Parts for your 2014 Subaru Xv-Camshaft sensor

2014 Subaru XV camshaft sensor — what it is, where it is, and when to replace it

Technical references confirm that the 2014 Subaru XV (GP7, FB20 2.0‑litre boxer) is fitted with camshaft position sensors and relies on them for engine management. The Subaru Service Manual for Impreza/XV (2012–2016, FB engine) contains dedicated “Camshaft Position Sensor” operation and diagnostics, including DTCs P0340–P0344. Subaru wiring diagrams for the FB20 show two cam sensors (left and right cylinder heads) feeding the ECM, and the Subaru global parts catalogue lists two camshaft position sensors for this model and engine. Subaru technical training on AVCS (Active Valve Control System) also describes cam angle feedback from these sensors as essential for variable valve timing control.

On the 2014 Subaru XV, the camshaft sensor’s job is to tell the engine computer exactly where each intake cam is in its rotation. Paired with the crank sensor, it lets the ECU fire the injectors and coils at the right time and fine‑tune AVCS. That means smoother starts, clean idle, decent fuel economy, and proper low‑down torque. The FB20 runs a sensor on each head, mounted near the front of the cam cover, reading a trigger on the cam sprocket via a Hall‑effect pickup.

These sensors aren’t a scheduled service item, but they do live a tough life. Heat, oil vapour, and the odd splash during maintenance can cause drama over time. Owners and techs generally keep an eye out for tell‑tales like a check engine light, sluggish take‑off, rough idle, or sudden stalling after warm‑up.

• Common fault codes: P0340, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0344 (bank‑specific on the FB20).
• Typical symptoms: hard starting, misfires, poor economy, AVCS performance drop, limp mode.

Good servicing habits help. Fresh oil of the correct grade keeps AVCS and the cam trigger wheels happy. During routine services, it’s smart to eyeball the cam sensor connectors for oil wicking or brittle clips and check the loom where it runs past the timing cover for chafe. If diagnosis points to a faulty sensor, replacement is straightforward: disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the small retaining bolt, swap the sensor, and refit the O‑ring if specified. Tighten to factory spec (it’s a light fastener), reconnect, clear codes, and verify cam/crank sync with a scan tool. On the FB20, the left and right sensors are typically identical, swapping banks can be a quick fault‑isolation trick, but best practice is fit quality OEM‑spec parts. Most workshops will have it sorted in 15–30 minutes per side, and owners in Aus/NZ can expect a modest parts bill compared with the headaches a failing sensor can cause.

FAQs

Does the 2014 Subaru XV have one or two camshaft sensors?
Yes, it has two. The FB20 boxer uses a sensor on each cylinder head to track intake cam position for sequential injection and AVCS control. That’s why fault codes often specify Bank 1 or Bank 2.

What codes point to a camshaft sensor problem on a 2014 XV?
Common engine light codes include P0340–P0344. These relate to cam signal range/performance, circuit high/low, or intermittent issues. Always confirm with live data and wiring checks, as wiring or oil contamination at the connector can mimic a failed sensor.

Can a camshaft sensor be cleaned or does it need replacing?
The sensor itself is sealed, if it’s internally faulty, replacement is the fix. However, cleaning an oily connector, repairing damaged wiring, and ensuring correct engine oil and level can resolve some cam‑signal issues without replacing the sensor.