Minimize driving until the Bank 2 timing chain is checked. P0018 means the crankshaft position and the Bank 2 intake camshaft position are out of sync beyond spec. It appears only on V6 and V8 engines (which have a Bank 2), and like the other correlation codes it often points to timing chain wear, a VVT problem, or a sensor fault.
What P0018 means
The ECM compares the crankshaft signal with the Bank 2 intake (“A”) camshaft signal. When the learned correlation drifts outside the allowed range across driving cycles, it sets P0018. Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not contain cylinder number 1. The most damaging cause is a timing chain on that bank that has stretched or jumped a tooth, but a stuck VVT phaser, a failing cam/crank sensor, or a damaged tone ring can create the same mismatch.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or misfire feel
- Hard start or long cranking
- Power loss
- Chain rattle on cold start
- Stalling in severe cases
Common causes
- Stretched Bank 2 timing chain or worn guides/tensioner
- VVT intake phaser on Bank 2 stuck off its commanded position
- Faulty Bank 2 camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
- Damaged reluctor/tone ring
- Low oil pressure or sludge affecting the phaser and tensioner
- Wiring or connector faults
Severity & driving advice
Severity: High — As with the other cam/crank correlation codes, a jumped or breaking chain can cause serious engine damage, so treat a persistent P0018 as urgent.
Can I drive? Minimize driving until the Bank 2 timing chain is checked.
Diagnostic approach
- Check oil level and condition — The tensioner and phaser depend on oil pressure; rule out low or sludged oil before anything else.
- Scan for related correlation/VVT codes — Codes on both banks or multiple cams help pinpoint whether it's a sensor, phaser, or chain issue.
- Verify Bank 2 cam and crank sensor signals — Check that both sensors and their reluctor rings and connectors are intact.
- Assess timing chain stretch on Bank 2 — Compare cam-to-crank alignment or live data; a one-tooth shift is the classic trigger on worn chains.
- Test the Bank 2 VVT solenoid/phaser — Command the solenoid and confirm actual cam timing responds to rule out a stuck phaser.
- Limit driving if chain wear is suspected — On interference V-engines a jumped chain can bend valves, so confirm chain integrity first.
Make & model notes
Toyota: Only V6/V8 engines set P0018 because it references Bank 2. On the 2GR-FE V6 (Camry V6, Highlander, 4Runner, Sienna) the correlation monitor checks VVT learned values at idle after warm-up.
Ford / GM: Bank 2 chains on V6 and V8 engines commonly stretch with age and deferred oil changes, setting P0018/P0019.
FAQ
Can I drive with P0018?
Keep driving to a minimum until the timing chain is confirmed good, because a jumped chain can damage valves on interference engines.
Which side is Bank 2?
Bank 2 is the cylinder bank that does not include cylinder number 1. Your repair information will identify which physical side that is on your engine.
Is P0018 the timing chain?
It's the most serious possibility and must be ruled out, but VVT phasers and cam/crank sensors can also cause it.
Why do only V6/V8 engines get P0018?
Because inline four-cylinder engines have a single bank (Bank 1). Bank 2 only exists on V-configuration or flat engines.