Code P0018

Good evening,

This could be a loose timing chain from wear or it could be a crank sensor. When the cam and crank sensors are not together at top dead center, this is the result. Someone will need to check the chains to see if they need replacing.

Roy

# PIP3423K: DTC P0016 P0017 P0018 P0019 P0008 P0009 - (Mar 28, 2014)

Subject: DTC P0016 P0017 P0018 P0019 P0008 P0009 Models: 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS XTS 2004-2014 Cadillac CTS SRX 2004-2011 Cadillac STS 2005-2009 Buick Allure (Canada Only) 2005-2014 Buick Lacrosse 2008-2014 Buick Enclave 2007-2014 GMC Acadia 2010-2014 Chevrolet Camaro 2008-2014 Chevrolet Equinox 2012-2014 Chevrolet Impala 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu 2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse 2007-2009 Pontiac G6 2008-2009 Pontiac G8, Torrent 2007-2010 Saturn Aura, Outlook 2008-2010 Saturn Vue with 2.8L LP1, 2.8 LAU, 3.0 LF1, LFW 3.6L LY7, LLT, LFX engines

This PI was superseded to update models and model years. Please discard PIP3423J.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern

Vehicles with 2.8 LP1, 2.8 LAU, 3.0 LF1, 3.0 LFW, 3.6 LFX, 3.6 LLT, or 3.6 LY7 engines may exhibit two or more of the following DTCs: P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0008 or P0009.

Recommendation/Instructions

If the above concern is present, check for loose timing chains or tensioners.

If after following SI diagnostics the root cause is not found, the following may be helpful.

The reluctor for the crankshaft sensor pressed on the crankshaft may have moved.

Refer to attached photographs for exact location.

(It is possible on some applications to view this with a bore scope through the crank sensor hole without removing the oil pan)

If the reluctor has moved then replace crankshaft.

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1= The actual measurement of a good Reluctor wheel.

25 to 26 mm This measurement is from the end of the machined surface of the crankshaft throw to the edge of the open space in the reluctor. (Approximately 3 1/2 teeth)

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2 and 3 = Show a good reluctor next to a bad reluctor.

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Crankshaft with bad reluctor wheel.

Note:

The distance can be offset either clockwise or counter clockwise. Both will result in these codes.

Note:

The balance hole does not come into play when determining if the reluctor has slipped or not.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement

Removal Procedure

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1. Remove the exhaust manifold lower heat shield. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Lower Heat Shield Replacement See: Heat Shield, Exhaust > Removal and Replacement > Exhaust Manifold Lower Heat Shield Replacement.

2. Disconnect the engine wiring harness electrical connector (3) from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (4).

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3. Remove the crankshaft sensor bolt.