Crankshaft Position - Exhaust Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2)
The P0019 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Crankshaft Position - Exhaust Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2). This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $50 - $1,500 (oil change vs. solenoid vs. timing chain)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Engine runs rough at idle
- Lack of power during acceleration
- Poor fuel economy
- Possible engine stalling
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Stretched timing chain on bank 2 Very High
- Low or contaminated engine oil High
- Failed exhaust VVT actuator solenoid (bank 2) High
- Worn timing chain tensioner or guides Moderate
- Defective exhaust camshaft position sensor (bank 2) Low
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0019 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2002-2008 Nissan 350Z/Altima/Maxima 3.5L VQ35DE hard DIY
Timing chain stretch between the intake and exhaust cam on Bank 2 is the root cause on VQ engines. The secondary chain and tensioner in the cylinder head wear out around 100K miles. Replacement requires head R&R. Verify with Techstream-style scan tool showing cam timing offset above 8 degrees.
Labor: 10-14 hours2005-2015 Nissan Frontier/Xterra/Pathfinder 4.0L VQ40 moderate DIY
On 4.0L V6 Frontier/Xterra/Pathfinder, P0019 commonly points to the Bank 2 exhaust cam sensor reluctor or a loose VVT sprocket bolt. Pull the valve cover and check for debris on the tone wheel. Replace cam sensor (Hitachi) and reset adaptives. Confirm the exact part for your year and engine with a retailer's fitment lookup or your VIN before ordering - these applications split by engine and build date.
Labor: 2-3 hours2004-2013 Infiniti G35/G37/M35 3.5L/3.7L moderate DIY
Low oil level or a clogged VVT solenoid screen will set P0019 on cold starts. Drop the oil pan, clean the pickup tube screen, and replace both bank VVT solenoids. Use Nissan Ester Oil 5W-30 or equivalent full synthetic -- conventional oil kills the phasers.
Labor: 3-4 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0019?
You can drive short distances at low speeds, but avoid heavy throttle. The engine timing is off on bank 2, which can cause reduced power and potentially lead to further engine damage if ignored.
What does bank 2 mean for P0019?
Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number 1. On V6 and V8 engines, this is typically the passenger side, though it varies by manufacturer.
Can a bad oil change cause P0019?
Using the wrong oil viscosity can trigger this code. If the oil is too thick or too thin for the VVT system specifications, it cannot properly control camshaft timing. Always use the manufacturer-recommended oil weight.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Verify engine oil level and condition. Dirty or low oil is a primary cause of VVT correlation faults. Perform an oil change if overdue.
-
Use a scan tool to read camshaft and crankshaft position correlation data on bank 2. Compare actual exhaust cam position to desired position.
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Test the bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid by measuring resistance (6-13 ohms typical) and applying 12V to verify plunger movement.
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Inspect timing chain condition by checking for excessive slack. A timing chain stretch test with a scan tool can measure chain elongation.
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Check the exhaust camshaft position sensor wiring and connector on bank 2 for damage, corrosion, or intermittent connections.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado (5.3L V8)
- 2004-2015 Nissan Titan (VK56DE)
- 2009-2017 Traverse/Acadia/Enclave (3.6L V6)
- 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX (3.6L V6)
- 2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca (3.6L H6)
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