P0008
Engine Position System Performance Bank 1
Engine timing / position
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0008 means the engine control module sees the camshaft and crankshaft on bank 1 as out of their expected relationship — the "engine position system" isn't performing within spec. It usually points to a stretched or jumped timing chain/belt or a failing position sensor, which can cause rough running, hard starting, and, if timing slips further, engine damage.
High
Can I keep driving? Limited — the engine may run rough, lose power, or be hard to start; drive gently and get it checked soon, since it points to a camshaft-to-crankshaft timing problem.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Rough idle or engine hesitation
- Hard starting or, in severe cases, no-start
- Reduced power and poor fuel economy
Common causes
Most likely first
- Stretched or worn timing chain (or a jumped/misaligned belt or chain)Likely
- Worn timing chain guides or tensioner letting the chain skipCommon
- Failing camshaft or crankshaft position sensorCommon
- Wiring or connector fault in the cam/crank sensor circuitLess often
- Faulty engine control module (ECM), as a last resortLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and check for companion cam/crank codes (P0016-P0019) that pinpoint the timing error.
- Inspect the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors and their wiring for damage or loose connectors.
- Check the timing chain, guides, and tensioner for wear or stretch — a common root cause on higher-mileage engines.
- Verify cam-to-crank timing against the marks; correct any misalignment.
- If sensors and timing are good, evaluate the ECM. Clear and re-test after repair.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0008?+
Only briefly and gently. It signals a camshaft-to-crankshaft timing problem, which can worsen and leave you stranded or cause engine damage if a chain skips further.
Can I just clear P0008?+
It will come back until the timing or sensor fault is repaired, because the ECM keeps measuring cam-versus-crank position on every drive.
Related codes
Often seen with P0008
Read & clear P0008 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX