Fix P0018: Mechanic’s solutions that WORKED

The P0018: Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A) indicates a problem with the timing relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft on Bank 2 of the engine. This condition can be caused by various factors, including a misaligned timing chain or belt, faulty sensors, or problems with the engine’s variable valve timing system.

P0018 quick overview

Meaning	P0018: Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
Is it serious?	Yes, this code is serious as it may lead to poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption, or engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Possible causes	– Timing chain or belt misalignment – Faulty camshaft position (CMP) sensor – Malfunctioning crankshaft position (CKP) sensor – Stretched timing chain or worn timing components – Engine oil issues, including low level or incorrect viscosity – Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoid or actuator failure
How to diagnose?	Inspect Timing Components: Check the alignment of the timing chain or belt. Test Sensors: Test the CMP and CKP sensors for proper operation. Evaluate Engine Oil: Check the oil level and viscosity. Scan for Additional Codes: Look for other codes that may indicate related issues. Monitor Sensor Data: Use a scan tool to compare the real-time data of the CMP and CKP sensors. Check VVT System: Inspect the VVT solenoid and actuator for proper function. Visual Inspection: Look for signs of wear or damage on timing components.

How to fix P0018 – learn from mechanics

I looked into P0018 service cases at iatn.com website where in the private forums the mechanics seek advice from other mechanics. I looked up a bunch of cases to help you decide how to fix your issue and see what would a real mechanic do to solve it.

Case #1: Subaru

Vehicle Information: 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited 3.0L

Issue + Repair History:

• Codes P0011 and P0021 indicated camshaft position timing over-advance for both banks.
• Reported spark knock under hard acceleration and MIL illuminating after three drive cycles.
• Additional codes P0016 and P0018 appeared with extended driving.
• Underwent multiple oil changes and flushes, replacement of both banjo bolts with filters, and testing of all four solenoids.
• Previously diagnosed at a local Subaru dealer, suggesting a faulty left solenoid.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check if the timing chain has jumped.
• Test oil pressure and inspect chain tension.
• Ensure correct oil viscosity is being used.
• Consider possible slack in the timing chains and check compression.

Final Fix:

• Resolved by disassembling timing components and finding a missing bushing in the lower idler gear, causing chain tension loss. After addressing this, the problem was fixed.

Case #2: Hyundai

Vehicle Information: 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 2.7L

Issue + Repair History:

• Check engine light on with codes P0016 and P0018 for CKP-CMP correlation issues.
• Vehicle has 55,078 miles and clean 5W-20 oil.
• Experienced extremely cold temperatures, dropping to -20 degrees.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check if the timing belt has jumped a tooth or if the hydraulic tensioner is weak.
• Scope sensors to check for clean patterns.
• Verify if the model has updated actuator/phaser for these specific codes.
• Consider the possibility of the timing belt jumping due to cold weather affecting the tensioner.
• Investigate if the Oil Control Valve (OCV) solenoids are causing the issue.
• Ensure a factory oil filter is used and retest.
• Graph “desired” and “actual” cam positions at idle to check for timing issues or sluggish response, indicating oil pressure/flow problems.

Final Fix:

• Discovered the front and rear cams were off by two teeth each.
• The timing belt tensioner was fully extended, suggesting the belt was stretched.
• Replacing the timing belt resolved the issue.

Case #3: Land Rover

Vehicle Information: 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged 5.0L

Issue + Repair History:

• Check engine light on with codes P0016 and P0018 indicating issues with Bank 1 and Bank 2 intake cam timing.
• Recent work performed at another shop, including replacement of timing chains, guides, tensioners, actuators, and valve job.
• Despite using factory parts and tools, the engine sets codes immediately upon starting.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Consensus among responses is that the timing is likely off. This is a common error that occurs even when the technician is confident in their work.
• Suggestion to take apart the engine again to verify and correct timing.
• Recommendations to perform a cylinder pressure waveform test and check idle vacuum to confirm if the timing is indeed off.

Final Fix:

• Upon re-inspection, it was found that the chains were off by one tooth due to not taking all the slack out during the installation.
• Correcting the timing chain alignment resolved the issue.

Case #4: Jeep

Vehicle Information: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6L

Issue + Repair History:

• The vehicle displayed code P0018 for camshaft position correlation.
• Previous work at another shop included replacing the left intake and exhaust camshaft phaser, timing chain, guides, tensioners.
• Despite the work, the P0018 code persisted.
• The vehicle was disassembled and rechecked for timing, which appeared correct.
• Crank/Cam relearn was performed but did not resolve the issue.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check for oil plugs that may be loose or fallen out.
• Consider issues with oil pressure to the phaser, potentially due to loose galley bolts.
• Suggestions to replace or test the exhaust camshaft for defects.
• Verify oil supply to phasers and check if aftermarket oil filters are causing issues.

Final Fix:

• The solution involved replacing the exhaust camshaft, which resolved the problem.

Case #5: Toyota

Vehicle Information: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited 5.7L

Issue + Repair History:

• The vehicle displayed the P0018 code (Bank 2 intake cam to crank correlation).
• Oil level and condition were good, and the engine was running smoothly.
• Possibilities included a jumped timing chain or a PCM issue, but these were unlikely due to the engine’s good condition.
• Swapped cam sensors between intake and exhaust on bank 2, but no change in code.
• Code would not return until after 4-5 drive cycles.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Swap the oil control valves and test drive.
• Check with a scope or consider pulling the timing chain cover.
• Scope the crank and cam sensors simultaneously and compare with a known good waveform.
• Suggestion to add Marvel Mystery Oil to the engine oil and idle, then change oil and filter.
• Consider the possibility of a sticking cam actuator or solenoid.

Final Fix:

• Swapping the actuator solenoids led to the disappearance of the problem.
• A different issue with the air injection valve emerged, leading to a dealer visit for warranty repairs.
• The original P0018 code did not return, resolving the initial issue.

You can also check P0016. as it commonly companies the P0018.

Advice	Description of Diagnostic Step
Check Timing Chain or Belt	Verify if the timing chain or belt is correctly aligned; a misalignment can cause the code.
Inspect Camshaft Actuators/Solenoids	Evaluate the condition and operation of camshaft actuators or solenoids; they may be sticking or malfunctioning.
Use a Scope on Sensors	Scope the crank and cam sensors simultaneously for proper correlation.
Inspect Oil Control Valves	Check the oil control valves, which might be causing the issue; consider swapping them.
Consider PCM Issue	Evaluate if the PCM is processing information correctly, as it could be a rare cause.
Perform a Smoke Test	Conduct a smoke test to check for any vacuum leaks that could lead to the code.
Evaluate Fuel Trim Data	Monitor fuel trim data for indications of lean or rich conditions that could trigger the code.
Check Engine Oil Quality	Ensure the engine oil is of the correct type and quality; poor oil can affect engine performance and sensor readings.
Look for Related TSBs	Search for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to the specific code and vehicle model.