Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2618 Crankshaft Position Signal Output Circuit Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

P2618 reports a crankshaft position output line that is shorted to ground. GM uses it widely, from the 2011–2012 hybrid tables to the 2019 ECM summaries, wherever the engine module provides a crank position output. The check runs while the output driver is off and the line is commanded high: 0.5 ohm or less toward ground counts as a short, 200 kilohm or more as an open (some controllers then add P2617). A failure needs 40 bad samples in 50 at 100 ms spacing, with the powertrain relay at 11 V or more and the engine not cranking; GM rates it Type B, so the MIL comes on after two trips. Mitsubishi lists P2618 for the 2022 Outlander. Typical findings are a pinched harness or water in a connector; the receiving module may switch to a substitute mode.

Likely causes

Harness pinched or chafed so the output touches ground
Water or corrosion in the output connector
Shorted input stage in the receiving module
Output driver failure in the engine control module

Symptoms

  • MIL on after two drive cycles
  • Related faults or substitute mode in the receiving module
  • Occasional hesitation or start problems

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–800
Time0.5–3 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

control modulesignal output bufferwiring harness

Related codes

P2617P2619P2615

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov.