P0019 Code: Crankshaft/Camshaft Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)

Quick answer

• What the code means: The P0019 code means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft are out of sync.
• Severity: Get it inspected immediately. Driving with this code can lead to poor performance, increased emissions, and potential for severe, expensive engine damage. It is not recommended to keep driving.
• Most common cause: The most common cause for a P0019 code is low or dirty engine oil, or a failed camshaft variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid.

What the P0019 code means

The official OBD-II definition for P0019 is "Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor B)."

In plain English, this means your car's main computer (the PCM) has found a disagreement between two critical engine position sensors. Your engine has a crankshaft that spins and pistons that go up and down. It also has one or more camshafts that open and close the engine's valves to let air and fuel in and exhaust out. For your engine to run smoothly and efficiently, the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshafts must be perfectly synchronized. This timing is maintained by a timing belt or timing chain.

The PCM constantly monitors the position of the crankshaft and camshafts using position sensors. Code P0019 specifically points to a timing correlation problem between the crankshaft and the "B" camshaft on "Bank 2."

• Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder #1. This is typically the firewall side on a transverse-mounted V6 or the passenger's side on a longitudinally mounted V8.
• Sensor "B" refers to the exhaust camshaft. In engines with four camshafts (DOHC), there is an intake and an exhaust camshaft for each bank of cylinders.

When the PCM sees that the signal from the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft sensor doesn't match the signal from the crankshaft position sensor, it concludes they are out of sync and triggers the P0019 code and the Check Engine Light.

Common symptoms

When the camshaft and crankshaft are not synchronized, the engine cannot run properly. You will likely notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Check Engine Light is on
• Rough running or idling
• Difficulty starting the engine
• Engine stalling
• Reduced engine power and poor acceleration
• Increased fuel consumption
• Rattling noise from the engine on startup or while running
• Failed emissions test

Common causes

Here are the most common causes of a P0019 code, ranked from most likely to least likely:

1. Low or Dirty Engine Oil: Modern engines use pressurized oil to operate the variable valve timing (VVT) system, which adjusts camshaft timing. If the oil is low, sludgy, or the wrong viscosity, the VVT actuators (phasers) cannot adjust the camshaft position correctly.
2. Faulty Camshaft Oil Control Valve (VVT Solenoid): This solenoid directs oil flow to the cam phaser. If it gets clogged with sludge or fails electronically, it can't control the camshaft timing as commanded by the PCM.
3. Timing Chain/Belt Issues: A stretched timing chain, a worn timing chain tensioner or guide, or a jumped tooth on the timing belt/chain can physically alter the cam/crank timing.
4. Faulty Camshaft or Crankshaft Position Sensor: While less common than VVT issues, the sensors themselves can fail, sending inaccurate data to the PCM.
5. Failed VVT Cam Phaser: The phaser is a mechanical gear that actually rotates the camshaft. It can get clogged with sludge or fail mechanically, causing it to get stuck in one position.
6. Wiring or Connector Issues: Damaged wires or loose/corroded connectors leading to the camshaft position sensor or VVT solenoid can interrupt the signal.
7. PCM Issues: In very rare cases, the powertrain control module itself may be faulty.

How a technician diagnoses it

A technician will follow a systematic process to pinpoint the cause of the P0019 code.

1. Verify the Code: The first step is always to connect an OBD-II scan tool to verify that P0019 is present and to check for any other stored codes. Freeze frame data, which is a snapshot of engine parameters at the moment the code was set, is reviewed for clues.
2. Check Engine Oil: The technician will inspect the engine oil level and condition. Oil that is very low, dark, and sludgy points to a maintenance issue and is often the root cause. An oil and filter change may be recommended before further diagnostics.
3. Scan Tool Data Analysis: Using the scan tool's live data function, the technician will monitor the desired vs. actual camshaft position for the Bank 2 exhaust cam. A good reading shows the actual position closely tracking the desired position as engine speed changes. A bad reading will show a significant, persistent deviation, or the position may be stuck.
4. Inspect VVT Solenoid: The technician will locate the VVT solenoid for the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft. They will inspect its wiring and connector for damage. They may then remove the solenoid to check its screens for sludge or debris. Using the scan tool, they can command the solenoid on and off to see if it clicks and operates correctly. They may also apply direct power and ground to test it.
5. Inspect Camshaft and Crankshaft Sensors: The wiring to both the Bank 2 exhaust camshaft sensor and the crankshaft position sensor will be inspected. Their live data readings on the scan tool will be observed for any dropouts or erratic signals.
6. Check Timing Components: If the oil and VVT systems seem okay, the focus shifts to the base timing. This is a more involved step that may require removing valve covers or timing covers to physically inspect the timing chain, guides, and tensioners for slack, damage, or wear.
7. Isolate the Fault: By following these steps, the technician can accurately determine if the fault lies with the oil, a solenoid, a sensor, the wiring, or the underlying mechanical timing components, ensuring the correct repair is performed.

Typical repair cost

The cost to fix a P0019 code can vary widely depending on the underlying cause. All prices are estimates and will vary by vehicle and location.

• Oil and Filter Change: $50 - $120
• Camshaft or Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement: $150 - $400 (The sensor itself is often not expensive, but labor can be higher depending on its location.)
• VVT Solenoid (Oil Control Valve) Replacement: $200 - $500 (Parts and labor.)
• Timing Chain/Tensioner/Guides Replacement: $800 - $2,500+ (This is a labor-intensive job that often requires significant engine disassembly.)
• Cam Phaser Replacement: $600 - $1,500+ (Often done along with a timing chain job.)

Can I keep driving with this code?

It is strongly recommended that you do not continue driving with a P0019 code. While the car may still run, the incorrect timing can cause a number of problems. The engine will perform poorly and have higher emissions. More importantly, if the code is due to a stretched or failing timing chain, continued driving could cause the chain to break. This is a catastrophic failure that can cause pistons to hit valves, resulting in severe and often irreparable engine damage.

Get the vehicle diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent a much more expensive repair down the road.

Related codes

• P0018: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2 Sensor A - Intake)
• P0017: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B - Exhaust)
• P0016: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A - Intake)
• P0345: Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 2)
• P0365: Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit (Bank 2)

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