Parts for your 1999 Subaru Forester-Crank angle sensor

1999 Subaru Forester crank angle sensor

The 1999 Subaru Forester (SF series, EJ-series engines) is fitted with a crank angle sensor, more commonly listed by Subaru as the crankshaft position sensor (CKP). Technical references that confirm its use include the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 1999 Forester (Engine Diagnostics section covering DTCs P0335/P0336 for the CKP circuit), Subaru wiring diagrams showing the CKP signal to the engine control module, and Subaru genuine parts catalogues listing the CKP sensor for EJ20/EJ25 engines. Australian/NZ repair guides such as Gregory’s/Haynes also detail testing and replacement of the Forester’s crank sensor.

On a ’99 Forester, the crank angle sensor is the ECU’s timekeeper. It tracks crankshaft position and speed so the computer can fire the coils and injectors at precisely the right moment. Working with the cam sensor, it lets the engine sync up for smooth starts, clean idle, and proper power delivery. If the crank signal drops out, the ECU loses its place and the Forester may crank without starting, stumble, or stall when hot. It’s a small magnetic pickup bolted at the front of the engine, reading a toothed wheel on the crank—tucked near the timing belt area—so it sees every degree of rotation.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval, but it’s smart to give the sensor and its plug a quick look during timing belt service (every 100,000 km-ish) or whenever the front covers are off. Keep the connector clean and the harness clipped away from the belts. Typical warning signs include intermittent no-start when warm, sudden cut-out with the tacho dropping to zero, rough running, and a lit check engine lamp with codes like P0335/P0336. Before condemning the sensor, check for damaged wiring, loose grounds, or a cracked reluctor on the crank sprocket.

Replacement is straightforward: disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the single retaining bolt, then pull it straight out. Lightly oil the O-ring on the new unit (if equipped), seat it squarely, and tighten the bolt to factory spec. Clear codes and verify with a scan tool that engine speed reads cleanly during cranking. Use a genuine or high-quality OEM-equivalent sensor—cheap knock-offs can cause erratic timing and driveability issues. For many owners, it’s a 20–40 minute job under the bonnet with basic tools, and it’s often the cure for those mysterious hot no-starts that crop up as these classics clock up the kilometres.

• Common symptoms: hot no-start, random stalling, tachometer drops to zero, DTC P0335/P0336
• Good practice: inspect during timing belt work, keep connector clean and loom secured

Popular questions

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 1999 Forester?
It’s mounted at the front of the engine, near the crankshaft sprocket behind the timing belt covers, bolted to the oil pump housing. You can usually access it from the top with the snorkel or fan shroud out of the way, it has a single small bolt and a two-wire plug leading to the engine loom.

What are the signs of a failing crank angle sensor on a ’99 Forester?
Look for hot no-starts, sudden stalling, rough idle, and an erratic or dead tacho during a stall. The check engine lamp often stores P0335 or P0336. If the wiring checks out and the timing belt/reluctor are intact, the sensor itself is a prime suspect.

Does the ECU need a relearn after replacing the sensor?
No special relearn is typically required. After fitting the new sensor, clear any fault codes and let the engine idle for a few minutes so the ECU can settle fuel trims. A short drive cycle will confirm clean crank signal and stable idle.