Engine

P0019 — Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0019 means

The engine control unit compares the signal from the crankshaft position sensor with the bank 2 camshaft sensor (sensor B). The timing chain or belt and the variable valve timing (VVT) system keep these two in a fixed relationship. When the camshaft position is off from what the ECU expects by more than the allowed amount, it sets P0019 and turns on the check engine light.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle or shaking
  • Reduced power and worse fuel economy
  • Hard starting or no start
  • Rattling noise from the timing drive
  • Engine stalling

Possible causes

  1. Stretched, worn or jumped timing chain or belt
  2. Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
  3. VVT problem such as a bad phaser or oil control solenoid
  4. Low or dirty engine oil affecting VVT operation
  5. Damaged wiring or poor connections at the sensors, including shorts to ground
  6. Timing marks set incorrectly after a previous repair

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, and look for related codes such as P0016-P0018 or VVT faults.
  2. Check oil level and condition, and change it to the specified grade if needed.
  3. Inspect the cam and crank sensor wiring and connectors for chafing, corrosion or loose fit.
  4. Test the sensors: check resistance or scope the signal, and inspect them for debris and correct air gap.
  5. Compare commanded and actual camshaft position on a scan tool and test the VVT solenoid response.
  6. Listen for chain rattle at idle and on cold starts.
  7. Check timing chain or belt alignment and stretch against the factory marks.
  8. Check the VVT phaser for play or sticking.

Common fixes

  • Replace the stretched or jumped timing chain or belt along with tensioners and guides
  • Replace the faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
  • Clean or replace the VVT solenoid or phaser
  • Change engine oil and filter to the correct specification
  • Repair damaged wiring or connectors

Questions and answers

What does P0019 mean?

The ECU found that the bank 2 camshaft position (sensor B) does not match the crankshaft position. The usual culprits are the timing chain or belt, the sensors, or the VVT system.

Can I drive with code P0019?

Only for a short trip to a shop. If a stretched chain or belt is the cause, the engine can be damaged, so don't put off diagnosis.

Can I just clear P0019?

Clearing it only turns the light off for a while. If the cause isn't fixed the code will return, and a mechanical problem can keep getting worse.

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.