Engine

P0018 — Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0018 means

The engine control module constantly compares the crankshaft position signal with the Bank 2 camshaft position sensor A signal. Under normal conditions, cam timing is mechanically tied to crank position. When the measured cam position doesn't match what the module expects, it sets a correlation fault and turns on the check engine light.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough or uneven idle
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Higher fuel consumption
  • Hard starting or stalling
  • Hesitation under throttle
  • P0019 may also appear

Possible causes

  1. Stretched timing chain or belt, or misaligned timing marks
  2. Faulty Bank 2 camshaft position sensor
  3. Faulty crankshaft position sensor
  4. Failed VVT solenoid or cam phaser
  5. Damaged wiring or poor connector contact at the sensors
  6. Displaced or damaged tone ring or reluctor wheel
  7. Low or dirty engine oil affecting VVT operation

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze-frame data; look for P0019, P0016, P0017 and misfire codes
  2. Check oil level and condition, and change it if it is dirty or wrong
  3. Inspect the wiring and connectors of the crank and Bank 2 cam sensors for damage, corrosion or oil
  4. Test sensor power, ground and signal with a multimeter or scope
  5. Compare crank and cam waveforms on a scope to confirm the phase relationship
  6. Check the VVT solenoid resistance and command it with a scan tool
  7. Read cam timing deviation on the scan tool and listen for chain noise or slack
  8. If suspected, verify timing marks by removing the timing cover

Common fixes

  • Replace the timing chain or belt, tensioner and guides, and set the timing
  • Replace the camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
  • Clean or replace the VVT solenoid, or the phaser if needed
  • Repair the wiring or connector
  • Change the oil and filter using the specified grade

P0018 on different brands

Ford · manuals
On Ford, P0018:00 is documented for its 2024-2025 gasoline engine monitor strategy as crank/cam position correlation (Bank 2); it identifies the detected monitor condition, not a confirmed failed part.

Questions and answers

What does P0018 mean?

The engine module detected that the crankshaft and Bank 2 camshaft signals do not agree. The cause can be the timing chain, a sensor, the VVT system or wiring.

Can I drive with P0018?

Only a short, gentle trip to a shop. If timing has shifted, continued driving can damage the engine, so don't put off diagnosis.

What should I check first?

Start with oil level and condition and the sensor wiring and connectors, then test the sensors and VVT solenoid. If those are fine, check the timing marks and chain condition.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.