P0008 fault code: Engine Position System Performance

P0008 means “Engine Position System Performance” — a fuel and air metering fault in the powertrain.

Can I DIY?

Professional-only boundary. Do not fit a timing belt or chain from this page; professional only.

Do not DIYReviewed page boundary
ToolsSpecialist equipment

This is the conservative boundary from the reviewed code record. This page has no frozen site-wide safety grade, so it does not publish a repair route.

What to tell the garage about P0008

Do not drive until checked. The first engine-position performance monitor in this pair (P0008, Bank 1 by SAE numbering) has failed. Crank and cam relationship is in doubt; this is not a coil or plug job.

Take these reviewed, code-specific details with you. They help the garage confirm the fault without turning this page into a repair procedure.

  • Engine Position System Performance: Registration number
  • Engine Position System Performance: Exact code P0008 and any companion codes from the same scan
  • Engine Position System Performance: Whether the engine management light is steady or flashing
  • Engine Position System Performance: Any rattle at start-up, recent cambelt interval, or no-start
P00xxFuel and air metering
MOT fail riskif the warning light stays on

What does P0008 mean?

P0008 is a generic (SAE standard) powertrain code reported by your car’s engine control unit. It sits in the P00xx block, which covers fuel and air metering. The stored description is “Engine Position System Performance”. The code itself tells you which circuit or system tripped the fault — not always the exact part that failed.

Will P0008 fail an MOT?

MOT testers fail a lit engine management light as Major until it is out. P0008 is an engine-position performance flag, not a catalyst efficiency or EVAP leak result.

Before booking your test, check what usually fails on your car: see our MOT pass rates by make and model, built from 33.1 million DVSA tests.

Related guides

Car diagnostic test cost: compare the scopeUK booking marketplaces currently publish diagnostic averages of about £52–£65. Engine management light on: steady or flashing?A steady engine management light means the computer has stored a fault. Drive with caution and get the code read. A flashing light is different — stop when it is safe.
P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open P0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance P0003Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low P0004Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High P0005Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit/Open P0006Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit Low P0007Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit High P0009Engine Position System Performance

P0008 — quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0008?

Do not drive until checked. We have no verified driving guidance for P0008. Treat as do not drive until checked. Do not rotate the engine by the crank bolt to 'check timing'.

Will P0008 fail my MOT?

MOT testers fail a lit engine management light as Major until it is out. P0008 is an engine-position performance flag, not a catalyst efficiency or EVAP leak result.

Fault-code identifiers are standard diagnostic facts. Their explanations and diagnostic guidance on this site are original editorial summaries, not reproduced SAE wording. MOT defect rules reflect the DVSA MOT inspection manual (2026). This page is general guidance for UK drivers, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.