Parts for your 2012 Subaru Legacy-Camshaft sensor

2012 Subaru Legacy camshaft sensor – what it does, why it matters, and how to look after it

Yes, the 2012 Subaru Legacy is fitted with camshaft position sensor(s). This applies to the 2.5-litre petrol (EJ253) and the 3.6R (EZ36) variants. Technical sources that confirm fitment include the Subaru Service Manual for 2012 Legacy/Outback (BM/BR) covering Engine Diagnostics with DTCs P0340/P0345 for camshaft position circuits, the Subaru Parts Catalogue listing camshaft position sensors for EJ and EZ engines (e.g., p/n 22056AA061/22056AA070 for EJ25, p/n 22056AA112 for EZ36), and Subaru Technical Training/STIS materials describing crank and cam sensor inputs for sequential injection and ignition timing.

This little sensor pulls more weight than it looks. On a 2012 Subaru Legacy, the camshaft position sensor lets the engine control unit know exactly where the cam(s) are in their rotation. That timing info is used to fire the injectors in sequence, cue the spark at the right moment, and manage variable valve timing where applicable. Lose that signal and the Legacy may crank longer, idle roughly, feel gutless, or throw a check engine light. Common fault codes are P0340 (camshaft position sensor “A”) and, on the 3.6R with two banks, P0345 (sensor “B”).

As part of routine servicing, the cam sensor isn’t a scheduled replacement item, but it’s worth a quick once-over:

• Look for oil wicking into the connector or a brittle harness near heat sources.
• If there’s intermittent stalling or hard starts, rule out basics first (battery, grounds), then inspect the cam sensor wiring and connector pins.
• Use OEM-quality parts if replacement is needed. Cheap copies can play havoc with timing signals.
• When fitting a new sensor, lightly clean the mounting surface, seat the O-ring properly, and snug it to spec so it seals without cracking the housing.

On the 2.5i EJ engine, there’s a single cam sensor. On the 3.6R EZ engine, there’s one per bank. Either way, a healthy sensor keeps the ECU’s timing strategy sharp, saving fuel and helping the Legacy feel smooth and eager. If the light’s on and the code points to the cam sensor, don’t keep driving for ages hoping it’ll sweeten up. The car can drop into a fallback mode that’s safe enough to get home, but it’s not flash on fuel or drivability.

Signs it’s time to act:

• Long crank when cold, random stalling at idle, or surging under light throttle
• Check engine light with P0340/P0345 and a lack of power
• Visible connector damage, oil contamination, or harness rub-through

Sort those early and the 2012 Legacy will keep clocking up kays happily, with tidy starts and crisp throttle response.

Popular question: Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2012 Subaru Legacy?

On the 2.5i EJ engine there’s one cam sensor mounted on the cylinder head near the cam gear area. On the 3.6R EZ engine there are two, one on each bank. They’re small, plug-in sensors fixed by a single bolt with an O-ring seal.

Popular question: What symptoms show a bad camshaft sensor on this model?

Expect long cranking, rough idle, misfires or a flat spot, and a check engine light. The ECU often logs P0340 (and P0345 on the 3.6R). It may run in a backup mode, but performance and fuel economy take a hit.

Popular question: Is it OK to keep driving with a camshaft sensor fault?

Short trips to a workshop are usually fine, but putting off repairs isn’t ideal. The car can stall at awkward times, and extra fuel use adds up. Fixing the sensor or wiring promptly protects both drivability and the wallet.