Parts for your 2005 Subaru Forester-Crank angle sensor

2005 Subaru Forester crank angle sensor — purpose, servicing and replacement

Yes, the 2005 Subaru Forester is fitted with a crank angle sensor (more commonly called a crankshaft position sensor, CKP). This is documented in the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2005MY Forester under Engine Diagnostics, and it’s listed in Subaru parts catalogues for both the EJ253 (non‑turbo) and EJ255 (turbo) engines. General repair manuals such as Haynes also cover fault codes P0335/P0336 for this sensor on Forester models of this era.

This sensor tells the engine control unit exactly where the crankshaft is in its rotation and how fast it’s spinning. Paired with the cam sensors, it lets the ECU time spark and fuel injection bang‑on, manage idle, and keep the tachometer honest. On the EJ25, the sensor reads a reluctor on the crank timing sprocket, the air gap is factory‑set and not adjustable.

It sits at the front of the engine under the bonnet, near the crank timing area and below the alternator bracket. Being a magnetic pickup in a hot, oily spot, it can suffer from heat soak, wiring fatigue, or contamination on the tip. There’s no scheduled replacement interval, it’s a “replace on fault” item, but a quick visual during regular servicing is smart.

Typical symptoms of a failing crank angle sensor include:

• Intermittent no‑start when hot, random stalling, or a sudden drop of the tacho
• Check Engine Light with DTCs P0335/P0336
• Long crank times and rough starting, especially after a heat soak

For replacement, most owners or workshops can manage it in under an hour with basic tools. Disconnect the battery, unclip the connector, remove the single retaining bolt (10 mm spanner), and pull the sensor straight out. Lightly oil the O‑ring on the new genuine‑quality sensor, refit, and torque the bolt to about 7–9 N·m. Keep the magnetic tip clean, route the loom in the original clips, clear codes, and allow the ECU to relearn idle. It’s worth inspecting the timing belt area and the crank sprocket teeth at the same time, as the sensor reads off that wheel.

Plenty of Foresters run well past a few hundred thousand kilometres on the original sensor, but age, heat and oil leaks can shorten its life. If there’s any doubt, swapping in a known‑good sensor is a quick, cost‑effective fix that restores reliable starting and smooth running.

Popular questions about the 2005 Subaru Forester crank angle sensor

Is a crank angle sensor the same as a crankshaft position sensor on a 2005 Forester?
Yes. Subaru’s documentation calls it the crankshaft position sensor (CKP), but many parts listings and workshops use “crank angle sensor.” They’re the same part and perform the same role.

Where is the crank angle sensor located on a 2005 Forester?
It’s mounted at the front of the engine, beneath the bonnet, near the crank timing area and below the alternator bracket. One bolt holds it in, and the electrical connector sits close by for easy access.

Should it be replaced as routine maintenance?
No, it isn’t a scheduled service item. It should be inspected during regular servicing and replaced if there are fault codes, hot‑start problems, stalling, or wiring damage. Many last the life of the vehicle, but failures do occur with age and heat.