P0019 on Chevrolet: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 2 Sensor B
4 Chevrolet models · 4 documented issues · 4 critical · $1,500-$3,500 repair
P0019 on Chevrolet by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 3.6L high-feature V6 offered in the 2008-2012 Malibu — the LY7 for all of those years — uses three chains and plastic-faced tensioner shoes. The original chain and tensioner design wears prematurely, aggravated by GM's oil-life-monitor service intervals that let owners run 10,000+ miles on degraded oil. As the guides wear the chain goes slack, cam timing drifts out of the correlation window, and the ECM sets P0008 or P0016-P0019. Left alone the chain can skip a tooth on a cold start and the pistons will contact the valves. This is a different failure from the 2.4L four-cylinder chain issue: the V6 is a three-chain, rear-of-block-access design, the labor is far heavier, and the symptom onset is a rattle on cold start rather than the 2.4's oil-consumption-driven wear.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle from the engine for a few seconds on cold start
- Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes
- Rough idle or reduced power
- Loss of power under acceleration
- Engine cranks but will not start after a jumped chain
How to Fix
Replace all three timing chains, both cam phasers if worn, all guides and the tensioners with the updated GM part numbers — a partial repair almost always comes back. Verify actual oil consumption and shorten the oil change interval to roughly 5,000 miles with the correct dexos-spec oil to protect the new parts. There is no recall and no GM special coverage for the Malibu 3.6L chain, so this is a customer-pay repair; expect $1,800-$3,200 at a shop. Do not keep driving a car that is setting correlation codes — a jumped chain on this engine is an interference event.
Sources for this issue (4)
Worn (stretched) timing chains on the 3.6L High Feature V6 can set DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 and/or P0019, and GM released timing chain service kits for the repair. Applies to: 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L LLT V6 (GM bulletin 12-06-01-009F also lists other GM High Feature V6 models). GM's bulletin does not list 2013-2017 Traverse models.
Common Symptoms
- Cam/crank correlation DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019
How to Fix
A technician confirms the codes and chain wear, then installs GM's timing chain service kit. GM's bulletin says idler sprockets, camshaft actuator gears, the crankshaft driven gear and the chain guides should not be replaced for a stretched chain unless a guide's wear surface is worn into the base material; it also calls for a PCV service on 2009-2011 Traverses and the latest Oil Life Monitor calibration. Normal warranty rules apply; this is not a recall or a promise of free repair. For vehicles built before June 5, 2009, the bulletin also requires checking the camshaft saddle-cap design and adding specified thrust washers where absent. The technician checks the complete year-specific parts, seals, PCV work and calibration instructions; a generic timing-kit shopping list is not sufficient.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 3.6L direct-injected V6 used in fifth-generation Camaro is known for timing chain wear/stretch that can trigger cam/crank correlation faults, rough running, and reduced performance. GM issued service information and special coverage on related 3.6L timing chain concerns across multiple applications, and Camaro owners have documented the same issue in forums and complaints. Poor oil maintenance tends to accelerate wear because chain life is sensitive to lubrication quality and oil change intervals.
Common Symptoms
- check engine light
- rough idle
- reduced power
- hard starting
- rattle on startup
- poor fuel economy
How to Fix
Scan for correlation codes and compare camshaft actual vs. desired timing data before teardown. If chain stretch is confirmed, the correct repair is replacement of the primary/secondary chains, guides, tensioners, and often phaser-related hardware per service procedure; an oil service and verification of proper oil level/condition are also important. Updating maintenance habits after repair is critical to avoid repeat wear.
Sources for this issue (1)
GM's high-feature V6 in the Equinox suffers premature timing-chain stretch, distinct from the covered 2.4L chain issue. Worn chains/guides/tensioners throw off cam-to-crank timing, setting P0008/P0009 (engine position performance) and P0016-P0019 (crank/cam correlation). The classic symptom is a rattle or chain-slap on cold start from the front/passenger side of the engine. Long oil-change intervals and low oil accelerate the wear; left unfixed, a chain can jump time or break and bend valves.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle/chain-slap on cold start from front of engine
- Check engine light with timing-correlation codes
- Rough idle, hesitation, loss of power
- Reduced fuel economy
- Possible no-start if timing has jumped
How to Fix
Verify with the correlation codes and a cam-timing check; do not keep driving with active correlation codes. Replace the timing chains, guides, and tensioners as a complete updated kit (both banks on the V6), and change oil on time with the correct spec afterward. This is a labor-intensive repair, commonly $2,000-$3,500.
Sources for this issue (1)
P0019 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0019 mean on a Chevrolet?
P0019 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 2 Sensor B." This code means the engine computer detected that the crankshaft and camshaft positions on bank 2 (sensor B, typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their expected correlation — in other words, the cam and crank timing don't line up correctly. The computer compares the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals to verify valve timing, which is often controlled by a variable valve timing (VVT) actuator. A correlation error points to mistimed valve events, frequently from oil-flow or VVT issues, a stretched timing chain, or sensor faults. You may notice rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a check-engine light, and ignoring it can risk engine damage. On Chevrolet it is documented across 4 models: Malibu, Traverse, Camaro, Equinox.
What are the most common causes of P0019?
The most common causes of P0019 are: Stretched or worn timing chain (and worn guides/tensioner), Faulty variable valve timing (VVT) actuator/solenoid (Bank 2), Low oil level or dirty/sludged oil restricting VVT flow, Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, Clogged VVT oil control valve screen, Damaged sensor wiring or connector, Jumped/misaligned timing during prior service. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0019 on a Chevrolet?
Published repair estimates on Chevrolet range from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.