P0008

Engine Position System Performance Bank 1

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

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.

Read & clear P0008 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX