Q: Check Engine light coming on after timing belt replacement.

asked by on January 29, 2016

My car recently had a timing belt replaced. Afterward, the car started giving me an ECU error P0018, Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor A. The car runs, idles, and drives fine; however, the Check Engine light is coming on, the Traction Control Light is on, and the Cruise Control Light is blinking. problems?

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Adjust Ignition Timing $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. Fault P0018 after a timing belt replacement generally indicates that at least 1 cam is off timing, usually by one one tooth if the engine still runs well. The correlation fault is saying that the crankshaft position in comparison to the bank 2 cylinder head camshafts is not reading the same. The front cover will have to be removed and timing checked again. Because of this discrepancy, it is possible that this is the cause of the traction control being disabled along with the cruise control, it is simply a failsafe. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, inspect fault codes and adjust the ignition timing to make sure no problems arise in the future.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Rough transmission, is it broken?
The shifting on your transmission is computer controlled and you are not alone with harsh transmission shifting complaints. There are lots of owners that have the same or similar issues you are having. The manufacturer and its dealers have not...
Car stalling at stops
It sounds like the idle speed is below specifications. I recommend having a trained technician, such as one from YourMechanic, retrieve any stored codes found within the computer and have them perform diagnostics based on the malfunctions that the computer...
Radiator under pressure in cold engine and coolant disappearing.
You may have a clogged or pinched radiator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/radiator-replacement) which would cause the coolant to have a high pressure without relief. This would also make your car to overheat and cause the coolant to not circulate properly. I'd suggest having...
A/C not cooling in idle, only on high rpms
Hi there. This typically means that the fan itself has failed or there is a problem with the circuit. I usually start by checking for voltage supplied to the fan when the A/C is turned on. If there is voltage...
Car hesitates on startup, battery drain - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
Check the battery drain (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-diagnose-a-car-battery-drain_2) with an amp meter, removing fuses one circuit at a time to see which circuit is draining power. Once the bad circuit is isolated, diagnose further with a wiring diagram for the components and wiring...
Multiple misfire codes and hard shifting
Hello. I would start by doing a compression test (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-do-a-compression-test-by-robert-tomashek). From the codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau) you are getting to the way that is is running and the sound that you hear it sounds like you have a failed valve seat. When...
Make a clicking noise when accelerating from a dead stop then goes away.
Hi there. Without a little more information, the first things that come to mind are a faulty wheel bearing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement), a CV axle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement) that is going bad, a brake issue, or any number of other possible causes for the...
2005 pontiac g6 won't start unless I tap gas pedal and turn key to start at same time.. Also hesitates a bit while driving.
You may have a malfunctioning idle air control valve. By holding the throttle open manually by depressing the accelerator pedal, you are allowing enough air in for the car to start. If the fault is not the idle air control...
My car won't accelerate over 40 mph and check engine light is on
Hi there. In many cases, when you have an issue with the car accelerating and the check engine light comes on, it's caused by a mechanical problem with either a drive-system, fuel or ignition system component. The light is triggered...

Related articles

P2183 OBD-II Trouble Code: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 2 Circuit Range/Performance
What What the P2183 code means? P2183 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) #2 is out of range and performance does not correlate with ECT sensor #1. What...
P0760 OBD-II Trouble Code: Shift Solenoid C Malfunction
P0670 code means there has been an irregularity detected within shift solenoid C often due too hydraulic blockages or low transmission fluid.
P2605 OBD-II Trouble Code: Intake Air Heater A Circuit
P2605 code means voltage variations have triggered the Check Engine Light due to open or shorted wires or connectors, or faulty heater element.