ignored.
Sources for this issue (1)
The first-generation Q3 (2015-2018) and early second-generation (2019-2020) models with the 2.0 TFSI EA888 engine suffer from premature timing chain tensioner failure, identical to other Audi models (A4, A5, Q5). The tensioners wear out between 60,000-120,000 miles, causing the timing chain to stretch and rattle on cold starts. If ignored, the chain can slip or jump timing, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and destroying the engine. Rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start is the classic warning sign. Later 2021+ models have updated tensioners and are less prone to failure. AudiWorld and Q3 forums report failures under 100,000 miles, with some owners experiencing complete engine destruction requiring $6,000-$10,000 replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling or clattering from front of engine on cold start
- Metallic rattling that disappears after warm-up
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes (P0016, P0017)
- Rough idle or misfires
- Engine won't start (if chain has jumped timing)
- Catastrophic engine damage (bent valves, destroyed pistons)
How to Fix
PREVENTIVE REPLACEMENT: Replace timing chain, tensioners, and guides at 80,000-100,000 miles BEFORE rattling starts ($2,000-$3,000). If rattling has started, DO NOT delay—chain can jump at any moment. Repair requires removing front engine cover, water pump, thermostat. Labor is 8-12 hours. Use ONLY OEM Audi parts—aftermarket tensioners fail quickly. Change oil every 5,000 miles and check oil level weekly to prevent accelerated tensioner wear. If catastrophic failure occurs, engine replacement ($6,000-$10,000) is often more cost-effective than rebuild. 2021+ Q3 models have updated parts and are more reliable.
Sources for this issue (1)
The D3-generation S8 uses the 5.2L FSI V10 (shared lineage with the Lamborghini Gallardo/R8 V10). Its timing is driven by chains with plastic guides and hydraulic tensioners located at the rear of the engine. Over time and with deferred oil changes, the tensioners and guides wear, producing a rattle on cold startup that can persist. If a guide breaks or the chain skips, valve-to-piston contact can cause catastrophic engine damage. Access is poor (rear of the V10), making this an engine-out-level job and one of the most expensive risks on the D3 S8.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle from engine on cold startup
- Metallic chain noise from rear of engine
- Rough running or misfire if timing has shifted
- Check engine light for camshaft/crankshaft correlation
How to Fix
Investigate any cold-start rattle promptly: inspect tensioner travel and guide condition. Replace the timing chains, tensioners, and plastic guides as a set with updated genuine parts; this is a major, labor-intensive repair (often engine-out). Strictly follow short oil-change intervals with the correct grade to maximize tensioner/guide life, and address any low-oil-pressure condition immediately. Do not drive a V10 with a persistent timing rattle.
Sources for this issue (2)
P0017 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 P0017 mean on a Audi?
P0017 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B." This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their proper timing relationship with each other. The computer compares the crankshaft position signal to the camshaft position signal, and when they don't line up within the allowed window, it sets this correlation code. This usually points to mechanical timing being off, most often from a stretched or worn timing chain, a slipped or stuck variable valve timing phaser, or a tensioner problem. You may notice rough running, low power, rattling at startup, or a no-start, and it should be addressed promptly to avoid valve-to-piston contact on some engines. On Audi it is documented across 9 models: Q5, A5, Q3, S8, Q2, S4, Q7, TTS, A6.
What are the most common causes of P0017?
The most common causes of P0017 are: Stretched or worn timing chain, Worn or failed timing chain tensioner or guides, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser, Faulty VVT oil control/solenoid valve, Low or dirty engine oil affecting phaser operation, Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, Timing chain jumped a tooth or incorrect timing after service, Damaged reluctor (tone) ring. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0017 on a Audi?
Published repair estimates on Audi range from $1,000 to $12,000 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 P0017 on a different make?
View P0017 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.