1. What is P0019 in Chevrolet Silverado?

The P0019 OBD-II code stands for Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 2, Sensor A). For the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2016-2024)—America’s top-selling full-size pickup—this code targets the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine, standard in LT, LTZ, and High Country trims (paired with 6L80 6-speed automatic transmission).

The 5.3L EcoTec3 uses a timing chain to sync the crankshaft (controls piston movement) and camshafts (controls valve opening/closing). Bank 2 Sensor A (camshaft position sensor) monitors this sync—critical for optimizing power (355HP/383 lb-ft) and towing capacity (max 11,500 lbs for 4x2 models). P0019 triggers when the Silverado’s PCM detects a timing difference >3 degrees between crankshaft and Bank 2 camshaft—signaling a stretched timing chain, faulty sensor, or worn VVT (Variable Valve Timing) actuator.

Silverado Specific Note: This code is widespread in 2018-2022 Silverado 1500 5.3L models, per Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-NA-155. The 5.3L’s active fuel management (AFM) system increases timing chain strain—especially in trims used for frequent towing—leading to premature stretching and P0019.

2. Common Causes of P0019 in 2016-2024 Silverado

P0019 in Silverado 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 models stems from timing system or sensor issues—below are real-world cases diagnosed with the ICARZONE MA200 V6:

• Stretched Timing Chain (2020 Silverado LT 5.3L): An LT owner with 92,000 miles reported rough idle and reduced towing power. The MA200 V6’s Timing Deviation Test showed 5.2 degrees of misalignment (normal: <3 degrees). Replacing the timing chain kit (OEM #12606666 per TSB 19-NA-155) fixed P0019.
• Faulty Bank 2 Camshaft Position Sensor (2019 Silverado LTZ 5.3L): An LTZ owner’s P0019 was intermittent. The MA200 V6’s Sensor Voltage Test showed the Bank 2 sensor stuck at 0.2V (normal: 0.5–4.5V fluctuation). Replacing it with OEM #12677836 restored accurate timing readings.
• Worn VVT Actuator (2017 Silverado High Country 5.3L): A High Country owner’s P0019 worsened with acceleration. The MA200 V6’s VVT Pressure Test showed the Bank 2 actuator failed to maintain oil pressure (target: 30–45 psi). Replacing the actuator (OEM #12646638) resolved the timing sync issue.
• Oil Sludge in Timing Cover (2021 Silverado Custom 5.3L): A Custom owner’s P0019 appeared after missing two oil changes. The MA200 V6’s Oil Flow Test revealed sludge blocking the VVT oil passage. Flushing the engine and replacing the oil pump (OEM #12656665) fixed the code.

3. Key Symptoms of P0019 in Silverado 5.3L EcoTec3

P0019 symptoms in the Silverado focus on timing-related performance issues—watch for these signs that affect daily driving and towing safety:

4. Silverado Trims/Engines Prone to P0019

Chevrolet service data highlights these 2016-2024 Silverado 1500 configurations with the highest P0019 occurrence rates (all 5.3L EcoTec3 V8):

5. Diagnose P0019 with ICARZONE MA200 V6

Diagnose P0019 in your Silverado 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 accurately with the MA200 V6’s Chevy-specific timing tools. Follow these steps (engine at operating temperature):

Case Example: A 2019 Silverado LT failed Step 2 (4.8 degrees) and Step 5 (TSB 19-NA-155 eligible). The MA200 V6’s Component Location Tool guided timing cover access. Replacing the timing chain kit fixed P0019—verified by test drive (smooth idle, restored towing power with a 6,000-lb trailer).

6. How to Fix P0019 in Silverado 5.3L EcoTec3

Resolve P0019 in your Silverado with these MA200 V6-verified solutions—tailored to the 5.3L EcoTec3’s timing system:

1. Replace Timing Chain Kit (Most Common Fix for TSB 19-NA-155)

1. Confirm chain stretch via MA200 V6’s Step 2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and drain engine oil/coolant.
2. Remove the front timing cover: Disconnect the water pump, crankshaft pulley, and accessory belts. Remove the cover bolts (12 10mm bolts) and scrape off old gasket material.
3. Align timing marks: Use the MA200 V6’s Timing Mark Alignment Tool to sync the crankshaft (TDC on cylinder 1) and Bank 2 camshaft (mark on gear lines up with cover notch).
4. Remove the old timing chain, guides, and tensioner. Install an OEM timing chain kit:
   • 2016-2020 Silverado: #12606666 (includes chain, guides, tensioner)
   • 2021-2024 Silverado: #12680730 (updated heavy-duty chain)
5. Reinstall the timing cover (replace gasket), water pump, and pulley. Refill with 5W-30 full-synthetic oil (6 quarts) and coolant.
6. Clear P0019 with MA200 V6 and perform a "Timing Relearn": Start the engine, idle for 20 minutes, then test drive—verify timing deviation <3 degrees.

2. Replace Bank 2 Camshaft Position Sensor

1. Confirm sensor failure via MA200 V6’s Step 3. Locate the Bank 2 sensor: Mounted on the rear of the passenger-side cylinder head (2-pin connector).
2. Disconnect the sensor’s electrical connector (press the tab) and remove the mounting bolt (8mm socket).
3. Pull the old sensor straight out—avoid twisting to prevent damage to the camshaft gear.
4. Install an OEM Bank 2 camshaft position sensor:
   • All 2016-2024 Silverado 5.3L: #12677836
   Apply anti-seize to the bolt threads (light coat).
5. Torque the bolt to 89 in-lbs, reconnect the connector, and clear P0019 with MA200 V6. Retest sensor voltage (should fluctuate 0.5–4.5V).

3. Replace Bank 2 VVT Actuator

1. Confirm actuator wear via MA200 V6’s Step 4. Follow Step 1–2 above to remove the timing cover and align timing marks.
2. Remove the Bank 2 camshaft gear bolt (24mm socket) and pull the gear/actuator assembly off the camshaft.
3. Install an OEM VVT actuator:
   • 2016-2020 Silverado: #12646638
   • 2021-2024 Silverado: #12679515 (updated oil seal)
   Lubricate the actuator’s O-ring with engine oil.
4. Reinstall the camshaft gear and torque the bolt to 70 ft-lbs + 30-degree turn. Reattach the timing cover and refill fluids.
5. Use MA200 V6 to retest VVT pressure (Step 4) — should read 30–45 psi. Clear P0019 and test drive to confirm smooth acceleration.

7. P0019 Repair Costs & Maintenance Tips

P0019 repair costs for the Silverado 5.3L EcoTec3 vary by cause. Use this table to budget:

Maintenance Tips for Silverado 5.3L EcoTec3 Owners

• LT/LTZ (towing users): Replace the timing chain kit every 90,000 miles (preventive) — use OEM #12680730 for 2021+ models to avoid TSB 19-NA-155 stretch.
• Change engine oil every 5,000 miles (use 5W-30 full-synthetic oil). Old oil breaks down and clogs VVT passages—worsening timing chain strain.
• Add an oil system cleaner (#Liqui Moly 20004) every 30,000 miles to remove sludge from timing cover passages—critical for AFM-equipped 5.3L engines.
• Inspect the Bank 2 cam sensor connector during oil changes—clean corrosion with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease.
• Perform the MA200 V6’s Timing System Health Check every 15,000 miles — monitor deviation and sensor voltage to catch issues before P0019 triggers.

8. Silverado-Specific FAQs