P0017 Oil pressure ?

Jimbo93122

Original poster
Member
Nov 15, 2017
2
Holtsville NY
I began getting P0017 codes (Crankshaft and camshaft position correlation error) last week. Also, my oil pressure gauge would briefly drop to zero. How can these two things be related ? Crank and cam are tied together with the timing chain, a mechanical link. Are oil pump failures common in the 4.2 I6 engine ?
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON
Oil pump failures aren't common but they do happen. You may be getting P0017 because the CPAS is not getting enough oil pressure to actuate the camshaft phaser properly. Is your oil level and condition good?

Oil pump failures are so uncommon that we usually recommend to replace the oil pressure switch as it is a high failure rate item, is easy to replace and cheap. Are you getting any engine noises, other messages or lights? If you have a DIC, it will tell you to stop the engine. Try the switch first and see what happens.

How many miles on it? It may just need a CASE relearn.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Redbeard

Jimbo93122

Original poster
Member
Nov 15, 2017
2
Holtsville NY
Thanks for the reply, Mooseman,

The 07 trailblazer has 262,000 miles on it. I am the original owner and have always done the oil and filter changes as soon as the reminder light comes on. About 2 months ago, I removed and cleaned the throttle body for a low idle rpm code. It was pretty dirty and gummed up. Problem solved. About 3 weeks ago, I had to replace the thermostat (stuck open) because the engine was running cold and set the CEL. Other than that, it has been completely trouble free until last week. On my way to work, it took a long time to accelerate to highway speed and it just didn't "feel" right to me. I then noticed the oil pressure gauge was wavering and briefly dropping to zero and jumping up to 40+ again. I also had more engine noise than I usually do. I got off the road and checked oil level. It was low, but only about 1.5 quarts. In the last couple of years, I don't get 4 quarts out during oil changes anymore. I assume its burning a bit by now. I had it towed back to my house and found I had a P0017 active. I cleared the codes and started up in the driveway. Was hard to start (never was) but when it did, it idled OK with oil 40 psi. I didn't want to drive it in case the 0 oil pressure was real earlier. After 2-3 minutes, it faltered and stalled. Wouldn't re-start, just cranked. I'm thinking the low / no oil pressure is real and the P0017 is a result of that. What I find strange is the sudden onset of this, the day before, it ran like a champ. Can a timing chain "skip" a tooth ? And what is a "case relearn" that I see mentioned. How bad a job is it to replace the oil pump in the 4.2L, if it comes to that. Maybe cleaning the pick up screen ? I am not a motor head, per se, but I have no problem getting my hands dirty as long as it's a job I can do.
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
25,257
Ottawa, ON
It's not a fun job.
http://gmtnation.com/forums/threads/how-to-replace-i6-timing-chain-and-tensioner.12240/

Btw, you do know the gauge is fake right? Pressure readings are fabricated by the PCM. It will drop to 0 if there is no pressure and thats it. It could be the stepper.motor but the fact you hear noise is a bad indication of an oil problem.

Chains seldom fail. They might stretch but not that much. I have had a failed tensioner but didn't cause oil pressure issues but did make noise while idling only letting the chain flop around. Even then it didn't skip.

I'd get that pressure checked.
 

Forum Statistics

Threads
23,271
Posts
637,476
Members
18,472
Latest member
MissCrutcher

Members Online