Parts for your 2010 Subaru Legacy-Crank angle sensor

2010 Subaru Legacy crank angle sensor — purpose, fitment and service tips

Yes, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is fitted with a crank angle sensor (commonly called a crankshaft position sensor). Subaru’s 2010 Legacy/Outback factory service manual describes the ECM relying on the crankshaft position (CKP) and camshaft position signals for ignition and injection timing across EJ25, EZ36 and market‑specific diesel variants. Subaru parts catalogues for 2010 Legacy models also list a dedicated crankshaft position sensor for these engines. These technical sources confirm the part is both relevant and essential on this vehicle.

For this Legacy, the crank angle sensor is the ECM’s primary timing reference. It reads a toothed reluctor on the crank to track exact crank angle and speed, letting the ECM fire the coils and injectors at the right moment. Working in tandem with the cam sensor, it provides cylinder identification for sequential injection and variable valve timing logic. If it goes out of spec, the engine may crank but not start, cut out when warm, or throw a check engine light with codes like P0335–P0339.

There’s no routine replacement interval for the CKP sensor — it’s a solid‑state unit and generally maintenance‑free. As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to visually check the wiring and connector for oil intrusion, brittle insulation, or loose clips, especially on higher‑kilometre cars or ones that see gravel roads and heat. If symptoms show up, confirm with a scan tool and live data before replacing. When swapping the sensor, disconnect the battery, keep the mounting face clean, lightly oil the O‑ring if applicable, and torque the retaining bolt to spec. Stick with quality OEM‑equivalent parts, cheap copies can give flaky signals that cause misfires or random stalling.

• Typical symptoms: hard/no start after heat soak, intermittent stalling, uneven idle, sudden tach drop, poor fuel economy, MIL with P0335–P0339.
• Location note: mounted to the engine block with a single bolt, access varies by engine variant. Consult the service manual section “Engine Control System/Diagnostics” for the exact spot and testing steps.
• Good practice: keep connectors clean and latched, fix oil leaks promptly, and ensure crank pulley/timing components are in good nick so the sensor sees a clean signal.

Technical sources referenced: 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback Factory Service Manual (Engine Control System/Diagnostics sections for EJ25 and EZ36 engines), Subaru Global/Regional Parts Catalog entries listing the crankshaft position sensor for 2010 Legacy models.

Popular questions

Where is the crank angle sensor on a 2010 Subaru Legacy?
Location depends on engine. It’s mounted to the engine block with a single retaining bolt, reading a toothed wheel on the crank. Access can be from the top or front of the engine bay. A quick check of the model‑specific service manual will pinpoint the exact spot and any trim pieces that need to come off under the bonnet.

What are the signs my Legacy’s crank angle sensor is failing?
Common signs include a crank‑no‑start when hot, random stalling at lights, rough running, a dead tach during a stall, or the check engine lamp with codes P0335–P0339. Because these overlap with fuel and ignition faults, a scan and basic wiring checks help confirm it before parts are ordered.

Is it safe to keep driving with a dodgy crank angle sensor?
It may run intermittently, but it can also cut out without warning. That’s a safety and reliability risk, especially on motorways. If the ECM loses a stable crank signal, the engine can shut down or refuse to restart. Best bet is to diagnose and repair promptly rather than soldiering on.