Parts for your 2001 Subaru Forester-Crank angle sensor

2001 Subaru Forester crank angle sensor: what it does and when to replace it

Yes, the 2001 Subaru Forester is fitted with a crank angle sensor (more formally the crankshaft position sensor). This is confirmed by the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2001MY Forester (EJ-series engines) which includes diagnostic procedures for the crankshaft position sensor, and by Subaru parts catalogues that list a dedicated crankshaft position sensor for this model and year. OBD-II diagnostic coverage for the 2001 Forester also includes CKP-related fault codes such as P0335 and P0336, further affirming its presence and role.

On this Forester, the crank angle sensor is the engine’s timekeeper. It monitors the exact position and speed of the crankshaft, feeding that info to the ECU so it can fire the spark and pulse the injectors at precisely the right moment. Paired with the camshaft sensor, it lets the ECU manage sequential fuel injection, ignition timing, and misfire detection. If it fails outright, expect a no-start. If it’s going intermittent, you might see random stalling when hot, an erratic tacho, longer cranks, or stored codes like P0335/P0336.

There’s no routine replacement interval for the crank angle sensor on a 2001 Forester, it’s a “inspect and replace if faulty” item. As part of regular servicing—especially when you’re under the bonnet for timing belt work—check the sensor’s connector and harness for corrosion, oil contamination, or chafing. A quick clean with proper electrical contact cleaner and ensuring the loom is clipped away from hot or moving bits can save future grief.

When replacement is needed, it’s a straightforward driveway job with basic tools. The sensor is mounted to the engine block with a single retaining bolt and a two-pin connector, accessible from above. Disconnect the battery negative, unplug the connector, remove the bolt, and ease the sensor out. Lightly oil the O-ring on the new unit, seat it fully, nip the bolt up snug (don’t overdo it), reconnect, clear any fault codes, and let the ECU relearn with a gentle drive. Sticking with a quality OEM or reputable aftermarket sensor is wise—cheap copies can produce a weak signal and cause hard starting or random cut-outs.

If the car has been running fine but throws a one-off code in heavy rain, start by inspecting the plug and loom rather than rushing to replace the sensor. Consistent symptoms, however, are a strong nudge to fit a new one and restore confidence for those long Kiwi and Aussie road trips.

• Common symptoms of a failing sensor: no-start, hot stall, rough idle, tacho drop-outs, P0335/P0336.
• Good practice: inspect during timing belt service, clean connector, secure wiring, use quality parts.

Popular questions

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 2001 Subaru Forester?
It’s mounted to the engine block and read by the ECU via a two-pin connector. Access is from under the bonnet with basic tools. On EJ-series Foresters it can be reached from above—look around the top front of the engine near the alternator area and timing components. One small bolt holds it in.

Can a bad crank angle sensor cause a no-start?
Absolutely. If the ECU can’t see a clean crank signal, it won’t fire the injectors or coils. Intermittent failures may show up as hot stalls or long crank times before it refuses to start altogether, often logging P0335/P0336.

Should the crank angle sensor be replaced as preventative maintenance?
There’s no set interval. It’s better to inspect the connector and wiring during routine services and replace the sensor only if there are symptoms or fault codes. If the Forester has high kilometres and shows intermittent issues, fitting a quality sensor can be cheap insurance.