P0018: Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 2, sensor A)
The crankshaft and camshaft signals on bank 2 do not line up as they should; typically a stretched chain, the cam phaser or a sensor.
| Code | P0018 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P00xx, Air, fuel and emissions |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0018 means
The ECU checks that the crankshaft and camshaft always turn in step, using a sensor on each. This code appears when the position of one relative to the other drifts outside the allowed range, either through a mechanical timing problem or because a sensor is giving a wrong reading. Sensor A is usually on the intake camshaft and sensor B on the exhaust camshaft, depending on the manufacturer, and bank 2 is the side of the engine opposite cylinder 1 (only found on V or flat engines).
Most common causes
- Low or degraded oil leaving the cam phaser out of position
- Faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor, or a loose connector
- Sticking variable timing solenoid or phaser
- Stretched timing chain or belt, worn tensioner or jumped tooth
- Damaged or shifted reluctor ring (the toothed wheel the sensor reads)
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Hard or slow starting
- Lack of power and hesitation
- Chain rattle, especially from cold
- Engine stalling
Can you drive with P0018?
With care You can take the car to a garage calmly, but do not put it off: if the timing has jumped or keeps stretching, it can end up damaging the engine.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Listen to the engine on a cold start: a metallic rattle for a few seconds points to the chain or tensioner. If the scan tool also shows crankshaft or camshaft sensor codes, deal with those first.
How to read and clear P0018 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0018 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0014 Camshaft B timing over-advanced (bank 1)
- P0015 Camshaft B timing over-retarded (bank 1)
- P0016 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 1, sensor A)
- P0017 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 1, sensor B)
- P0019 Crankshaft and camshaft position mismatch (bank 2, sensor B)
- P001A The intake camshaft profile control circuit for A on bank 1 is open
- P001B Low signal in the control circuit of the variable profile of camshaft A
- P001C The intake camshaft profile control circuit signal for A on bank 1 is too high
- P0010 Camshaft A actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)
- P0011 Camshaft A timing over-advanced (bank 1)
- P0012 Camshaft A timing over-retarded (bank 1)
- P0013 Camshaft B actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Timing belt and chain.
What does code P0018 mean?
The ECU checks that the crankshaft and camshaft always turn in step, using a sensor on each. This code appears when the position of one relative to the other drifts outside the allowed range, either through a mechanical timing problem or because a sensor is giving a wrong reading. Sensor A is usually on the intake camshaft and sensor B on the exhaust camshaft, depending on the manufacturer, and bank 2 is the side of the engine opposite cylinder 1 (only found on V or flat engines).
Can you drive with P0018?
You can take the car to a garage calmly, but do not put it off: if the timing has jumped or keeps stretching, it can end up damaging the engine.
How do you clear P0018?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0018 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
