P0017 in Ford Fiesta 1.6L - What's Wrong and How to Fix This?

The Fiesta was quite a popular compact car that came in sedan and hatchback bodies in the US. It only had two options of engines - the 1.0L EcoBoost and also the most popular 1.6L non-turbo version. The Fiesta ST also had the turbocharged 1.6L engine but this is basically another vehicle with an accent on performance and speed.

P0016/P0017 code highlights

• Level of urgency:Medium
• Possible culprits:crankshaft or camshaft issues, position sensor problems
• Price for repair:$350 - $2,500
• Ifneglected:Engine will work harshly and ineffectively
• DIY repairs:Impossible
• Can you drive?Not recommended

Reasons for the P0017 code in the Ford Fiesta

When you get this code on your scanner screen, you may think that the sensor is broken. The code basically means that there is some form of mismatch between the camshaft and crankshaft sensor. In most cases, the problem is with the camshaft sensor. And if the code is P0017, the most obvious problem is the faulty camshaft sensor on the exhaust cam.

If it's so easy, you may wonder why we are going to write the full article explaining to you what to do and how to check the issue if you can just replace the sensor and happily drive your Fiesta further! But things are not as obvious and the replacement of the sensor will not always help you get rid of the code.

Here are some of the most common reasons for the P0017 (and P0016 code) in the Fiesta:

• the camshaft sensor seems to be one of the obvious reasons and has to be checked first - there are two camshaft sensors and they are identical;
• the crankshaft sensor may also be the reason for the problem because the code actually tells you about some mismatch between these two types of sensors;
• wiring issues are not uncommon, especially the crankshaft sensor may get broken or damaged wires;
• the VCT solenoids may cause this problem and this is very common - they fail to operate the phaser and the timing goes wrong;
• one more possible reason for the issue is the timing system - for example, the belt may have jumped a tooth and now the timing is just wrong.

We can come up with some other possible reasons but they will be not really common. Let's concentrate on these problems and try to see how you can locate the issue and maybe even solve it without paying dealers (or stealers, they are often called that way on Ford forums).

Depending on the level of your technical knowledge and skills, you can diagnose some of these problems by yourself. But please keep in mind that if you aren't sure of what you are doing under the hood, better avoid doing this and just let professionals repair your vehicle.

1) Checking the camshaft sensors

So, the two camshaft sensors in your Ford Fiesta 1.6L engine are identical. If you want to check them, just swap them and see if the code changes. If one of the sensors is faulty and you swap them, you will most likely get the P0016 code in the end because now the fault sensor is located in the intake camshaft.

This is the method that will take you 10 minutes and zero dollars. But if you get the P0017 code again, the trick didn't work and you should check other parts of your engine.

2) Checking the crankshaft and wiring

You can't do much by yourself here. The best thing to do is to locate the crankshaft sensor and inspect it visually in terms of the broken wires or damaged sensor. Unfortunately, checking it is close to impossible unless you have special tools and knowledge.

One way to check this sensor is to get a cheap identical sensor from the nearest junkyard. It will cost you just a couple of bucks but the downside is that you can't be sure the used sensor is working properly.

3) Checking the VCT solenoids

What you can do is take them off the vehicle and inspect them. Just compare the solenoids with each other and see if they look and weigh the same. Be careful - don't swap these parts, otherwise, you may not start your engine and will need professional help. Each solenoid should go to its previous place.

When you install the solenoids back, start your vehicle and check if it works better. Also, check if the P0017 code reappears. If the code doesn't appear for some time after this procedure, you may be sure that the problem is with one of the solenoids. They are not extremely expensive and can be replaced easily.

4) Checking the timing

This is the last step because you are not likely to volunteer to check the timing belt in this engine if you don't have enough skills for this. To check the timing, you will need to take off the timing cover and know how to see the timing belt marks and compare them to the marks on the engine parts.

We highly recommend finding someone with the proper skills who can do that. We would go to the dealer or to the specialized repair shop. Without this, it will be too hard to check the timing system and repair it if needed.

Common symptoms that accompany the P0017 code

There are two possible options: no change in the way your engine works and harsh work of the engine.

If there are no changes, the problem is most likely with one of the sensors or with the wiring connecting these sensors.

If the engine works harshly, it's most likely because of timing issues. Driving a vehicle with such a problem is not recommended. If your timing belt jumps one more tooth or breaks, the engine may get bad damage and will likely have to be replaced rather than repaired.

Best repairs for the P0017 code in your Fiesta

Before you start digging in your engine, try to remember what happened before the P0017 code appeared. If you forgot about the timing belt replacement interval or had the timing belt replaced, immediately check this unit. If you had some undercarriage damage, check the crankshaft sensor and wiring. In most cases, such events show us what exactly is wrong with our vehicle.

In terms of repair, you can replace the camshaft or crankshaft sensors by yourself in this car - no technical skills are needed. Just watch some video tutorials to understand what you need for this.

But if you understand that your Fiesta needs some timing system repairs or you just can't locate the problem, the worst thing you can do is to start digging in your vehicle and trying to repair it and save a couple of bucks. You better spend this time earning the money you need to pay the dealer.

We wouldn't recommend DIY repairs of VCT solenoids, too. They may need some adjustments and they are pretty easy to replace, so there won't be any problems in terms of the price of labor. But if you do something wrong, you will have to pay more to have your vehicle delivered to the dealership and then repaired.

Can you prevent the P0017 code in your Ford Fiesta?

Unfortunately, this is not the code that you can prevent from showing up. But some things you can still do to make sure it will not appear because of poor maintenance or neglecting your vehicle.

Here are some of the most important actions that will prevent the P0017 code in your Fiesta:

• have the timing belt (along with the coolant pump and the tensioner) replaced regularly - even more often than Ford requires;
• address all the engine problems, especially the harsh work or poor gas mileage, immediately, don't drive the faulty engine;
• buy good parts and fluids when you have the engine maintained - poor oil or bad belts will quickly cause the P0017 code or much worse problems;
• after you have some undercarriage damage, carefully inspect the wiring and sensors to ensure everything is OK;
• pay more attention to the high-mileage engine - have it maintained more often and pay attention to any minor change in the way it works.

By just remembering these tips, you will certainly be able to drive the 1.6L engine longer. It can easily go over 200,000 miles if all problems are addressed on time and the engine is not killed by the owner.

If you get the P0017 code the best thing you can do is to stop driving the Fiesta and find the reason using our tips and guidelines. If you can't locate the problem, have the vehicle inspected by professionals.