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P0019

Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor B.

  • Generic
  • Powertrain
  • Generic code
  • High severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
0
Defined bySAE, the same on every car
0
AreaFuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
19
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0019 is the generic code for a correlation fault between the crankshaft position signal and the exhaust camshaft position signal (Sensor B) on Bank 2. The engine control unit compares the crankshaft and camshaft signals and found the camshaft timing out of the expected relationship. This usually points to timing that has jumped or stretched, a sensor or reluctor wheel problem, or a fault in the variable valve timing system. Which camshaft counts as Sensor B and the exact limits depend on the engine.

Symptoms

  • Engine warning light on
  • Hard starting or long cranking
  • Rough idle or misfire
  • Loss of power and poor acceleration
  • Engine running in limp mode
  • Increased fuel consumption

Possible causes

  • Stretched or worn timing chain, tensioner or guides, or a jumped timing belt or chain, giving incorrect cam timing on Bank 2likely
  • Faulty or sticking variable valve timing actuator or control solenoid on the Bank 2 exhaust camshaftlikely
  • Low, dirty or wrong-grade engine oil affecting the valve timing systemlikely
  • Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, or a damaged sensor signalpossible
  • Damaged wiring, connector or poor earth in the sensor circuitspossible
  • Damaged or incorrectly fitted reluctor or trigger wheel, or timing set up wrongly after previous workpossible
  • Outdated engine control unit software where the manufacturer has issued a correction for this faultrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting engine speed, temperature and load when the fault set; check for related cam timing or misfire codes.
  2. Check the engine oil level, condition and specification, and look for sludge or signs of missed servicing.
  3. Inspect the sensor wiring and connectors on both camshaft and crankshaft sensors for chafing, oil contamination, corrosion and loose pins.
  4. View live data for camshaft and crankshaft signals and the commanded against actual cam position, and compare Bank 2 with Bank 1.
  5. Test the variable valve timing solenoid for resistance and operation, and check its oil feed and filter screen where fitted, following the manufacturer's procedure.
  6. Check the sensors and reluctor wheels for damage, debris or looseness, and test the sensor signal with an oscilloscope.
  7. Check the mechanical timing against the manufacturer's marks, and measure chain stretch or listen for chain rattle on a cold start, as the procedure varies by engine.
  8. Check whether a software update is listed for the vehicle for this fault.

How to fix

  • Replace the timing chain, tensioners and guides, or the timing belt kit, and set the timing correctly to the manufacturer's procedure.
  • Replace the faulty variable valve timing solenoid or actuator and clean or replace its oil screen where applicable.
  • Change the oil and filter to the correct specification and correct any oil level or pressure problem.
  • Replace the faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor.
  • Repair damaged wiring or connectors, then clear the codes and road test to confirm the fault does not return.
  • Update the engine control unit software only if a manufacturer correction applies to this fault.

Can I keep driving?

High severity

Avoid driving until it has been checked, as incorrect timing can cause serious engine damage. If the engine runs smoothly and in the short term you must move it, keep the journey short and gentle, and have it inspected promptly.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.