Bank 2 intake cam out of sync with crank.
P0018 — also written POO18, P 0018, 0018 — is the OBD-II code for crankshaft / camshaft correlation (bank 2 sensor a). Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.
This code means the Bank 2 intake cam and the crankshaft aren't 'talking' to each other correctly. On the UK's many V6 engines, it's usually a sign that the timing chain has stretched or a VVT solenoid is choked with old oil.
P0018 is a engine fault code, typically costing £400–£2200 to put right in a UK garage.
What P0018 actually feels like to drive
- The engine light is on and it feels gutless when you're pulling out of a junction.
- A nasty rattling sound from the engine bay for 2 seconds right after a cold start.
- Rough idling that feels like the car is about to stall at the traffic lights.
- The car 'hunts' for revs when you're cruising at a steady 50mph.
- Poor fuel economy—you'll notice you're getting 5-7mpg less than usual.
What causes P0018?
- Timing chain wear
- Sensor failure
UK vehicles that throw P0018 most often
- Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 (2009-2015)
- Audi A6 3.0 TDI (C6/C7 generation) with the 24-valve head
- Porsche Macan 3.0 V6 (S Petrol and Diesel variants)
- Vauxhall Insignia 2.8 V6 Turbo (A18/A20 codes)
- Mercedes-Benz ML350 / E350 (M272 / M276 engines)
- Jaguar XF 3.0d (2008-2016)
How P0018 is fixed
- Timing chain renewal
- Sensor swap
The P0018 misdiagnosis that wastes money
Most lads see this and immediately Chuck a sensor at it because it’s a ten-minute job. I’ve seen dozens of Range Rovers come in with brand new Delphi sensors and the same P0018 code. The real culprit on these high-mileage V6s and V8s is usually the oil control valve (OCV) getting gummed up with thick, black sludge because the owner skipped a few services, or worse, the timing chain has stretched just enough to throw the timing out by a few degrees. Don't waste £80 on a sensor until you've checked the oil pressure and the state of the VVT solenoids.
What a UK garage should charge for P0018
You're looking at a huge range here. For a simple VVT solenoid or a sensor, you might get away with £250-£400 using Bosch or Febi parts. But if it's the timing chain on a Range Rover or an Audi V6, you're looking at £1,800 to £2,500 because it’s an engine-out or injectors-out job. A main dealer will likely quote you £3,500+ for the same work. Always factor in about £150 for a full diagnostic scan and a manual oil pressure test before committing to the big stuff.
P0018 repair cost in the UK
Most P0018 repairs land between £400–£2200 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.
Bob's tip on P0018
If you're taking this to a garage, ask them to 'scope the crank and cam signals' before they start stripping the engine. A proper tech with a PicoScope can see the waveform overlap; if they don't know what that means, walk away. Also, check your oil level on the dipstick right now. If it’s bone dry or looks like liquid coal, that’s your problem. These VVT systems rely on hydraulic oil pressure to phase the cams—if the oil is thick or low, the cam won't park properly and it'll trigger the P0018. A £60 oil flush and fresh 5w30 can sometimes save you a £1,500 bill.
Can you drive with P0018?
Stop driving.
Urgency: high.