Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Crank angle sensor

2014 Subaru Forester crank angle sensor (CKP): what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2014 Subaru Forester uses a crank angle sensor—commonly called the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor. Technical references including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SJ Forester (Engine Diagnostics section), Subaru wiring diagrams, and the OEM parts catalogue list and illustrate this sensor for both FB25 (2.5L) and FA20 (2.0XT) engines. Typical related diagnostic trouble codes in these documents include P0335–P0339, confirming its presence and role in engine management.

On the 2014 Forester, the crank angle sensor is the ECU’s timekeeper. It monitors the crankshaft’s exact position and speed via a toothed tone ring, letting the ECU fire the injectors and spark at the right moment. If it goes out of whack, timing goes with it—leading to hard starting, misfires, stalling or a complete no-start. Subaru labels it “crankshaft position sensor,” but plenty of techs still say “crank angle sensor”, same job, same little hero under the bonnet.

There’s no scheduled maintenance interval for the CKP on this model—it’s intended to be fit-and-forget. As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to cast an eye over the sensor connector and loom for oil contamination, brittle insulation, or broken clips. Keeping oil leaks in check helps too, while the sensor is sealed, baked-on grime and seepage can make removal difficult down the track.

When replacement is needed (fault codes like P0335, rough running, or intermittent cut-outs are common clues), use a quality OEM-equivalent sensor. The job is straightforward for a competent DIYer: disconnect the negative battery terminal, unplug the sensor, remove the single retaining bolt, and gently twist the sensor free. Lightly oil the new O-ring, seat it squarely, and tighten the bolt to the factory spec. Clear any stored codes and check for stable idle and clean revs. A relearn is typically not required on these Subarus, but scanning for pending faults after a short test drive is a good shout.

Symptoms that suggest a failing CKP on a 2014 Forester can include:

• Cranks but won’t start, or starts then stalls
• Sudden misfire or loss of power at random
• Tachometer drop-outs and engine light with codes P0335–P0339

If it’s playing up, avoid long drives, an intermittent CKP can stop the engine without warning. Sorting it early keeps the Forester running sweet and saves guesswork on other ignition or fuel parts.

Popular questions

Where is the crank angle (crankshaft position) sensor on a 2014 Forester?
It’s mounted to the engine block facing a toothed tone ring on the crankshaft. Access is from the engine bay under the bonnet, once the intake ducting is out of the way, the small, single-bolt sensor and its two-pin connector are visible on the block. Exact viewpoint varies slightly between the FB25 and FA20, but the layout and removal steps are much the same.

What are the signs it’s failing, and is it safe to drive?
Common signs are hard starting, random stalling, misfires, and engine light with codes like P0335. If the sensor signal drops out completely, the engine won’t run. It’s best not to keep driving with these symptoms—an intermittent CKP can cause sudden shut-downs, which isn’t ideal in traffic or on the motorway.

Do I need a genuine Subaru sensor?
Plenty of aftermarket options work fine, but quality matters here. Cheap copies can cause wonky signals and recurring codes. A genuine or reputable OEM-equivalent sensor is recommended for reliable starting and stable timing on the Forester.