P2618 code meaning
Crankshaft Position Signal Output Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P26xx codes Check engine light
What P2618 means
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.
P2618 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2618
- MIL on after two drive cycles
- Related faults or substitute mode in the receiving module
- Occasional hesitation or start problems
Common causes of P2618
- Most likelyHarness pinched or chafed so the output touches ground
- PossibleWater or corrosion in the output connector
- Less likelyShorted input stage in the receiving module
- Less likelyOutput driver failure in the engine control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Control moduleSignal output bufferWiring harness
What each part of P2618 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 6 | Area: computer (engine control module) and output circuits. |
| 18 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2618 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P2618
What does P2618 mean?
P2618 means "Crankshaft Position Signal Output Circuit Low". P2618 reports a crankshaft position output line that is shorted to ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2618?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2618 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2618 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2618 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P2618 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2618 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.