P0018
Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)P0018 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A). It is logged by the engine control unit when the ckp/cmp monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0018 means
P0018 — Crankshaft Position / Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2, Sensor A) — is set when the powertrain control module (PCM/ECM) detects that the camshaft position on Bank 2 (the engine bank that does not contain cylinder 1) is out of sync with the crankshaft position by more than the manufacturer's allowed threshold. Sensor A designates the intake camshaft on that bank.
The most frequent mechanical cause is a worn or stretched timing chain, failed tensioner, or skipped timing belt that allows the camshaft to slip relative to the crankshaft. On engines equipped with Variable Valve Timing (VVT/CVVT/VCT), a faulty oil-control solenoid, sludged oil passages, or low oil pressure can prevent the VVT actuator from holding the commanded cam angle.
P0018 is the Bank 2 mirror of P0016 (Bank 1 Sensor A). Because correct cam-to-crank phasing is essential for ignition and fuel-injection timing, the fault can cause hard starting, rough running, reduced power, and potential engine damage if left unaddressed.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0018 is logged.
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1
Worn, stretched, or jumped timing chain or belt
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2
Failed or weak timing chain tensioner or guides
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3
Faulty VVT/VCT oil-control solenoid on Bank 2 intake camshaft
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4
Stuck or seized VVT camshaft phaser/actuator
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5
Low engine oil level or incorrect oil viscosity causing inadequate VVT oil pressure
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6
Damaged or missing teeth on crankshaft or camshaft reluctor wheel
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7
Faulty camshaft position sensor (Bank 2 Sensor A) or crankshaft position sensor
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8
Open, shorted, or corroded wiring/connector in CMP or CKP sensor circuit
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0018
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Retrieve all stored DTCs and freeze-frame data; note if companion codes P0016, P0017, P0019, P0008, or P0009 are also present
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2
Inspect engine oil level and condition
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3
Perform a visual inspection of CMP sensor (Bank 2) and CKP sensor connectors
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4
Check CMP and CKP sensor operation with a scan tool or oscilloscope
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5
Test the VVT oil-control solenoid on Bank 2 for correct resistance and operation
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6
Inspect timing chain/belt tension, guides, and tensioner for wear
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7
If timing components show wear or the chain has jumped, replace timing chain kit
Related powertrain codes
- P000A — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000B — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 1
- P000C — A Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P000D — B Camshaft Position Slow Response Bank 2
- P0010 — A Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
- P0011 — A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0018 code?
Short distances at reduced speed may be possible, but driving is not recommended. If the fault is a jumped timing chain, continued driving risks serious engine damage.
Is P0018 the same as P0016?
They describe the same correlation fault but on different banks. P0016 is Bank 1 Sensor A; P0018 is Bank 2 Sensor A.
Will replacing the camshaft position sensor fix P0018?
Only if the sensor itself is faulty. The more common causes are mechanical or VVT system related.
Does low oil pressure cause P0018?
Yes, on engines with Variable Valve Timing. VVT phasers rely on engine oil pressure to advance or retard the camshaft.
Disabling P0018 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0018 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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