P0019 on 2008-2010 Saturn VUE: Causes and Fixes for Crank/Cam Correlation

What's Unique About the 2008-2010 Saturn VUE

The 2008-2010 Saturn VUE equipped with the 3.6L V6 (engine code LY7) is part of a large family of GM vehicles known for premature timing chain failure. This widespread issue was often linked to the original chain design and an overly optimistic Oil Life Monitoring (OLM) system, which led to oil degradation and accelerated wear. GM acknowledged this by issuing multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and releasing updated, more durable timing chain kits to correct the flaw. The problem was so prevalent that GM also issued a Special Coverage Adjustment (#11340C) 🎬 Watch: Learn more about the GM extended warranty and codes. extending the warranty for this specific issue on many platform mates, though most vehicles are now outside the coverage period.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Reduced engine power and hesitation on acceleration
• Rough or erratic idle
• Engine rattling noise, especially on a cold start, that sounds like chains dragging
• Increased fuel consumption
• Engine may be hard to start or stall

Most Likely Causes

1. Stretched Timing Chains 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Timing Chain The original timing chains on the 3.6L LY7 V6 engine were known to wear and stretch prematurely. This was exacerbated by long oil change intervals recommended by the original Oil Life Monitor calibration, leading to poor lubrication of the chains and tensioners.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool to monitor the cam/crank correlation data. A deviation of more than 4-5 degrees typically confirms a stretched chain. A physical inspection, after removing the valve cover and/or timing cover, will reveal excessive slack in the chains.
   Typical fix: Replace all three timing chains, all tensioners, and all guides with a new, updated timing chain kit. This is a major repair. The updated GM kit features chains made of harder steel to resist stretching.
   Est. part cost: $250-$600
2. Failed Timing Chain Tensioners 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Timing Chain The hydraulic tensioners rely on clean oil and proper oil pressure. Degraded oil or low oil levels can cause them to fail, allowing the chains to become loose. This is a primary part of the overall timing system failure.
   How to confirm: During a physical inspection for a stretched chain, a failed or collapsed tensioner will be evident. Often, you can see the extended piston of the tensioner is maxed out.
   Typical fix: Tensioners are always replaced as part of a complete timing chain service.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150
3. Low or Dirty Engine Oil 🟡 Medium Probability The variable valve timing (VVT) system and chain tensioners are hydraulically operated. Low or degraded oil can cause the VVT phasers to respond slowly and the tensioners to lose pressure, triggering correlation codes. Using oil that does not meet GM's dexos1 specification can accelerate this degradation.
   How to confirm: Check the engine oil level on the dipstick and inspect its condition. If the oil is very low or appears dark, gritty, or sludgy, this is a likely contributor.
   Typical fix: Perform an engine oil and filter change using a high-quality full synthetic 5W-30 oil that meets the dexos1 specification. Clear the codes and see if they return. Note: This will not fix a mechanically stretched chain, but it is a critical first step and essential for the health of the new parts.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80

Rare But Worth Checking

• Shifted Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel: → Shop Engine Crankshaft TSB #PIP3423P notes that in some cases where the timing chains are found to be okay, the reluctor wheel pressed onto the crankshaft may have moved. This will cause correlation codes and requires crankshaft replacement to fix. This should be considered a last-resort diagnosis after timing components are verified to be in good condition.
• Faulty Camshaft or Crankshaft Position Sensor: → Shop Engine Crankshaft While a sensor can fail, it is an uncommon cause for this specific code on this engine. It is often misdiagnosed as the problem when the root cause is mechanical timing. Do not replace sensors without first verifying mechanical timing.
• Faulty VVT Solenoid (Oil Control Valve): A VVT solenoid can get stuck or clogged with sludge, preventing proper camshaft phasing. However, this is much less common than the primary timing chain failure and would typically set a solenoid-specific code as well.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the engine oil level and condition. If low or dirty, perform an oil and filter change with full synthetic 5W-30 oil meeting the dexos1 spec, clear codes, and see if P0019 returns.
2. Use a professional scan tool to check for other timing-related DTCs. Codes like P0008, P0016, P0017, or P0018 strongly point to a systemic timing chain problem.
3. Monitor live data from the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. Compare the desired vs. actual camshaft angles for Bank 2 Exhaust. A consistent deviation that increases with RPM confirms a mechanical timing problem.
4. Listen for a rattling or scraping noise from the front of the engine (passenger side), which is characteristic of loose timing chains.
5. If data points to a timing issue, a physical inspection is required. This involves removing the timing cover to directly check for slack in the chains and the state of the guides and tensioners. This is a labor-intensive step.
6. For DIYers, special camshaft and crankshaft locking tools are required to perform the replacement correctly. The procedure involves setting the engine to a specific 'stage two' timing position to work on the right bank, then rotating to 'stage one' for the left bank and primary chain.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Timing Chain Kit (OEM #12651719 (GM updated kit)) — This is the definitive fix for the common stretched timing chain issue. A complete kit ensures all wearable components (chains, tensioners, guides) are replaced with updated parts.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM), Cloyes (9-0753S), Melling
  OEM price range: $400-$600
  Aftermarket price range: $250-$450
• Water Pump (OEM #12682062 (ACDelco #252-986)) — The water pump is driven by the accessory belt but is mounted to the timing cover. It must be removed for the timing chain service. Given the high labor cost to access this area, it is highly recommended to replace the water pump at the same time as a preventative measure.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Gates, Bosch
  OEM price range: $100-$180
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$100
• Engine Oil and Filter — Fresh, high-quality full synthetic 5W-30 oil meeting the GM dexos1 specification is critical for the proper function of the new timing components and VVT system.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Mobil 1, Bosch
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70
• Camshaft/Crankshaft Locking Tools (OEM #EN-48383, EN-46105) — Required for DIY repair. These tools hold the camshafts and crankshaft in their proper timed positions while the chains are being replaced. Failure to use them will almost certainly result in incorrect timing and potential engine damage.
  Trusted brands: OTC, Lisle, Various Amazon/eBay sellers
  OEM price range: $100-$200
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0008 — A general engine position system performance code for Bank 1. Often the first code to appear in a timing chain failure, sometimes months before other codes.
• P0016 — Crank/Cam correlation error for Bank 1 Intake Cam.
• P0017 — Crank/Cam correlation error for Bank 1 Exhaust Cam.
• P0018 — Crank/Cam correlation error for Bank 2 Intake Cam. Seeing multiple codes across both banks (P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019) is a very strong indicator of a base timing issue caused by stretched chains.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIP3423P: Notes that codes P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0008, or P0009 can be caused by loose timing chains or a shifted crankshaft reluctor wheel.
• 12-06-01-009F: Announces the availability of updated timing chain kits to repair stretched chains that cause DTCs like P0008, P0017, and P0019.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The 3.6L LY7 V6 engine is widely known for premature timing chain stretch, as documented in GM TSBs #PIP3423P and #12-06-01-009F.
• The original Oil Life Monitor (OLM) calibration often recommended oil change intervals that were too long, contributing to oil breakdown and accelerated chain wear. GM later issued TSB #11-06-01-007B to recalibrate the OLM for a shorter, more appropriate oil change interval to help mitigate this issue on remaining vehicles.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Camshaft Position Actuator (VVT) Solenoid Resistance — expected: 6.9 to 7.9 Ohms at 68°F (20°C).. Failure: A reading outside this range, or an open/shorted circuit, indicates a faulty solenoid.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM Tech2 / GDS2: Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Test — Use this bidirectional control to command the Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid ON and OFF while monitoring the 'Camshaft Position Angle' PID. If the angle does not change as commanded, it confirms a fault in the solenoid, its circuit, oil passages, or the phaser itself, helping to rule out the solenoid before a major teardown.
• GM Tech2 / GDS2: Crankshaft Position Variation Learn — This procedure is required after replacing the timing chains, crankshaft position sensor, or ECM. Failure to perform this relearn can result in a P0315 code and potential misfire detection issues.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G106 — On the engine, at the left front top corner (for 2009 3.6L models).. This is a primary engine ground point that serves the Engine Control Module (ECM). A loose or corroded connection here can cause a host of unexplainable electrical issues, including erratic sensor readings that could potentially trigger false correlation codes.
• G107 — At the rear of the engine (for 2009 3.6L models).. This is another critical engine-to-chassis ground. A poor connection can lead to unstable sensor readings and module operation, which is crucial to investigate when diagnosing electronic faults.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Connectors — On the front of the respective cylinder heads for Bank 1 (firewall side) and Bank 2 (radiator side).. These are the connection points for the sensors providing the camshaft data. Verifying 5V reference, ground, and signal integrity at these connectors is a key step in ruling out a wiring or sensor issue before condemning the timing chains.
• Engine Control Module (ECM) — Located in the left front of the engine compartment on 2009 3.6L models.. The ECM is what receives the signals from the crank and cam sensors and sets code P0019. All sensor wiring terminates here, making its connectors and grounds (like G106) critical check points for any electrical diagnosis.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user on r/MechanicAdvice (2009 Pontiac G8 3.6L V6 (LY7 Engine) with 164,000 miles (platform mate)) — Intermittent P0008 code (often precedes P0016-P0019), car struggles to accelerate when code is active.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially suspected dirty cam sensors.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A full timing chain replacement job. The owner reported a "noticeable difference in torque and idle" and confirmed the fix resolved the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12651450 (example of an early kit PN) → Progressively updated to 12679117, then 12693218, and then 12700436 (example supersession chain). — GM released multiple updates to the timing chain kits to improve the durability of the chains, guides, and tensioners to combat the premature stretching issue.
  Heads up: While older kits may physically fit, it is critical to use the latest available part number (such as the one specified in Pass 2, 12651719, or its equivalent) to ensure the most durable, updated components are installed to prevent a repeat failure.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2008-2010: The second-generation Saturn VUE (2008-2010) was a rebadged Opel Antara. For the V6 models, the 3.6L LY7 engine was the primary offering. There were no significant mechanical changes to the timing system within this 2008-2010 period that would alter the diagnosis for P0019. The core issue with the timing chains is consistent across these model years.