P0018 — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)
High severityWhat it means
P0018 is stored when the engine control unit sees a fault involving the crankshaft-to-camshaft position correlation on bank 2. The control unit compares the crankshaft and camshaft signals to confirm the engine is mechanically in time; a correlation fault means the two no longer agree.
Common symptoms
- Hard starting or long cranking
- Rattle on start-up
- Power loss, rough running or stalling
Likely causes
- A stretched or jumped timing chain/belt
- A stuck camshaft phaser or a worn tone ring
What to check first
- Verify timing-chain/belt condition and stretch
- Check the cam and crank sensor signals and wiring
Can you keep driving?
Take it seriously — a jumped or stretched chain can cause major engine damage; avoid driving until checked.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of P0018?
The most likely cause is: A stretched or jumped timing chain/belt. Several other faults can set P0018 as well, so confirm the real cause with live data and the checks above before replacing any parts.
Can I just clear P0018 and keep driving?
Clearing P0018 with an OBD2 scanner turns the warning light off, but if the underlying fault has not been repaired the code will usually come back within a few drive cycles. Fix the cause first, then clear the code to confirm the repair worked.
How serious is P0018?
P0018 is a high-severity code. Diagnose and repair it as soon as possible, because continuing to drive can cause further damage or leave you stranded.
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