P0018: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
P0018 means the engine computer sees a mismatch between crankshaft and camshaft timing on Bank 2, usually from a stretched timing chain or an oil flow problem affecting the cam phaser. The most common repair is fixing the timing components or the oil control issue, typically costing about $300 to $1,500, with major timing repairs sometimes higher.
- Severity
- High
- Can I drive?
- Drive with caution
- DIY?
- Possible with some experience
- Repair cost range
- $70 – $2,500
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What does P0018 mean?
This code sets when the crankshaft and the Bank 2 intake camshaft are not lined up the way the engine computer expects. The crankshaft and camshaft must stay synchronized so the valves open and close at the right time. If the timing chain stretches, a timing belt slips, the cam phaser sticks, or oil pressure is wrong, the computer can detect a correlation problem. Low oil level, dirty oil, or a failed cam/crank sensor can also contribute, but the timing system is usually the first place to look.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Hard starting
- Loss of power when accelerating
- Bad gas mileage
- Engine may run rough or stall
Causes, fixes and costs
P0018: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
General guide for most cars. Your car may differ.
If ignored, the engine can run poorly, lose power, or stall, and timing-related problems can become expensive quickly. Stop driving if the engine is knocking, stalling often, misfiring badly, or the check engine light is flashing.
Most likely causes
- 1
Stretched timing chain or slipped timing beltHigh
A rough idle, poor power, hard starting, or a recent sudden change in drivability often points to a mechanical timing problem. This is the most common cause when the engine still runs but the cam and crank are no longer aligned correctly.
Quick check: Listen for chain rattle at startup and ask for a scan-tool cam/crank correlation test and timing inspection.
- 2
Stuck or failed cam phaser / variable valve timing actuatorHigh
If the code comes with rough idle, hesitation, or noise at startup, the Bank 2 cam phaser may not be moving to the commanded position. Oil-related problems often make this more likely.
Quick check: Check oil level and condition, then have the commanded versus actual cam timing tested with a scan tool.
- 3
Low oil level, dirty oil, or clogged oil passagesMedium
These issues can keep the cam phaser from operating correctly and may trigger the code along with rough running or startup noise. The problem is more likely if the oil is overdue, low, or sludged.
Quick check: Verify the oil level first and inspect when the last oil change was done; look for thick, dirty, or very low oil.
- 4
Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor / wiring issueLow
An intermittent check engine light, no obvious mechanical noise, or a code that returns after sensor work can point to an electrical signal problem instead of a timing issue. This is less common than mechanical timing trouble.
Quick check: Inspect sensor connectors and wiring for damage, and compare live sensor data for dropouts or implausible readings.
Can you fix it yourself?
Possible with some experience
Difficulty: Hard. Basic checks like oil level, oil condition, and visible wiring are DIY-friendly, but diagnosing true crank/cam correlation usually needs a scan tool and sometimes mechanical timing inspection. If the timing chain, belt, or cam phaser is involved, expect special tools and ask the shop to verify timing alignment and oil pressure before replacing parts.
Show the stepsHide the steps
- Check the engine oil level and top it off if low
- Inspect the oil for heavy sludge or very dirty condition
- Look for damaged connectors or wiring at the crank and cam sensors
- Scan for related codes and note any startup rattle or rough-running symptoms
- Have cam/crank correlation and timing alignment tested if the code returns
Estimated repair cost
$70 – $140
Oil and filter service: parts and labor; helps if dirty or low oil is the trigger
- Camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor$120 – $280
- Cam phaser / variable valve timing actuator$350 – $900
- Timing chain or timing belt repair$900 – $2,500
- Wiring repair or connector replacement$100 – $400
Prices vary by engine design, parts quality, and labor rates in your area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0018?
Usually you can drive only a short distance for diagnosis, but it is not a code to ignore. If the engine is misfiring, stalling, making timing-chain noise, or the light is flashing, stop driving.
Will P0018 clear itself?
It may go away temporarily if the problem is intermittent, but the underlying issue usually remains. If the code returns, the engine timing or oil control problem still needs attention.
Is P0018 caused by bad oil?
Yes, low, dirty, or wrong-viscosity oil can cause this code on many vehicles. Oil problems can keep the cam phaser from moving correctly or speed up timing component wear.
Can a bad sensor cause P0018?
Yes, but it is less common than a timing or oil-control problem. The sensor and wiring should be checked if the mechanical timing and oil system test okay.
Will P0018 fail emissions or inspection?
In many states, yes, because the check engine light is on and the engine system is not working correctly. The vehicle usually needs the problem fixed and the code cleared before it will pass.
Related codes
- P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
- P0017 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
- P0019 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)
- P0010 A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit
- P0011 A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance
- P0014 B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance
Related problems
This guide covers most cars and is general advice, not an inspection. Prices are typical US independent-shop ranges and vary by region, car and shop. If your brakes, steering or a warning light feel unsafe, stop driving and contact a mechanic.