P0017 on Jeep: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B
2 Jeep models · 2 documented issues · 1 critical · $800-$4,000 repair
P0017 on Jeep by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The water pump on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 can fail, causing coolant leaks and overheating. The pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive. Failure often occurs between 80,000-120,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Coolant leak
- Overheating engine
- Low coolant warning
- White residue on engine
- Sweet coolant smell
How to Fix
Replace water pump when symptoms appear or preventatively during timing chain service. Replace thermostat at same time. Consider replacing timing chain tensioners and guides if high mileage. Ensure proper cooling system bleeding after repair.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Crown 5184498AI external water pump for early WK2 3.6LOEMCrown 5184498AI
Early-branch pump replacement after a confirmed external water-pump failure Fitment/availability: The exact page identifies 5184498AI for 2011-2015 WK2 3.6L applications. Confirm VIN, build and current OE supersession; do not infer fit f…
- Genuine Mopar 68311108AF external water pump for later WK2 3.6LOEMMopar 68311108AF
Later-branch pump replacement after a confirmed external water-pump failure Fitment/availability: The live catalog covers 2016-2025 Grand Cherokee 3.6L applications. Confirm VIN, ESS equipment/build and current supersession before purcha…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipReplace water pump when symptoms appear or preventatively during timing chain service.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
- TipSearch Jeep Grand Cherokee forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
- TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 used in JK (2012-2018) and JL (2018+) Wranglers suffers a documented valvetrain failure separate from the engine's oil-consumption problem. The needle roller bearings inside the rocker arms wear prematurely, loosen, and can drop out, shifting the rocker arm out of alignment so its roller stops turning and grinds against the camshaft lobe. This scrapes both parts and circulates metal debris through the oil. It typically begins as a persistent top-end 'Pentastar tick' (loudest at cold start, then constant) and progresses to random or cylinder-specific misfires, rough idle, bucking/surging, hesitation, power loss, and — if ignored — catastrophic cam/valvetrain damage. A proposed class-action lawsuit against FCA covering 2014-2020 3.6L Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM vehicles alleges a defective needle-bearing rocker design. Commonly surfaces after roughly 60,000-100,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent top-end ticking noise (Pentastar tick), loudest at cold start
- Check engine light with random or cylinder-specific misfires
- Rough idle, bucking/surging, hesitation
- Reduced power/performance
- Metal shavings found in engine oil
How to Fix
Diagnose with a cold-start listen plus cylinder-specific misfire and cam/crank correlation codes. Accepted repair is replacement of the affected rocker arms and hydraulic lash-adjuster lifters; if the camshaft lobe is scored, the camshaft(s) must also be replaced, along with a thorough oil-system flush to purge metal debris. Many shops replace all rockers as a set to avoid repeat failure. Catching it at the tick stage (before misfire/cam damage) is dramatically cheaper than after debris circulates.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mopar 5184296AH roller rocker armOEMMopar 5184296AH
Individual rocker replacement after cover-off inspection confirms rough, loose, seized or displaced roller hardware Fitment/availability: Cataloged 3.6L Pentastar rocker branch used by specified Wrangler applications; sold individually, …
- Genuine Mopar 5184332AA valve lash adjusterOEMMopar 5184332AA
Individual hydraulic lash-adjuster replacement when inspection/test confirms collapse, sticking or wear Fitment/availability: Specified Pentastar valvetrain applications including Wrangler; sold individually and not proof that a rocker, …
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)
- Hearing a Ticking Noise? FCA Hit with Class Action Over Alleged 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine Problemsarticle
- 3.6L Rocker Damage? — Jeep Wrangler Forumforum
- Another post regarding ticking on Pentastar 3.6 due to rocker arm? — JLwranglerforums.comforum
- P0305 on 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler: Cylinder 5 Misfire Causes and Fixesarticle
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 Jeep?
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 Jeep it is documented across 2 models: Grand Cherokee, Wrangler.
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 Jeep?
Published repair estimates on Jeep range from $800 to $4,000 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.