Parts for your 2013 Subaru Xv-Camshaft sensor

2013 Subaru XV camshaft sensor — what it does, why it matters, and when to replace it

Based on technical references including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the GP-chassis XV/Impreza with the FB20 engine, Subaru diagnostic procedures for DTCs P0340/P0345, and Subaru parts catalogues that list “Camshaft Position Sensor (RH/LH)” for 2013 XV models, this vehicle absolutely uses camshaft position sensors. The FB-series flat-four runs variable valve timing (AVCS), which relies on these sensors to monitor cam angle against the crank.

On a 2013 Subaru XV, there are two camshaft position sensors fitted — one on each cylinder bank — mounted near the ends of the camshafts at the heads. Their job is to feed the ECU real-time camshaft position so it can manage spark timing, fuel injection, and AVCS. When they’re healthy, the XV starts crisply, idles smoothly, and delivers tidy fuel economy. When they’re not, it can be a right pain under the bonnet.

• Common symptoms: long cranking, misfires, rough idle, flat spots, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light. Typical codes are P0340/P0345 (cam sensor circuit, bank 1/bank 2).
• Inspection tips: look for oil intrusion at the connector, brittle wiring, or a cracked sensor body. A scan tool showing erratic cam angle when cranking is another giveaway.

They’re not a scheduled service item, so there’s no set kilometre interval — replacement is “as needed”. That said, during routine servicing it’s smart to eyeball the harnesses across the top of the engine, make sure the connectors are clean and clipped, and fix any oil leaks that could wick into the plugs. Preventing oil contamination and heat damage is half the battle.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent DIYer with basic tools. Under the bonnet, disconnect the battery negative, unplug the sensor, remove the single retaining bolt, and ease the sensor out (there’s an O-ring). Lightly oil the new O-ring, seat the new sensor squarely, and tighten the bolt to the factory spec — it’s just a light nip, not a wheel nut. Reconnect, clear any codes, and take it for a gentle test drive. If the light returns, check wiring continuity and cam/crank correlation with a scan tool — the sensor’s only one piece of the timing puzzle.

Genuine or high-quality aftermarket sensors tend to behave best with Subaru’s AVCS strategy. Cheapies can be false economy when the goal is smooth running and reliable cold starts through a Kiwi winter or an Aussie summer.

• How many camshaft sensors does a 2013 Subaru XV have?
  It runs two — one per cylinder bank on the FB20 flat-four. They sit at the ends of the heads and let the ECU track cam timing for AVCS. If one fails, you’ll usually see a bank-specific fault code and some rough behaviour.
• What fault codes point to a dodgy camshaft sensor?
  P0340 and P0345 are the big ones for the XV — they flag camshaft position sensor circuit issues on bank 1 and bank 2. You might also see related AVCS or misfire codes. Always check wiring and connectors before condemning the sensor.
• Can it be driven with a failing cam sensor?
  It might run, but it can be hard to start, limp, or stall unexpectedly. That’s not ideal for safety or for the catalytic converter. Best bet is to sort it promptly so the ECU can control timing and fuelling properly.