P0019: Crankshaft-to-camshaft correlation, bank 2 camshaft B: the bank 2 exhaust camshaft signal is out of step with the crankshaft
Crank/cam correlation fault (bank 2, exhaust cam)
Severity: Inspect soon
P0019 points at the bank 2 exhaust camshaft being out of step with the crankshaft. GM ties it to stretched timing chains on its V6s and Ford to sticking cam timing solenoids. The engine usually keeps running, but a worn chain gets worse with use, so have it inspected soon.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: The check engine light starts flashing. That means misfire heavy enough to overheat and damage the catalytic converter; avoid further driving and get it checked.
- Stop: A new loud rattle or slapping noise from the timing chain area, or the engine stalls or will not restart. A loose or badly stretched chain can jump teeth, and further driving risks serious engine damage.
P0019 in short
P0019 means the engine computer sees the bank 2 exhaust camshaft out of step with the crankshaft. GM ties it to stretched timing chains on its V6 engines; Ford to cam timing solenoids stuck by debris. Check the oil first, then have the timing measured. Get it inspected soon.
The engine computer compares crankshaft and camshaft sensor signals on every turn. P0019 sets when the bank 2 exhaust camshaft (camshaft B) sits further from its expected position than allowed. Bank 2 is the side without cylinder 1.
On GM V6 engines P0019 usually appears with P0016, P0017 and P0018, and with P0008/P0009. When several of these set together, the shared timing chain is far more likely than one camshaft.
On Ford engines with variable cam timing, small debris can hold the cam timing solenoid open or shut. Ford has dealers cycle the solenoid repeatedly before replacing it.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Stretched timing chain (documented on GM V6 engines)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM bulletins supply chain kits for stretched chains setting P0016-P0019 on the 3.6L V6 and replace the primary and both secondary chains on the 2007 LY7.
- What would change this
- Rises on a GM V6 at higher mileage or with overdue oil changes, and when several correlation codes on both banks are stored.
Cause 2: Low oil level, old or sludged oil, or the wrong viscosity
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Cam phasers and hydraulic chain tensioners run on engine oil, so the oil is the free first check.
- What would change this
- Rises if the oil is low, overdue or the wrong grade; falls if it is full, fresh and correct.
Cause 3: Cam timing solenoid stuck by debris or failed
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Ford messages list P0019 among cam timing codes caused by small debris sticking the VCT solenoid. FCA replaced both intake VVT solenoids on 2016 Durango and Grand Cherokee setting P0019 with other cam codes.
- What would change this
- Rises on a Ford when the actual cam angle does not follow the command and the oil is good; cycling the solenoid may clear it.
Cause 4: Loose timing chain, worn guide or weak tensioner
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM preliminary information tells technicians to inspect for loose chains or tensioners when P0016-P0019 set.
- What would change this
- Rises with chain slap at start-up or a worn guide found on inspection.
Cause 5: Engine computer software
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Ford fixed P0011-P0022, including P0019, on 2020-2021 Transit 3.5L vans with cam timing cycling and a PCM reprogram.
- What would change this
- Rises on a vehicle covered by a software bulletin.
Cause 6: Camshaft or crankshaft sensor, wiring, or a slipped tone ring
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- A bad signal can look like a timing error, but it more often sets sensor circuit codes than P0019 alone.
- What would change this
- Rises if cam or crank sensor circuit codes are stored too, or a scope shows a distorted signal.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil grade matches the owner's manual.
IfOil is low, overdue, sludgy or the wrong viscosity
It meansCorrect the oil first, clear the code and drive; many cam timing codes return no further.
Points to: Low oil level, old or sludged oil, or the wrong viscosity
IfOil is full, fresh and the right grade
It meansLook at the other stored codes.
Step 2: Read all stored codes and freeze frame and note companion timing codes (P0008, P0009, P0016-P0018, P0024).
IfSeveral of P0016-P0019 or P0008/P0009 are stored together
It meansPoints at the shared timing chain rather than one camshaft.
IfP0019 sets alone or with P0024
It meansCheck how the bank 2 exhaust cam responds.
Step 3: With the engine warm, watch desired versus actual bank 2 exhaust cam angle on a scan tool while varying engine speed.
IfActual cam angle does not follow the command
It meansThe cam timing solenoid or phaser is not responding; Ford dealers cycle the solenoid to try to clear debris first.
IfCam angle follows commands but correlation is still off
It meansThe baseline timing has moved.
Step 4: Have a shop check timing chain stretch and the guides and tensioners, following the service information for the engine.
Warning:Timing chain inspection means removing engine covers and possibly the timing cover; mistakes can destroy the engine. Leave it to a shop.
IfChain stretch is beyond the service limit
It meansReplace the chain set as the bulletin describes.
Points to: Stretched timing chain (documented on GM V6 engines)
IfChain is within limit but a tensioner or guide is worn
It meansRepair the tensioner and guides.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on, often with P0016-P0018
- Reduced power or poorer fuel economy
- Rattle from the timing chain area, especially at start-up Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Stalling, or cranks but will not start Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power, Rough idle with the check engine light on
How to fix
Step 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.
Step 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.
Parts and cost context
- Variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid:On Ford engines a stuck solenoid can sometimes be freed by cycling it with a dealer scan tool before buying a new one. On GM V6s with chain stretch, phasers are normally not replaced. Labour varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2007–2012 · 3.6L V6 (High Feature)
Supported by vehicle dataOn GM 3.6L V6 engines (Traverse, Equinox, Malibu and others) P0019 is tied to stretched timing chains. Check oil first, then have the chain 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) · NHTSA 10113723
Supplies timing chain kits and guide replacements for stretched chains setting P0008, P0009 and P0016-P0019 on the 3.6L V6. NHTSA 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 · NHTSA 10144453
Inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners; if no root cause is found, inspect the crankshaft sensor reluctor. NHTSA lists many other GM models.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
SaturnYour car
2007 · Aura
Supported by vehicle dataThe 2007 LY7 3.6L bulletin replaces stretched primary and secondary chains for P0016-P0019.
07-06-01-014Status unverified
LY7 P0016-P0019 from stretched primary and secondary chains
2007acadia · 3.6L V6 (LY7) · NHTSA 10022931
Replace the primary chain and both secondary chains. NHTSA also lists Saturn Aura and Outlook and Pontiac G6.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
FordYour car
2015–2021
Supported by vehicle dataOn many 2015-2021 Fords, P0019 can come from debris sticking the cam timing solenoid; dealers try cycling it before replacement.
SSM 49821Status unverified
VCT codes from debris sticking the VCT solenoid
2015–2021f-150, escape, explorer, edge, expedition, fusion, focus, mustang · NHTSA 10194428
Before replacing a VCT solenoid, dealers cycle it 10 times with a pinpoint test to try to clear debris. NHTSA lists many Ford and Lincoln models.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
TSB 21-2224Status unverified
P0011-P0022 from PCM software, 3.5L Transit
2020–2021transit · 3.5L · NHTSA 10199525
Perform cam timing cycling and reprogram the PCM.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
16-0038Status unverified
3.5L GTDI cam timing codes under 2000 miles
2016f-150, expedition, transit · 3.5L GTDI · NHTSA 10075268
Cam timing codes including P0019 on low-mileage 3.5L GTDI engines.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
P0019 questions
Does P0019 always mean a timing chain?
No. On GM V6 engines with several correlation codes stored, the chain is the documented cause. On Fords, a cam timing solenoid stuck by debris is common. Check the oil, then have the cam angle and chain checked before replacing parts.
Sources and review
- P0019 Code: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)
- GM 12-06-01-009F: High Feature V6 timing chain kits for stretched chains setting P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II)
- 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine)
- 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
- GM PIP3423P: P0016-P0019, P0008 or P0009 - inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners, then the crank reluctor
- Variable Valve Timing
- GM 07-06-01-014: LY7 P0016-P0019 from stretched primary and secondary timing chains, 2007
- Ford SSM 48423: VCT codes P0011-P0025 from debris sticking the VCT solenoid, 2015-2020
- Ford SSM 49821: VCT codes P0011-P0025 from debris sticking the VCT solenoid, 2015-2021
- Ford Special Service Message 46450: MIL with VCT codes (P0011, P0014, P0016, P0017 and others) from debris sticking the VCT solenoid
- FCA 09-009-16: replace both intake VVT solenoids for multiple cam codes including P0017, P0019, P000A, 2016 Durango/Grand Cherokee
- Ford TSB 21-2224: P0011-P0022 from PCM software, 2020-2021 Transit 3.5L
- ASE A1 study guide: VVT phaser diagnostics
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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