Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Camshaft sensor

2014 Subaru Forester Camshaft Sensor — What It Does and When to Replace It

Based on Subaru’s 2014 Forester service information (STIS) and the Subaru electronic parts catalogue, every 2014 Forester variant (FB20 2.0L, FB25 2.5L, and FA20F 2.0L turbo XT) uses camshaft position sensors. The manuals list and diagnose the “Camshaft Position Sensor” in the Engine/Diagnostics sections, and the OEM catalogue shows two sensors fitted (LH and RH) on these DOHC engines, with typical Subaru part numbers in the 22056AA1xx range. So yes, a camshaft sensor is relevant and fitted to the 2014 Subaru Forester.

The camshaft sensor keeps the engine timing sharp by telling the ECU exactly where the cam(s) are in their rotation. That lets the Forester run proper sequential fuel injection, manage spark timing, and control Subaru’s AVCS (variable valve timing). When a cam sensor starts to fail, the car can be hard to start, a bit gutless, or run rough, and it’ll usually light the check engine lamp with codes like P0340–P0344. Left too long, the ECU may park the valve timing in a safe position and you’ll notice poor performance and fuel economy.

There’s no routine replacement interval for the camshaft sensor, it’s a “replace when faulty” item. Still, smart servicing on a 2014 Forester includes checking for oil leaks around the sensor bosses, inspecting the connectors for corrosion, and keeping up with oil changes—clean oil helps the AVCS system behave, which reduces grief that can look like a sensor fault. If replacing a sensor, go with a quality OEM-spec unit, confirm the engine harness isn’t damaged, and clear the ECU codes after installation.

• Common signs it’s on the way out:
  • Hard starting, misfires, or stalling when hot
  • Sluggish take-offs and higher fuel use
  • Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes
• Quick replacement notes:
  • Located under the bonnet on the front/upper ends of the cylinder heads (two sensors: left and right)
  • Disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, remove the retaining bolt, swap the sensor, and refit
  • Afterwards, clear codes and road-test, if a code returns, check wiring and the crank sensor as well

Sorted with the right part and a tidy connector, a Forester’s camshaft sensor will usually go for heaps of kilometres without fuss.

Popular questions

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2014 Forester?
It’s mounted at the front/upper area of each cylinder head—one on the left-hand bank and one on the right-hand bank. They sit near the cam gears under the plastic engine covers, making access fairly straightforward with basic hand tools.

Can you drive a 2014 Forester with a bad camshaft sensor?
You might, but it’s not a great idea. The ECU can drop into a limp strategy with fixed valve timing, so you’ll notice reduced power and efficiency. Prolonged driving can mask other issues and may lead to harder starting or stalling. Best to diagnose and sort it promptly.

How many camshaft sensors does the 2014 Forester have?
Two—one for each cylinder head on the DOHC engines used in 2014. Both are monitored by the ECU for cam/crank correlation and AVCS control.