Good evening; I have been searching the net for P0017 emissions code for my 2006 Chevy Colorado crew cab. I have a little over 50 thousand miles. I have faithfully and routinely had my oil and filter changed. My check engine light came on. I can't pass Massachusetts State emissions test. Currently have a Rejected sticker. Went to State certified emissions repair facility. After two failed attempts and $500 later they say take it to the dealer. I did I was told that GM has a known Sludging problem and this crankshaft positioning problem with Chevy Colorado's like mine. I called a few places and they gave me the same thing. When I called the dealer they said "oh no problem it is an easy fix, will take less than half hour and under $100 to clear the code." When I took the truck in to the Dealer they said how much do you want to spend like I was made of money. My reply was I need to get my truck fixed. I am out of work and have to look for a new job. I can't walk to interviews. I asked them to look into it and let me know before any work was performed. Well several hours into diagnostics I am told it will cost about $2500.00 - $3000.00 and they can clear the P0017 code but there may be other codes that come up. The alternative was to replace the engine. The catch here is they would replace it with the same type engine and that engine may have the same problem down the line.

I contacted GM at first they told me they are aware of the P0017 problem and that they have a program to help owners like me. After two week of calls lasting 3-4 hours daily I am still out of luck!!! One I get a call that said well we are going to fix it. Next I got a call that says "sorry your warranty expired after 36 months" and we don't cover that problem now. I get another call that says wait a minute we are still looking into it. Now it's no we're not. I have spoken to at least a dozen GM reps, I have several case numbers. Different people call me seeming to pretend they are supervisors, managers, district reps etc. In the beginning they called time after time after time to ask the same questions over and over and over. Each rep stated they are taking all the info and recording it. I get a reps name and extension. Doesn't matter. Another rep would call, or I would call back like I was asked the next day. I had to start all over again. Even when I pass the info onto the next rep who says Oh I see that info, then they ask the same questions again. I don't get it. They give me new case numbers. Then I get a rep calling me back to say disregard the last rep and they are consolidating the case numbers. However, when I call to check on the status the case numbers don't match. I have been put on hold for half an hour at times then disconnected mysteriously and when I call back they say oh we are sorry you were disconnected, we are sorry you have spoken to so many people and we are forwarding it on to a district supervisor or rep. Then the following calls they all pretend to be the district rep, or a supervisor with authority. Problem is they have no authority. They all say I will forward this information. And on and on it goes. I am going nuts.

At this point I can't afford 3-4 thousand dollars for a "maybe solution with no guarantees", nor can I afford to replace the engine. I can't pass state inspections and the state tells me I have to spend $750 with a state certified emissions repair facility. I only spent around $600 with the State approved facility initially. The dealership does not meed state certification. So the $500 or so I spent there doesn't count. Even though the State repair facility told me to go to the dealer. Go figure.

Now I have to take my vehicle to a state certified repair facility to not fix my truck for another $150 or so to meet the $750 the state says to allow me to get a waiver to continue to use my truck. How's that for catch 22. Can't fix the truck, have to spend money not to fix it so I can drive legally!! Crazy.

Does anyone know how many people have have this P0017 problem? Also any advice where to go from here would help. My truck runs great so far (keeping fingers crossed). I did have two oil changes within one week and the oil I was told was jet black and sludgy. So if you have any suggestions/advise please, please let me know. My mechanic said to dump the truck. Go buy a new one and trade it in. I don' t want to be sneaky and do that. If I tell them I won't get much at tradein. If I don't someone else will get my problem. I can't afford to buy a new truck just yet since I am not working. I just got hired but doesn't start for couple of weeks. Can't get loan till I have at least 6 months (usually) on the job. So I am stuck between rock and hard place. Let me know what you all think. Thank you Unhappycoloradoowner.!!!