P0018 Crankshaft and camshaft positions do not agree on bank 2, sensor A

Crankshaft position - camshaft position correlation (bank 2, sensor A)

P0018 in short

P0018 means the crankshaft and bank 2 intake camshaft signals are out of step. Check oil level and condition first, then the bank 2 oil control solenoid; on GM 3.6L V6 engines a stretched timing chain is a documented cause. Get it inspected soon, and stop driving if the engine rattles or knocks loudly.

The engine computer compares where the crankshaft sensor says the engine is with where the bank 2 camshaft A sensor says the camshaft is. Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1; sensor A is usually the intake camshaft. P0018 sets when those two signals sit further apart than the allowed window.

That can be the cam phaser parked in the wrong place (oil or solenoid), a timing chain that has stretched or jumped, a sensor wheel that has moved, or occasionally an engine computer calibration issue. Oil is the free check; timing work is expensive, so test in that order.

If P0016 (the same check on bank 1) is stored too, a part shared by both banks, such as the timing chain or oil supply, is more likely than one bank 2 part.

Most likely causes

  1. Low oil level, old or sludged oil, or the wrong viscosity

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Cam phasers move on engine oil pressure, so low level, sludge or the wrong grade is the first thing to rule out.
    What would change this
    Rises if the oil is low, overdue or not the grade in the owner's manual; falls if it is full, fresh and correct.

  2. Stretched timing chain (documented on GM 3.6L V6)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM's bulletin ties P0018 to timing chain stretch on 2007-2012 3.6L V6 models and supplies chain kits. Its current status is not verified.
    What would change this
    Rises on the GM 3.6L V6 at higher mileage, especially when P0016 or P0008 are also stored.

  3. Bank 2 oil control (VVT) solenoid stuck or its screen blocked

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Debris and sludge can block the solenoid inlet screen or stick its valve so the phaser cannot reach its target.
    What would change this
    Rises if the bank 2 cam angle does not follow commands but recovers after the solenoid is cycled or cleaned.
    How to test the variable valve timing (vvt) oil control solenoid

  4. Engine computer calibration (Subaru)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Subaru released ECM reprogramming with enhanced self-diagnosis logic for P0016-P0019 on 2017-2023 models.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Subaru with no mechanical fault found; the dealer can check for the update.

  5. Broken crank sprocket or jumped timing drive

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM documented broken crank sprockets causing loud noise, MIL and no-start with P0016-P0019 on 2016-2017 Cadillac XT5 and CT6 Plug-in Hybrid. Rare but serious.
    What would change this
    Rises sharply with a sudden loud noise or a no-start.

  6. Camshaft or crankshaft sensor signal, or a moved reluctor wheel

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    P0018 compares two sensor signals, so a weak signal or a reluctor that has moved can set it; GM tells technicians to check the crank reluctor if no other cause is found.
    What would change this
    Rises if timing marks are correct but signals still do not line up.
    How to test the camshaft position sensor

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil grade matches the owner's manual.

    Low riskTool: dipstick, owner's manual

  2. With the engine warm, watch desired versus actual bank 2 intake cam angle on a scan tool while varying engine speed, and note any other timing codes.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with live data

    • IfActual angle lags, overshoots or does not move

      It meansOil control or the phaser is not responding.

      Go to step 3

    • IfAngle follows commands but P0016 or P0008 are also stored

      It meansBoth banks are off, which points at the shared timing chain.

      Go to step 4

  3. Command the bank 2 intake oil control solenoid with a bidirectional scan tool and watch whether the cam angle moves; check its resistance and inlet screen per the service information.

    Use cautionTool: bidirectional scan tool, multimeter

    Warning:Keep hands and tools away from belts and the cooling fan with the engine running.

  4. Have a shop check crank/cam correlation and timing chain stretch, and on covered Subarus confirm whether the ECM update has been applied.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool, service information

    Warning:Timing work involves removing covers and locking camshafts; a mistake can destroy the engine. Leave it to a shop.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle or reduced power
  • Hard starting
  • Loud rattle or knock from the timing area Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on, Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Check the oil level and top it up to the full mark with the grade listed in your owner's manual.

    Warning:Engine off and on level ground; wait a few minutes for oil to drain back.

  2. If the oil is overdue or the wrong grade, change the oil and filter with the specified oil, clear the code and drive normally to see whether it returns.

    Warning:Let the engine cool before draining; hot oil burns. Support the car on ramps or stands, never just a jack.

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2007–2012 · 3.6L V6 (High Feature)

    Supported by vehicle data

    On GM's 3.6L V6, P0018 is tied to a stretched timing chain; GM supplies chain kits. Check oil first, then have chain stretch measured.

  • 12-06-01-009FStatus unverified

    High Feature V6 timing chain kits for stretched chains, P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019

    2007–2012equinox, malibu, traverse, camaro, impala · 3.6L V6 (High Feature) · issued · rev. F · NHTSA 10113723

    Supplies timing chain kits for stretched chains setting P0016-P0019 and P0008/P0009 on the 3.6L V6; also lists Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Pontiac and Saturn models.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIP3423PStatus unverified

    P0016-P0019, P0008 or P0009: inspect timing chains, tensioners and the crank reluctor

    2004–2019equinox, malibu, traverse, camaro, colorado, impala · issued · rev. P · NHTSA 10144453

    Inspect for loose chains or tensioners; if nothing is found, inspect the crankshaft sensor reluctor and replace the crankshaft if it has moved.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIP5730Status unverified

    Additional diagnostic information for P0016 and P0018

    2016–2020camaro, colorado, blazer · issued · NHTSA 10176329

    GM preliminary information adding diagnostic steps for P0016 and P0018; the NHTSA summary does not give the cause. Also lists Buick, Cadillac and GMC models; revisions A and B followed in 2021.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Cadillac

  • 2016–2017

    Supported by vehicle data

    On the 2017 XT5 and 2016-2017 CT6 Plug-in Hybrid, GM documented a broken crankshaft sprocket setting P0016-P0019 with loud noise or no-start; the fix is an engine replacement.

  • 17-NA-272Status unverified

    Engine replacement: loud noise, MIL and/or no start with P0016-P0019 from a broken crank sprocket

    2016–2017xt5, ct6 · issued · NHTSA 10140397

    Replace the engine when a broken crankshaft sprocket causes loud noise, MIL and/or no-start with P0016-P0019. Covers the 2017 XT5 and 2016-2017 CT6 Plug-in Hybrid.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Subaru

  • 2017–2023

    Supported by vehicle data

    On 2017-2023 Subarus, an ECM software update addresses P0016-P0019; ask a dealer whether it has been applied before replacing parts.

  • 09-120-24RStatus unverified

    ECM reprogramming for P0016-P0019 and P0087

    2017–2023outback, legacy, forester, impreza, crosstrek · issued · rev. R · NHTSA 11016165

    New ECM software with enhanced self-diagnosis logic for the crank/cam correlation codes P0016-P0019.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0016Crankshaft and intake camshaft positions do not agree (bank 1, sensor A)

    Other bank Common general cause

    P0016 is the same crank/cam correlation check on bank 1. Both together point at the shared timing chain or oil supply.

  • P0017Crankshaft and exhaust camshaft positions do not agree (bank 1, sensor B)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM and Lexus bulletins list P0017 alongside P0018 for the same timing-drive causes.

  • P0008Engine position system performance, bank 1: the crankshaft-to-camshaft timing relationship has drifted out of range

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM groups P0008 with P0018 for a stretched timing chain on the 3.6L V6.

  • P0021Bank 2 'A' camshaft (usually intake) timing is more advanced than commanded, or the system is not performing

    Same system Common general cause

    P0021 is a bank 2 intake cam timing fault; with P0018 it points at the bank 2 oil control solenoid or oil supply.

All Variable valve timing (VVT) codes

P0018 questions

What is the difference between P0016 and P0018?

They are the same check on different sides of the engine. P0016 is bank 1 (the side with cylinder 1) and P0018 is bank 2. Both at once suggests a shared cause such as the timing chain or oil supply.

Is it safe to drive with P0018?

Usually for a short while, with care. Get it inspected soon, and stop driving if the light flashes, the engine starts rattling or knocking, or it stalls.

Sources and review

  1. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  2. Variable Valve Timing — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley, automotive technical writer)
  3. GM 12-06-01-009F: High Feature V6 timing chain kits for stretched chains setting P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  4. 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
  5. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  6. GM 17-NA-272: Engine replacement for loud noise, MIL and/or no start with P0016-P0019 from a broken crank sprocket — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  7. ASE A1 study guide: VVT phaser diagnostics — OpenExamPrep (independent study site, not affiliated with ASE)
  8. GM PIP3423P: P0016-P0019, P0008 or P0009 - inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners, then the crank reluctor — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. Subaru 09-120-24R: ECM reprogramming for P0016-P0019 and P0087 — Subaru of America / NHTSA ,
  10. Lexus LSB-0028-09: Engine ticking noise and/or MIL with P0014, P0015, P0024, P0025, P0017 or P0018 — Lexus / Toyota Motor Sales / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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