Parts for your 2020 Subaru Outback-Crank angle sensor

2020 Subaru Outback crank-angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor)

Yes — the 2020 Subaru Outback is fitted with a crank-angle sensor, more commonly listed by Subaru as the crankshaft position sensor (CKP). This is confirmed in the 2020MY Legacy/Outback Service Manual within Engine Diagnostics (including DTC P0335 “Crankshaft Position Sensor ‘A’ Circuit”), removal/installation procedures for the CKP sensor, and in Subaru’s genuine parts catalogues that list a CKP sensor for the FB25 and FA24 engines. These technical sources make it clear the component is relevant and used on this model.

On the 2020 Outback, the crank-angle sensor keeps the engine management spot on. It reads a toothed wheel on the crankshaft and feeds the ECU exact crank angle and speed. With that info, the ECU times fuel injection and spark to the millisecond, stabilises idle, and helps with quick, clean starts. If the signal drops out, the engine may crank and not fire, stumble, or log a fault code and switch on the check engine light.

It’s not a routine replacement item — there’s no fixed interval in the Subaru schedule. During regular servicing, a sensible workshop gives it a quick visual once-over: check the connector for corrosion, the harness for rubbing near the block and bellhousing area, and make sure there’s no oil contamination where it mounts. Keeping the connector clean and clipped properly prevents a lot of grief down the track.

Tell-tale symptoms of a crook crank-angle sensor include long cranking, random stalling when hot, misfires, a dead tach during cranking, and stored codes like P0335–P0339. If any of that shows up, proper diagnosis with a scan tool and scope is the go before parts are swapped.

When replacement is needed, go genuine or a trusted OEM-equivalent. Disconnect the battery negative, allow the engine to cool, and access the sensor on the engine block where it reads the crank tone wheel. The job is straightforward but precise: don’t pry on the sensor face, lightly oil the O-ring if fitted, seat it square, and tighten the retaining bolt to the service manual torque spec. Clear codes and verify with a warm restart and a short road test. If faults persist, inspect the harness back to the ECU — intermittent wiring faults can mimic a failed sensor.

Technical sources referenced

• Subaru 2020MY Legacy/Outback Service Manual (Engine Diagnostics: DTC P0335 and CKP sensor procedures)
• Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue (2020 Outback FB25/FA24: Crankshaft Position Sensor listing)
• OBD-II diagnostic framework applied in Subaru ECMs for CKP monitoring (P0335–P0339)

Popular questions

What are the symptoms of a failing crank-angle sensor on a 2020 Outback?
Common signs include hard starting or no start, random stalling once warm, rough idle, hesitation, the rev counter staying dead while cranking, and the check engine light with codes like P0335. If it plays up intermittently, it may act fine when cold and misbehave once heat-soaked.

Is the crank-angle sensor a regular service item?
No — it’s not scheduled for routine replacement. It should be inspected during servicing for clean connectors, secure routing, and no oil contamination. Replace only if it’s faulty or damaged, and follow the factory torque spec and procedures.

Can the vehicle be driven with a faulty crank-angle sensor?
It’s risky. The engine may stall without warning or refuse to restart, which isn’t ideal on a motorway or a long Kiwi back road. If faults are logged or symptoms match, arrange diagnosis and repair promptly.