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P0018 — Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor

Generic OBD-II · all makesPowertrain (engine & transmission)

P0018 indicates that the Engine Control Module has detected a correlation mismatch between the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor for bank 2. The timing relationship between these two sensors is outside the expected range.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Damaged or misaligned camshaft position sensor (bank 2)

The sensor may be cracked, contaminated, or mounted incorrectly, causing erratic signals.

2. Faulty crankshaft position sensor

A weak or intermittent signal from the crank sensor can disrupt the timing correlation.

3. Timing chain or belt stretch / worn tensioner (bank 2)

Excessive stretch or a slipping tensioner changes the actual camshaft position relative to the crankshaft.

4. Bent or damaged timing gear/ sprocket on camshaft or crankshaft (bank 2)

Physical damage to the gear teeth can cause the camshaft to be out of sync with the crankshaft.

5. Wiring or connector problems for bank 2 sensors

Corroded pins, broken wires, or poor grounds can produce intermittent sensor signals.

6. Engine Control Module (ECM) failure

Rarely, the ECM may misinterpret valid sensor data, but this is the least common cause.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Verify the Check Engine Light code with a scan tool and confirm that P0018 is present without additional conflicting codes.
  2. Inspect the bank 2 camshaft and crankshaft sensor wiring and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  3. Measure the resistance and signal waveform of each sensor with a multimeter or oscilloscope while the engine is cranked.
  4. Check timing chain/belt tension and visual alignment of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft marks.
  5. If sensors and wiring are good and timing appears correct, replace the camshaft position sensor (bank 2) and retest.
  6. Only after all mechanical and sensor checks have been exhausted should the ECM be considered for replacement.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make
Related codesP0010 — Camshaft Position Actuator Control CirP0011 — Camshaft Position Timing Over AdvancP0012 — Camshaft Position Timing Over RetardP0013 — B Camshaft Position Actuator Control CP0014 — B Camshaft Position Timing Over AdvaP0015 — B Camshaft Position Timing Over Reta

Frequently asked

Can I fix P0018 by simply resetting the code?

Clearing the code may turn off the light temporarily, but if the underlying issue (sensor, wiring, or timing) remains, the code will return.

Do I need to replace the PCM/ECM for this code?

In most cases no. The PCM is rarely the cause of a P0018. Replace it only after confirming that sensors, wiring, and timing are all functioning correctly.

Will a worn timing chain always cause P0018?

A worn or stretched timing chain can cause the correlation error, but it is one of several possible mechanical causes. Proper inspection is required to determine if the chain is the culprit.

Is it safe to drive with a P0018 code present?

Driving with a persistent P0018 can lead to reduced performance, higher emissions, and potential engine damage if timing is severely off. It is advisable to diagnose and repair the issue promptly.