Parts for your 2017 Subaru Exiga-Camshaft sensor

2017 Subaru Exiga camshaft sensor — what it does and how to look after it

Technical documentation from Subaru’s service information (FB25 engine, MY2015–2018) and the Subaru Japan parts catalogue for the Exiga/Crossover 7 confirms the 2017 Subaru Exiga (FB25 2.5‑litre DOHC with Dual AVCS) is fitted with camshaft position sensors on each cylinder head. These sensors are essential for AVCS operation and for precise sequential fuel injection and ignition timing, so the camshaft sensor is absolutely relevant to this model.

On the 2017 Subaru Exiga, the camshaft sensor’s job is to tell the engine control module exactly where each cam is, in real time. That lets the Dual AVCS system advance or retard valve timing for smoother idle, better fuel economy, and solid mid‑range torque. It also keeps starting crisp and emissions tidy by lining up injection and spark just right. When one of these sensors goes out of whack, the ECU loses that clean timing picture and things can go pear‑shaped.

Typical signs it’s time to check the Exiga’s cam sensor include:

• Check Engine Light with codes like P0340/P0345/P0365/P0390
• Long cranking or hard starts when hot
• Rough idle, misfires, or a noticeable drop in fuel economy
• Sluggish performance or limp‑home behaviour

There’s no scheduled replacement for these sensors, but they benefit from a quick look during regular servicing. A mechanic should inspect the connectors and wiring looms at the front/top of each head (under the plastic engine cover), especially around the timing cover area where heat and oil mist live. Any oil leaks from rocker covers should be sorted promptly—oil intrusion at the connector can trigger faults.

When replacement is needed, go OEM or a reputable equivalent and fit a fresh O‑ring. Under the bonnet, the job is straightforward for a competent DIYer:

1. Disconnect the battery and pop off the engine cover.
2. Unplug the sensor connector, remove the retaining bolt, and gently twist/pull the sensor out.
3. Lightly oil the new O‑ring, seat the new sensor, and torque the bolt to the manufacturer spec.
4. Reconnect, clear codes, and road test. The ECU will relearn quickly if everything’s happy.

If the Exiga’s been cranking long or idling rough, it’s smart to rule out the crank sensor and timing issues too, but a fresh cam sensor often brings the FB25 right back to its usual smooth, quiet self.

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2017 Subaru Exiga?

On the FB25, there’s one sensor on each cylinder head near the front/top, tucked just behind the front timing cover area. They’re accessible once the plastic engine cover is off, with the connectors facing up for easy unplugging.

Can a faulty camshaft sensor be cleaned, or does it need replacing?

They’re Hall‑effect sensors, so internal failures aren’t fixable. Cleaning only helps if there’s light contamination on the outside or oil in the connector. If the ECU keeps logging cam sensor codes after checking wiring and oil leaks, replacement is the go.

Is it safe to drive with a bad camshaft sensor?

It may run, but expect hard starts, poor performance, and possible limp mode. Because it can stall or surge at the worst time, it’s best to sort it promptly rather than keep driving and hoping for the best.