Trouble codes › By vehicle › Chevrolet Traverse
Common check-engine codes on the Chevrolet Traverse
2009-2023
The Traverse (and its twins, the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave) uses GM's 3.6L V6, best known for timing chain stretch on 2009-2017 models (P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019). Oil level and oil-change intervals matter a lot on this engine.
Most common: P0008, P0016, P0171, P0300, P0420, P0700.
Known problems on the Chevrolet Traverse
- GM 3.6L V6 timing chain stretch (P0008, P0016, P0017, P0019)
P0008 Engine Position System Performance (Bank 1)
P0008 means bank 1's camshafts have drifted out of time with the crankshaft, most often from stretched timing chains (well known on GM 3.6L V6 engines).
On the Chevrolet Traverse: The most talked-about Traverse code: stretched timing chains on the 3.6L, covered in GM bulletin 12-06-01-009. Check the oil and get the cam/crank correlation checked.
P0008: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
P0016 means the crankshaft and bank 1 intake camshaft signals are out of step, often a stretched timing chain or a stuck cam phaser.
On the Chevrolet Traverse: Cam/crank correlation, usually with P0008 or P0017: the same timing chain problem.
P0016: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0171 means bank 1 is running lean (too much air or too little fuel), most often from a vacuum leak or a dirty MAF sensor.
On the Chevrolet Traverse: Lean codes, often with P0174: PCV and vacuum leaks or a dirty MAF sensor.
P0171: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0300 means the engine is misfiring in more than one cylinder, often from worn plugs or coils, a vacuum leak or low fuel pressure.
On the Chevrolet Traverse: Misfires: plugs and coils; also check for coolant loss on older models (water pump and coolant leaks are common on the 3.6L).
P0300: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0420 means the catalytic converter on bank 1 isn't cleaning the exhaust well enough, usually a worn converter, an exhaust leak or a lazy oxygen sensor.
On the Chevrolet Traverse: Catalyst efficiency at higher mileage, often with P0430.
P0420: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
P0700 Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0700 means the transmission computer has stored its own fault code; read the transmission codes to find the real problem.
On the Chevrolet Traverse: Transmission fault flag on the 6-speed automatic; read the transmission codes.
P0700: causes, can I keep driving, and what to check first →
Got a code on your Chevrolet Traverse?
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Common codes and known problems as widely reported for these model years; your vehicle may differ. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer about service bulletins for your VIN, and confirm in your service information.