Engine sensors and timing chain

P0008 Crank/cam sync: reading or operation not right (bank 1)

By: Diagno editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-15

P0008 means: Crank/cam sync: reading or operation not right (bank 1). The crankshaft and camshaft sensor signals don't line up. Don't drive until the car has been checked. The engine could be damaged. The most common repair costs about €400–800 in Estonia, depending on make and model.

Is it safe to drive?Don't driveDon't drive until the car has been checked. The engine could be damaged.

Timing belt or chain replacement€400–800parts and labour in Estonia, depending on make and model

What it means

The crankshaft and camshaft sensor signals don't line up. The computer sees that the engine timing has shifted. There is a signal, but the reading or operation isn't plausible. The cause may be the part itself or a real mechanical fault.

What you may notice

Engine light on
Hard starting or stalling
Chain rattle on cold start
Less power

What could be wrong

1Timing chain or belt stretched or jumped a tooth · Timing belt or chain replacement €400–800
2Weak chain tensioner · Timing chain tensioner replacement €400–800
3Faulty crankshaft or camshaft sensor · Crank or cam sensor replacement €90–180
4Camshaft phaser stuck · Camshaft adjuster replacement €250–500

Repair difficulty: Hard

What you can check yourself

Listen to a cold start. If the engine rattles for a few seconds, the chain has probably stretched. Don't drive long distances until it's checked. Best left to a workshop. It needs a diagnostic tool and experience.

How we fix it

We check the sensor signals and chain stretch on the diagnostic tool
We check the timing marks
We replace the chain or belt kit, or the sensor if that's the fault

Standard SAE description: Engine Positions System Performance Bank 1

This code usually comes with: Check engine lightSee what the light means →

Related symptoms: Car won't start · Rough idle or engine stalling

Want a definite answer?

Bring the car to our workshop in Estonia for diagnostics. We read the fault codes, test the sensors and tell you what is wrong. Repair price depends on the work involved, generally €45 per hour.

Book a diagnostic check

Questions

What does fault code P0008 mean?

Crank/cam sync: reading or operation not right (bank 1). The crankshaft and camshaft sensor signals don't line up. The computer sees that the engine timing has shifted. There is a signal, but the reading or operation isn't plausible. The cause may be the part itself or a real mechanical fault.

Can I drive with code P0008?

Don't drive until the car has been checked. The engine could be damaged.

How much does it cost to fix P0008?

It depends on the cause: timing belt or chain replacement €400–800; timing chain tensioner replacement €400–800; crank or cam sensor replacement €90–180. Prices include labour at €45/h, depending on make and model.

How is P0008 fixed?

We check the sensor signals and chain stretch on the diagnostic tool. We check the timing marks. We replace the chain or belt kit, or the sensor if that's the fault.

Based on AI combined with our hands-on workshop experience and knowledge. This information is general and prices are approximate (Estonian workshop rates). The same code can mean different things on different cars. Only an inspection of the car gives a definite answer.