Parts for your 2000 Subaru Forester-Camshaft sensor

2000 Subaru Forester Camshaft Sensor — what it does and when to replace it

Referencing technical sources, a camshaft position sensor is absolutely used on the 2000 Subaru Forester. The Subaru Factory Service Manual (MY2000 Forester SF) engine diagnostics sections list DTC P0340 for the Camshaft Position Sensor circuit and illustrate the sensor on the left-hand cylinder head. Subaru’s official parts catalogues also list a camshaft position sensor for this model year and platform (common Subaru part numbers for EJ engines around this period include 22056AA031/22056AA011, depending on engine variant). Subaru Technical Information System wiring diagrams show the CMP signal feeding the ECM, confirming it’s a fitted and required component.

On the 2000 Forester, the camshaft sensor lets the engine computer know exactly where the cam is in its rotation. That timing cue helps the ECU run sequential fuel injection, tidy up ignition timing at start-up and idle, and keep emissions on the straight and narrow. Without a clean cam signal, the engine can be hard to kick over, feel doughy off the mark, or throw a check engine light.

There’s no routine maintenance for the cam sensor itself, but it’s worth a look during regular servicing. Under the bonnet, it’s mounted on the left-hand cylinder head near the cam sprocket and retained by a small bolt, with a single electrical connector. Oil weep at the sensor’s O-ring or a brittle connector are common age-related finds and easy wins to tidy up.

• Typical symptoms of a crook cam sensor or circuit: long crank or no-start when hot, rough idle, misfire, flat spots, poor fuel economy, and DTC P0340 or related codes.
• Before replacing, always check the basics: clean the connector, look for chafed wiring, confirm battery voltage and good earths.

Replacement is straightforward and driveway-friendly:

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Unplug the sensor connector and remove the retaining bolt.
3. Gently twist and withdraw the sensor, replace the O-ring if fitted.
4. Lightly oil the O-ring, install the new sensor, refit the bolt (tighten to the factory spec from the FSM), reconnect, clear codes, and road test.

Quality matters here. A genuine Subaru sensor or a reputable aftermarket equivalent tends to deliver the most reliable signal. If intermittent hot-start issues or random stalling crop up, this sensor and its wiring are prime suspects — addressing them can save a lot of head-scratching and keep that Forester happily ticking over for many more kilometres.

Popular questions about 2000 Subaru Forester camshaft sensors

Does a 2000 Subaru Forester actually have a camshaft sensor?

Yes. The MY2000 Forester (SF) uses a camshaft position sensor on the left-hand cylinder head. Subaru’s Factory Service Manual lists diagnostics for it (including DTC P0340), and Subaru parts catalogues list a direct-replacement sensor for this model year.

Where is the camshaft sensor located on a 2000 Forester, and how long does replacement take?

It sits on the left-hand cylinder head near the cam sprocket, accessible from the top under the bonnet. With basic hand tools, replacement typically takes 15–30 minutes. Allow time to inspect and tidy the connector and wiring while you’re there.

Can it be cleaned, or should it just be replaced?

If the issue is light oil contamination on the tip or a loose connector, a gentle clean and reconnect may restore a healthy signal. If the sensor is failing internally, shows cracked housing, or the fault returns, replacement is the reliable fix. Always check the O-ring and harness condition during the job.