P0019 Code – What Does It Mean & How To Fix It

This is one of the most frequent OBD2 trouble codes. Read the full article below to know what it means, how to fix it, and what other codes may show related to it.

Causes

There are several potential causes for the P0019 DTC code, including:

• Camshaft position sensor malfunction
• Crankshaft position sensor malfunction
• Difficulties with the timing belt or chain
• Problems with the circuit for the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors
• Defective or failed PCM

It is important to note that the specific cause of the P0019 code will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the year and engine type. Therefore, it is essential to have a professional mechanic diagnose the issue to determine the root cause and perform the necessary repairs.

In conclusion, the P0019 DTC code denotes a problem with the alignment of bank 2's crankshaft and exhaust camshaft locations. This may be brought on by a number of things, such as defective sensors, difficulties with the timing belt or chain, electrical issues, or a bad PCM. To save the engine from suffering more damage, it is essential to have the problem quickly recognized and fixed.

Symptoms

The P0019 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is logged by a vehicle's primary computer when it notices an issue with the correlation between the crankshaft and camshaft positions. Following are some signs that a P0019 DTC may be present in a vehicle:

• Illuminated Check Engine Light: The most common symptom of a P0019 DTC is an illuminated check engine light on the dashboard. This light may be accompanied by other warning lights, such as the engine oil pressure warning light or the engine coolant temperature warning light.
• Engine Stumbling or Hesitation During Acceleration: If the camshaft and crankshaft positions are not correctly connected, the engine may stumble or hesitate when accelerating. This can make it risky to accelerate smoothly in some driving circumstances, including while turning onto a freeway.
• Rough Idle: A P0019 DTC can also cause the engine to run rough or erratically at idle. This can be felt as vibration or shaking in the vehicle and can be accompanied by a loud or unusual exhaust note.
• Failure to Start: In some cases, a P0019 DTC can prevent the engine from starting at all. This is because the camshaft and crankshaft positions must be properly synchronized for the engine to start and run.
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency: When the engine is not running properly due to a P0019 DTC, it may consume more fuel than usual. This can result in reduced fuel efficiency and increased costs for the driver.

If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a P0019 DTC can lead to further damage to the engine and other components of the vehicle.

Diagnosis

Tools Required

The following equipment will be required to identify and test the P0019 DTC code:

• OBD-II scanner 
• Digital Multimeter 
• Camshaft position sensor (CMP) tester (optional)

Steps for Diagnosis

The following actions should be followed in order to diagnose and test for a P0019 DTC code:

1. Retrieve any stored codes, including P0019, by connecting the OBD-II scanner to the car.
2. Check the wiring and connections for any rust or obvious damage.
3. If one is available, use a digital multimeter or CMP tester to test the camshaft position sensor (CMP).
4. Verify the tension and proper alignment of the timing belt or chain.
5. Check the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) for correct positioning and functionality.
6. Verify the camshaft phaser's alignment and correct operation.
7. Check the condition and level of the engine oil, since low or contaminated oil might interfere with the camshaft phaser's functionality.

If any issues are found during the diagnosis and testing process, repairs should be made accordingly. It may be necessary to replace the camshaft position sensor, timing chain or belt, crankshaft position sensor, or camshaft phaser. Additionally, the engine oil should be changed and maintained at the proper level and condition to prevent future issues.

It is important to note that a P0019 DTC code can have multiple causes, and proper diagnosis and testing are necessary to determine the specific issue and make the appropriate repairs.

Common mistakes

• Neglecting Oil Maintenance: Insufficient or contaminated engine oil can affect the VVT system's performance and trigger the P0019 code. Maintaining regular oil changes, as recommended by vehicle manufacturers, shall be crucial in order to ensure that the correct viscosity and quality are maintained. Unnecessary repairs and problems can occur if you neglect the maintenance of your oil.
• Ignoring Other Related Codes: The P0019 code is often accompanied by other related codes, such as P0016 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor "A"). Car owners sometimes focus solely on the P0019 code while overlooking these related codes. The diagnostic process can be slowed down and the underlying problem may not be resolved if there is a failure to comply with related codes.
• I assume it is a sensor problem: although the P0019 code may be caused by defective sensors, they are not always the most likely cause. This code may also be triggered by additional factors, such as the distension of the timing belts, incorrect VVT solenoids, or mechanical problems with the timing chain. In order to properly assess and solve this problem, it is important to have a complete diagnosis.

How serious is this?

The severity of a P0019 code shall be different according to the factors listed below, e.g. cause, extent, and specific vehicle model. If you ignore the P0019 code and continue to drive with it, it may result in reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, or possible engine damage. In the interest of preventing any additional complications, this question should be dealt with as soon as possible.

What repairs can fix the codes?

When faced with a P0019 DTC code, it is important to address the issue promptly to avoid potential internal engine damage. Here are some possible solutions and preventive measures that can be taken to resolve the issue:

Possible Solutions

 The following are some possible solutions to fix a P0019 DTC code:

• Check the camshaft and crankshaft sensors for proper alignment and function. If they are not aligned, they may need to be replaced.
• Check the timing belt or chain for proper alignment and tension. If it is loose or worn, it may need to be replaced.
• Check the oil pressure and level. Low oil pressure or level can cause the camshaft and crankshaft to become out of sync, resulting in a P0019 DTC code.
• Check the wiring and connectors for any damage or corrosion. Repair or replace as necessary.

Preventive Measures

To prevent a P0019 DTC code from occurring in the future, here are some preventive measures that can be taken:

• Regularly change the oil and oil filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 
• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for the vehicle, including timing belt or chain replacement.
• Avoid driving the vehicle aggressively or overloading it, as this can cause excessive wear and tear on the engine components. 
• Keep the engine clean and free of debris to prevent damage to sensors and other components.

By following these possible solutions and preventive measures, it is possible to resolve a P0019 DTC code and prevent it from occurring in the future. It is important to address the issue promptly to avoid potential internal engine damage.

Related codes

For example, the code P0019 is sometimes accompanied by other codes with similar names and provides useful information on the underlying problem. There are a few common underlying codes as well, including:

• P0016: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor "A"
• P0017: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor "
• P0018: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor "A"

In order to identify possible problems with both banks of the engine, this type of code could be taken into account by the diagnosis process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the bank 2 sensor B's bank 2 DTC code P0019 denotes an issue with the correlation between the crankshaft and camshaft positions. The central computer of the car often sets off this code when it detects a mismatch between the signals coming from the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors.

The P0019 error code may also be accompanied by a number of symptoms, such as an illuminated check engine light, decreased engine performance, cranking but not starting, and rattling sounds close to the harmonic balancer. The timing chain, wiring, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, and other components may all be to blame for the code.

To prevent any internal engine damage, it's crucial to fix the P0019 code right away. The code's precise cause should be determined by a mechanic, who should also perform any required repairs. In order to avoid problems that might result in the P0019 code and other DTCs, it is also crucial to undertake routine maintenance on the vehicle.

In general, knowing what the P0019 code means and its possible causes may help car owners find problems with their cars quickly and effectively.