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P0019: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)

P0019 means the engine computer sees the crankshaft and Bank 2 Sensor B camshaft signal out of sync. The most common fix is to inspect the timing chain/belt system and the cam or crank sensors, with typical independent-shop repairs ranging from about $150 for a sensor to $1,200 or more for timing work.

Severity
High
Can I drive?
Drive with caution
DIY?
Possible with some experience
Repair cost range
$80 – $1,800

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What does P0019 mean?

P0019 is a correlation code, which means the engine computer thinks the crankshaft and one camshaft are not lined up the way they should be. On most vehicles, Bank 2 is the side of the engine without cylinder 1, and Sensor B usually refers to the exhaust cam on that bank. This code can be set by a stretched timing chain, jumped timing, a failed cam or crank sensor, low oil pressure, or a problem with the variable valve timing system. Because the computer depends on these signals to control ignition and fuel timing, the engine may run poorly or may not start.

Common symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle
  • Hard starting
  • Loss of power
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Engine may stall or hesitate

Causes, fixes and costs

DashClue diagnosis

P0019: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)

General guide for most cars. Your car may differ.

Severity: HighDrive with caution

You may be able to drive short distances, but the engine can run badly, stall, or fail to start if the timing problem gets worse. Stop driving immediately if the engine starts knocking, loses a lot of power, stalls, or the check engine light flashes.

Most likely causes

  1. 1

    Stretched or jumped timing chain/beltHigh

    A worn chain, failed tensioner, or slipped belt often causes rough running, low power, hard starting, and a persistent P0019. This is more likely if the engine also rattles at startup or has high mileage.

    Quick check: Listen for rattling at startup and ask for a timing correlation test or inspection of chain/belt alignment marks.

  2. 2

    Failed camshaft position sensor on Bank 2 Sensor BMedium

    A bad sensor can send an incorrect cam signal and trigger P0019, especially if the engine still runs fairly smoothly but the light stays on. Intermittent stalling or a code that returns after clearing can point here.

    Quick check: Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for damage, then test or swap the sensor if the design allows.

  3. 3

    Variable valve timing actuator or oil control valve problemMedium

    If the exhaust cam phaser or its oil control valve sticks, the cam timing can drift far enough to set this code. This is more likely if the engine has dirty oil, wrong oil viscosity, or a history of oil change neglect.

    Quick check: Check oil level and condition first, then scan for related VVT codes and command the actuator if a scan tool is available.

  4. 4

    Low oil pressure or restricted oil flowLow

    The VVT system depends on clean oil pressure, so low oil level, sludge, or a clogged filter can cause cam timing errors. Symptoms often include ticking, cam timing codes, or problems that get worse when the engine is hot.

    Quick check: Verify the oil level and condition, and have oil pressure tested if the basic checks do not solve it.

Can you fix it yourself?

Possible with some experience

Difficulty: Moderate. Simple checks like the oil level, wiring connectors, and sensor inspection are DIY-friendly, but timing chain/belt or VVT diagnosis usually needs scan-tool data and mechanical inspection. If the chain or belt has slipped, ask the mechanic to check cam/crank timing, sensor data, and the VVT actuator before replacing parts.

Show the steps
  1. Check the oil level and condition
  2. Inspect the Bank 2 Sensor B cam sensor connector and wiring
  3. Clear the code and see if it returns quickly
  4. Look for startup rattling or other timing-noise symptoms
  5. Scan for related cam/crank/VVT codes
  6. If the code returns, have timing and sensor signals tested with a scan tool

Estimated repair cost

$150 – $300

Camshaft position sensor replacement: parts about $40-$120, labor about $110-$180

  • Oil change and engine oil flush/service$80 – $180
  • Variable valve timing oil control valve or actuator$250 – $700
  • Timing chain service or timing belt repair$800 – $1,800
  • Crankshaft position sensor replacement$150 – $350

Prices vary by engine layout, parts quality, and labor rate, and some vehicles need major disassembly to reach the timing components.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0019?

Short trips may be possible if the engine runs normally, but this code can turn into a no-start or a severe running problem. If the engine rattles, stalls, loses power, or the light flashes, stop driving.

What usually causes P0019 on most cars?

The most common cause is a timing chain or belt that has stretched or slipped, followed by cam sensor or VVT oil control problems. Dirty oil or low oil level can also trigger it.

Will P0019 clear itself?

It might go away temporarily if the problem is intermittent, but it usually comes back until the root cause is fixed. Clearing the code without repairs does not solve a timing correlation problem.

Is P0019 expensive to fix?

It can be cheap if the issue is a sensor, connector, or oil service. It gets expensive if the timing chain, tensioner, or cam phaser needs repair.

Can I diagnose P0019 at home?

You can check the oil, look for damaged wiring, and listen for timing noise. Anything beyond that usually needs scan data and sometimes engine timing inspection.

Related codes

  • P0018 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
  • P0017 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B)
  • P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
  • P0014 B Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced Or System Performance
  • P0013 B Camshaft Position - Actuator Circuit
  • P0010 A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit

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.