Parts for your 1999 Subaru Forester-Camshaft sensor

1999 Subaru Forester Camshaft Sensor — Purpose, fitment and service tips

Yes, the 1999 Subaru Forester is fitted with a camshaft position sensor. This is confirmed by technical sources including the 1999 Forester Factory Service Manual (Engine/OBD diagnostics listing DTCs P0340 and P0341 for the camshaft position sensor circuit) and Subaru OEM parts catalogues that list the camshaft position sensor for EJ20/EJ25 engines (common Subaru part numbers include 22056AA061 and 22056AA031). So for owners and workshops, the camshaft sensor is absolutely relevant to this model.

On this Forester, the camshaft sensor tells the ECU exactly where the camshaft is in its rotation. Working alongside the crankshaft sensor, it lets the ECU run true sequential fuel injection, time ignition properly, detect misfires and keep cold starts tidy. If the sensor goes on the fritz, the car can be hard to start, run rough, drop power, or log a check engine light with those P0340/P0341 codes. The engine will often default to batch injection, which gets you home but isn’t flash for fuel economy or drivability.

There’s no routine replacement interval for the cam sensor, it’s a “inspect when servicing, replace when faulty” sort of part. A quick look under the bonnet during scheduled services is worthwhile: check the connector for oil intrusion, cracked insulation, or loose clips, and make sure the wiring isn’t rubbing on anything hot or sharp. Oil seepage from a tired O-ring at the sensor can wick into the plug and upset the signal, so keep an eye on that, especially on higher-kilometre cars.

• Common symptoms when it’s failing:
  • Hard starting or stalling after warm-up
  • Rough idle, flat spots, poor fuel economy
  • Check engine light with P0340/P0341

1. Basic replacement outline (SOHC EJ engines typically mount the sensor at the rear of the right-hand cylinder head):
2. Disconnect the battery negative terminal.
3. Unplug the sensor connector and remove the single retaining bolt.
4. Gently twist and withdraw the sensor, replace the O-ring if supplied.
5. Lightly oil the new O-ring, install the new sensor, and torque the bolt to spec (low torque—refer to the factory manual).
6. Reconnect, clear codes, and verify CMP sync and idle quality with a scan tool.

Quality matters here—genuine or reputable OEM-equivalent sensors tend to behave better than bargain-bin options. If a code persists after replacement, don’t forget to check the harness and the ECU earths before chasing your tail.

Popular questions

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 1999 Subaru Forester?
On most SOHC EJ engines used in the 1999 Forester, it’s mounted at the rear of the right-hand cylinder head. It’s held by a single small bolt and has a 3-pin connector. Access is usually straightforward with basic hand tools.

Can a 1999 Forester be driven with a bad camshaft sensor?
Often it will still run by reverting to a fallback strategy, but starting can be hit-and-miss and fuel economy and power suffer. Driving for long like that isn’t recommended—sort it promptly to avoid being stranded and to protect the catalyst.

Does the camshaft sensor need regular replacement?
No set interval. It’s replaced on condition. During regular services, inspect the plug, wiring and O-ring. If faults like P0340/P0341 appear, test the circuit and sensor and replace if confirmed faulty.