Guide To P0018 OBD Error Code Solutions

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Is your car engine stalling and not starting? Is there an increase in the fuel consumption? Have you lost the response from the engine with sudden downfall in acceleration? All these can be an indication towards P0018.

OBD-II Code P0018 is defined as a Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation

The crankshaft sensor is part of the primary ignition system and functions as the "trigger". It detects the position of the crankshaft and passes that information on to the PCM or the ignition module to control spark timing. The Camshaft position sensor detects the position of the camshafts and sends the information to the PCM. The PCM uses the CMP signal to identify the beginning of the injector sequence. What ties these two shafts and their sensors together is the timing belt or chain. The cam and crank should be precisely timed together. If the PCM detects that the crank and cam signals are out of time by a specific number of degrees, this DTC will set. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that doesn't contains cylinder #1, the "A" sensor is most likely the intake camshaft side.

What causes this problem with the Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation?

• There can be some misalignment in the chain or timing belt
• The timing chain might be stretched
• Wear may cause timing belt to skip a tooth
• Issues with the crankshaft or camshaft sensor
• Tone ring on crankshaft or camshaft might get broken or slipped
• Camshaft or crankshaft wiring can get damaged
• Damaged timing belt or chain tensioner
• Crankshaft balancer might be incorrectly torqued
• Mis-Timed Or Mis-Built Engine
• Crankshaft Balancer Bolt may be loose or missing
• Stuck open CMP Actuator
• The CMP actuator might be stuck in 0˚ Position
• There can be some issues with the VVT

1. Intake Manifold Actuator - Intake Manifold Actuator is an important car part which should never be neglected. May be there is some fault in it due to which P0018 code may start flashing.
2. Camshaft & Parts - P0018 code does not really end up spoiling your timing belt, but it might also accompany few camshaft & parts issues. We have best camshaft related parts with us.
3. Timing Chain - If everything is alright with ECM, then there is surely some defect in the timing chain. Get it replaced before the situation gets worse.
4. Timing Belt - Do you remember when was the last time you got your car timing belt checked up? A damaged timing belt can cause a lot of issues like displaying P0018 code.
5. Wiring Connectors - Damaged or worn out wiring hampers the functioning of the sensors and the circuits thus affecting the fuel delivery system. Thus, they are needed to be checked properly are replaced, if damaged.
6. Auto Switches & Sensors - Common causes behind that P0018 error code can be defective switches or faulty sensors. So, it will be a good decision to replace them now.
7. Powertrain Control Module - P0018 error code also relates to problems with the powertrain. If the PCM is damaged it needs replacement or reprogramming. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
8. Diagnostic Tool - In order to detect the error, one needs high grade diagnostic tools. Visit us today to buy quality tools and equipment.

You might be thinking that how would you diagnose these problems? We at Parts Avatar Canada would help you diagnose the major symptoms easily.

Common Symptoms

• The check engine light can start appearing
• There are chances that the engine can have a normal idle, but at the same time there would be a decrease in the power of acceleration
• The car engine may start running erratically, stall, hesitate or may start running roughly
• There would be an overall decrease in the fuel mileage and some other drivability problems may start occurring
• There would be a normal idle sound, but there would some reduction in the acceleration and power
• The engine may start showing rattle close to the harmonic balancer, this can damage the tone ring
• Decrease in the fuel mileage

• Check for problems with connections or wiring for the OCV and camshaft sensors
• Check the engine oil to make sure that the correct oil is being used
• Scan the engine codes and views the freeze frame data to see when the code was set
• Clear the codes and then road tests the vehicle, simulating the freeze frame failure to duplicate conditions of when the last failure occurred
• Turn the OCV on and off for the bank 2 camshaft and monitors the camshaft sensor for changes in the timing
• Perform the manufacturer’s tests for the P0018 code to pinpoint the cause of the code

However, if you face any of these issues then you can have a look at our wide range of auto parts. We have stocked a wide range of best priced replacement parts, ECM/PCM parts and a lot more to help you out in fixing your car.

If your vehicle is new enough that is still has powertrain warranty, please let the dealer perform the repairs.

• First, inspect the cam and crank sensors and their harnesses for damages, broken/frayed wires, and repair/replace accordingly. 
• If you have access to a scope, check the cam and crank patterns. If a pattern is missing, suspect a bad sensor or a slipping tone ring. Remove the cam gear and the crankshaft harmonic balancer and inspect the tone rings for proper alignment and make sure they're not lose or damaged or that they haven't sheared the key that aligns them. If they are properly installed, replace the sensor.
• If the signal appears normal, then check the timing chain/belt for proper alignment. If it's misaligned, check for a damaged tensioner that may have allowed the chain/belt to slip a tooth or several teeth. Also check that the belt/chain isn't stretched. Repair and recheck.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0018 Code

• Verify failure codes stored in the PCM before doing any repairs
• Do a proper visual inspection before replacing any parts
• Prevent misdiagnosis of perfectly operational parts
• Inspect for wiring and connection and replace worn out and damaged parts before replacing any parts