OBD II Codes (P0000 - P0099) | P0009 “Engine Position System Performance - Bank 2”

Meaning:

The complex ballet of mechanical and electrical parts in your engine make it possible to harness the power locked away in every drop of fuel injected into the cylinders. As is the case with many things in life, timing is critical. If the cylinder isn’t in the right place at the right time, you’re not going anywhere, or at least not smoothly and quietly. Mechanically-speaking, the timing in relationship to the crankshaft and camshafts must be precise, which is the function of the timing sprockets and timing belt or timing chains. Depending on the engine, the crankshaft may be connected to the camshaft(s) by a belt or chain and dual-overhead camshafts may be connected by gears or chains.

Timing precision is necessary, not only for good engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions-reduction, but also to prevent damage to the engine itself. As the crankshaft pushes cylinder 1 up to top-dead-center (TDC) on the compression stroke, the valves for cylinder 1 should be closing, and the spark plug should be firing, for example. If timing is off by a few degrees, the results could range from poor performance and fuel economy to catastrophic engine failure.
Regarding timing, to keep the engine running properly, the engine control module (ECM) continually monitors the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) and camshaft position sensors (CMP). If the ECM detects that CKP is ahead or behind Bank 2 CMP, perhaps due to a jumped timing belt tooth or a stretched timing chain, it will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and set DTC P0009, “Engine Position System Performance (Bank 2),” in system memory.

causes:

The P0009 DTC has a handful of possible causes, the most probable of which are listed below. (during diagnosis, it is important to pinpoint the exact root cause in order to come up with an effective and long-term solution):

• Worn timing components (chains, gears, guides)
• Crankshaft or camshaft sensor malfunctions
• Wiring damage
• ECM software out of date
• ECM internal damage
• Camshaft variable valve timing solenoid failure
• Engine oil level is too low
• Engine not timing correctly
• Engine oil doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s requirements
• Variable valve timing actuator failure
• Failed timing chain tensioner or guides

Symptoms:

Below are some of the most common symptoms of the P0009 code. If you experience a combination of these, (it is advised that you consult a repair manual or database to check for more information):

• Check engine light on
• Decreased engine performance
• Increased fuel consumption
• Timing chain rattling noise
• No noticeable adverse conditions in some cases

The P0009 fault code may cause your vehicle to have:

Effect caused:

• Lower fuel economy
• Idle instability
• Reduced power
• Potential for future engine damage
• Inability to pass emissions testing

Diagnosis:

P0009 is properly diagnosed with an advanced scan tool capable of factory sensor readings and codes (not just one from your local auto parts store) to start. A qualified technician can read the data from the scan tool to determine when and where the problem occurred or if it is still occurring. They may clear the code from the ECM and test drive the vehicle while monitoring the scan tool data to see if the fault returns or if it is intermittent.
If the fault is intermittent, then a visual inspection or wiggle test of the wiring may produce more results. Otherwise the vehicle will have to be driven until the problem becomes more persistent.
If the fault returns immediately, the scan tool and information from professional resources should be able to narrow down the problem. Otherwise, a digital voltage scope used to monitor the sensor signals will be required. The signals will indicate what the ECM is seeing and if they are correct. Removal of the front timing cover of the engine may be required to verify the timing.
Based upon the results of the testing, possibly clearing the code, and a road test while monitoring the data, further diagnosis may be required. Diagnosis will require multiple tools such as:

• Lower fuel economy
• Idle instability
• Reduced power
• Potential for future engine damage
• Inability to pass emissions testing

Solution:

It does one good to note that this typically not a sensor problem, since the ECM can only use having been said, diagnosing timing problems may best be left to the professionals, particularly if your vehicle is still covered under warranty. Always double check warranty application before opening something as critical as the timing covers. With an up-to-date repair manual, experienced DIYers may be able to diagnose this problem, though the availability of special tools may limit repair ability.

• Depending on the model, at least the top timing cover or the valve cover(s) will have to be removed in order to see the timing marks. Rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise until it’s timing mark is at 0° or TDC. If you cannot see the camshaft timing marks at all, then you’ll need to rotate the crankshaft another 360°. Once the crankshaft is rotated to TDC and you have the camshaft timing marks in view, you can verify their positions.
• If the camshafts are aligned properly, suspect a crankshaft or camshaft reluctor ring problem, which could be skewing CKP or CMP readings. Further disassembly will be required to verify that reluctor rings are properly aligned to their respective shafts.
• If the camshafts are not aligned properly, suspect a skipped or stretched timing belt or timing chain. Loose or worn timing belt or timing chain tensioners can also cause a misalignment problem. Further disassembly will be required to verify proper belt or chain position, tensioner function, and measure the timing belt or timing chain.
• In case the timing belt or timing chain has skipped a tooth, it will need to be reinstalled properly.
• In case of stretched timing belt or timing chain, it will need to be replaced.
• In case of a worn tensioner, it will need to be replaced.