Your Chevy Traverse can set trouble codes to indicate specific problems with the engine. One is the P0008 code that indicates issues with the camshaft and crankshaft. If you’ve never seen this code before, you may wonder what it means and what to do about it.
Several issues can trigger the P0008 code Chevy Traverse. Even if your car runs fine, this code can trigger severe engine damage and costly repairs. So, find the root cause and fix the problem on time to keep your Chevy Traverse up and running.
Thankfully, this article aims to discuss the P0008 Chevy Traverse, its symptoms, causes, fixes, and more.
Question: What Does the P0008 Code Mean?
The P0008 is an OBD-II trouble code indicating a misalignment between the camshaft (in engine bank one) and the crankshaft. It stands for the Engine Position System Performance Bank 1.
The camshaft and crankshaft must be in the correct position to ensure the engine’s efficiency. These components are critical to internal combustion engines. They ensure the right air/fuel mixture goes to the cylinders and the exhaust gasses exit.
For the engine to run smoothly, it relies on the ECM to know the camshaft and crankshaft positions. The Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors monitor these components and send signals to the ECM. Then, the ECM tests for misalignment between the Traverse’s camshaft and crankshaft.
If the ECM learns that the two components are out of range, it sets the P0008 code in your Chevy Traverse. When this happens, your vehicle will experience several performance issues. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, the engine may run improperly or fail to run.
You will need to use an OBD-II scanner to read this trouble code and know the root of the issue.
Answer: Symptoms of the P0008 Code Chevy Traverse
The P0008 trouble code will cause several performance issues in your Chevy Traverse. You may notice one or a few of the following symptoms:
- Check engine light
- Reduced engine performance
- Engine misfires
- Poor fuel economy
- Poor acceleration
- Hard starting or engine not starting at all
- Engine running rough or shaking on idle
- Rattling noise
Answer: Causes of the P0008 Code
Several issues can cause your Chevy Traverse’s ECM to set the P0008 trouble code. Below are the possible causes of this code:
Stretched or Worn Timing Chain
The timing chain connects your Traverse’s crankshaft to the camshaft. It synchronizes these two components’ rotation to ensure that the appropriate air/fuel mixture enters the engine and the exhaust gasses exit. When the chain rotates, the engine cylinders produce sufficient power to operate the vehicle.
Over time, the timing chain can wear out and become stretched. This may happen due to regular wear and tear or lack of oil changes. When the chain gets stretched or worn, it loses its ability to maintain tension with the crankshaft sprocket. It may also jump out of position.
When this happens, your Chevy Traverse may experience issues like loss of power and rough idling. The ECM will detect a misalignment issue and set the P0008 code. Replacing the stretched or worn timing chain can resolve this issue.
Failing Timing Chain Tensioner
The timing chain tensioner ensures the timing chain maintains its tension around the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. Like the timing chain, the tensioner can wear out due to excessive use or improper maintenance. A failing timing chain tensioner doesn’t keep the crankshaft and camshaft in sync.
The timing chain becomes loose or falls out of place. As a result, your Chevy Traverse may experience symptoms like reduced engine performance, rattling noise, and starting difficulties. The ECM detects this problem and sets the P0008 code.
Replacing the bad timing chain tensioner can help fix this problem.
Camshaft Misalignment
Camshaft misalignment is another possible cause of the P0008 Chevy Traverse. The camshafts must properly align with the cylinder heads for smooth performance. If they’re misaligned, the engine may misfire when driving.
The ECM may trigger the check engine light, and you may notice issues like loss of power and poor acceleration. Before aligning the camshafts to their cylinder heads, check if they appear worn or damaged.
Get the camshafts replaced if they have signs of wear or damage. If they look okay, aligning them will help resolve this issue.
Slipped Reluctor Rings
The reluctor wheel for the crankshaft and camshaft works with the sensors to identify the position of the two components. A slipped reluctor ring will impede the sensor’s effectiveness in communicating with the ECM. The sensor may send an incorrect signal and cause the ECM to set the P0008 code.
Removing and reinstalling the slipped reluctor wheel can fix the problem. You should also inspect the reluctor wheel for signs of wear.
Bad Sensors
The Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) and Oxygen Sensor (O2 Sensor) could be the culprits if your Chevy Traverse has the P0008 code. These sensors monitor the air/fuel mixture ratio and communicate with the ECM. They let the ECM know if the engine is running rich or lean.
Unfortunately, the CMP and O2 sensors can malfunction over time and fail to communicate with the ECM. You may notice issues like increased emissions and heavy accelerations with your Traverse.
If your sensors are to blame, thoroughly cleaning and tightening the connection might help. Use a soft brush to remove the stubborn gunk of the sensors. Then, deep the sensors in WD-40, carburetor cleaner, or gasoline for a while. Remove the sensors and wipe them with a soft towel.
If the sensors won’t work after cleaning, replace them.
Malfunctioning ECM
The ECM (Electronic Control Module) could be to blame if you see the P0008 Chevy Traverse on your diagnostic tool. In most cases, the ECM malfunctions due to electrical shorts, damaged wiring, or loose connections.
Before fixing these issues with your ECM, use your OBD-II scanner to clear the trouble code. Clear all the trouble codes indicating issues with the engine.
Alternatively, try to reset the ECM by disconnecting the battery. You must drain all the power in the electrical components to reset the ECM. When you reconnect the battery and start your Traverse, the checking engine light and the trouble code should disappear.
Check the wiring and connections between the ECM and sensors if the code reappears. Secure all loose connections and replace the defective wires. If the issue persists, hire a professional mechanic to replace the ECM.
Question: Can You Fix the P0008 Code Chevy Traverse Yourself?
You can diagnose and fix some issues causing the P0008 code depending on your skill level. You may first try deleting the code with a diagnostic tool. If the trouble code returns, reset the ECM.
But if the two won’t clear this code, you must look for the underlying problems. You may try cleaning or replacing the defective sensors if you’re a DIYer. If the wiring and connections are to blame, you can locate and fix them.
Buy your vehicle-specific repair manual to learn how to fix issues with the timing chain, camshaft, reluctor ring, and ECM.
Note that most issues causing the P0008 code are challenging to fix and require the skills of a professional. So, call a professional mechanic to troubleshoot the problem if you can’t fix it.
Thankfully, the powertrain warranties cover the P0008 trouble code. You can take your Traverse to a dealer to get it fixed for free if it is still under warranty.
Question: How Much Does Fixing the P0008 Code Cost?
The cost of fixing this trouble code will vary depending on the causative factor. Your repair shop should provide a price estimate depending on the labor and parts needing repair or replacement. Labor rates may range between $75 and $150.
The average cost of fixing sensors is $150-$400. If you want the timing chain, ECM, reluctor rings, or camshaft, expect to pay between $300 and $1,500.
Final Thoughts
The P0008 Chevy Traverse can cause several engine performance issues. If you see this OBD2 trouble code, look for the underlying causes and fix them. Generally, this code results from a stretched timing chain, bad sensors, failing timing chain tensioner, slipped reluctor rings, and malfunctioning ECM.
The code comes with several tell-tale signs, such as reduced engine performance, check engine light, hard starting, and poor fuel economy. Always consult an expert or the dealership when you notice these symptoms or the P0008 trouble code.