Code Definition

P0018 — Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A)

System: Powertrain  |  Type: Generic (OBD-II Standard)  |  Make: Generic

About P0018

P0018 is a generic (obd-ii standard) powertrain diagnostic trouble code. It belongs to the P-prefix family of codes, which covers engine, transmission, emissions, or fuel-system faults.

When P0018 is stored, the module has detected a correlation fault — two sensors that should track each other have diverged beyond tolerance; a bank-specific fault, meaning it applies only to one cylinder bank of a multi-bank engine; and a sensor-related fault — the reported value from the named sensor is out of spec.

Scanning & clearing: A generic OBD-II scan tool will usually read and clear powertrain (P) codes. For live data, freeze-frame capture, and bi-directional tests you may need a more capable scan tool that supports the vehicle's ECM protocol.

Because P0018 is a generic OBD-II code, its base definition is shared across manufacturers. The specific diagnostic steps, reference values, and repair procedures can vary by vehicle, and the TaT Diagnostic Assistant includes verified procedures submitted by working technicians.

Code Information

The Engine Control Module (ECM) continuously compares the signal pattern from the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor against the Bank 2 Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor A to verify that valve timing is correctly phased relative to crankshaft rotation. DTC P0018 is set when the correlation between these two signals falls outside the expected window, indicating that Bank 2 intake camshaft timing is mechanically out of phase, the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) actuator is not responding to ECM commands, or one of the timing sensors is sending an incorrect or missing signal. On modern engines the intake ...

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