Damaged or chafed crankshaft position sensor signal wire shorted to ground; Faulty crankshaft position sensor internally shorted; Corroded or loose electrical connector at the crankshaft position sensor; Failed engine control module (ECM) driver on the signal output circuit; Metal debris or a damaged reluctor wheel interfering with the sensor signal; Aftermarket alarm or remote starter wiring tapped into the crank signal circuit

DTC codes / P26xx · Computer and output circuits / P2618

P2618Crankshaft Position Signal Output Circuit Low

Q: What does code P2618 mean?

Crankshaft Position Signal Output Circuit Low. P2618 means the engine computer detected a low voltage condition on the crankshaft position signal output circuit, so it cannot reliably tell where the crankshaft is in its rotation. The engine may still run, but the computer has logged that the signal wire is being pulled low or shorted to ground.

P2618 means the engine computer detected a low voltage condition on the crankshaft position signal output circuit, so it cannot reliably tell where the crankshaft is in its rotation. The engine may still run, but the computer has logged that the signal wire is being pulled low or shorted to ground.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaComputer and output circuits

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Intermittent engine stalling or a no-start condition, especially when the engine is hot
Rough running, misfiring, or hesitation under acceleration
Tachometer needle jumping or dropping to zero while driving
Extended cranking before the engine starts

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or chafed crankshaft position sensor signal wire shorted to ground
Faulty crankshaft position sensor internally shorted
Corroded or loose electrical connector at the crankshaft position sensor
Failed engine control module (ECM) driver on the signal output circuit
Metal debris or a damaged reluctor wheel interfering with the sensor signal
Aftermarket alarm or remote starter wiring tapped into the crank signal circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm when the low signal was set
Visually inspect the crankshaft sensor connector and harness for chafing, corrosion, or loose pins
Measure sensor resistance and compare to the manufacturer's specification
Back-probe the signal wire at the ECM and check for a short to ground with a multimeter
Check for AC voltage or a square wave on the signal wire while cranking with a lab scope
Repair or replace the damaged section of harness or the sensor as indicated by testing
Clear the code and perform a road test to verify the repair

Crank signal faults that fool good technicians

A low signal code often comes from a harness rubbed through against a bracket or engine mount rather than a failed sensor, so always flex the harness while watching live data.
Aftermarket remote starters and alarm systems frequently splice into the crank signal wire and introduce a ground short that only appears when the add-on module is active.
The ECM may set P2618 intermittently even when the engine runs perfectly, because the low voltage event can be a momentary glitch during cranking that does not stall the engine.
A failed reluctor wheel or excessive metal shavings on the sensor tip can mimic a low signal circuit fault, so inspect the sensor face before condemning the wiring.
Do not replace the ECM until you have loaded the circuit with a test light and confirmed the signal wire is not shorted to ground elsewhere in the harness.

Can I keep driving with P2618?

You can usually drive short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration, towing, or long highway trips because a sudden loss of crank signal can stall the engine without warning. If the engine stalls repeatedly or will not restart, stop driving and arrange a tow.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.