Parts for your 2023 Subaru Impreza-Camshaft sensor

2023 Subaru Impreza Camshaft Sensor — What it does and how to look after it

Technical documentation confirms the 2023 Subaru Impreza is fitted with camshaft position sensors. Subaru’s Technical Information System (STIS) service manual for the FB20 2.0‑litre DOHC engine includes diagnostic procedures and DTCs P0340/P0341 and P0345/P0346 for the camshaft position sensor circuits, and Subaru’s genuine parts catalogues list left‑ and right‑hand camshaft position sensors for this model. The engine’s Dual AVCS (variable valve timing) relies on those sensors to phase the cams correctly.

On the 2023 Impreza, the camshaft sensor keeps the engine’s brain in the loop about exactly where the camshafts are, so injection and ignition can be timed spot‑on and the AVCS can advance or retard the cams as needed. That precise timing helps the Impreza start cleanly, idle smoothly, sip fuel on the motorway and meet emissions rules across Australia and New Zealand.

This is a solid‑state, no‑maintenance part, so there’s no set replacement interval in the service schedule. Instead, it’s all about prevention and smart diagnostics. Fresh, correct‑grade engine oil (meeting the spec in the handbook) and on‑time oil changes keep the cam triggers and AVCS oil control hardware clean, which indirectly protects the sensor signal. During routine servicing, it’s worth a quick visual on the sensor connectors and loom runs on both cylinder heads for oil wicking, brittle conduit or chafe points—common causes of intermittent faults.

Typical warnings that a cam sensor is unhappy include a check‑engine light, hard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration and poorer fuel economy. Scan tools often show DTCs like P0340/P0341 (Bank 1) or P0345/P0346 (Bank 2). Before tossing parts, a tech should verify good power/ground, clean signal, proper reluctor condition and stable crankshaft sensor data, as those can mimic cam faults.

• Location: One sensor on each cylinder head (left and right), near the front of the cams.
• Replacement tips: Disconnect the battery, don’t mix up LH and RH sensors, renew the O‑ring, and torque the retaining bolt to the factory spec in the service manual.
• After fitting: Clear codes, perform a road test and confirm AVCS angles and cam/crank sync with a scan tool. No special relearn is usually needed, but verify with STIS procedures.
• Parts: Stick with quality OEM‑equivalent sensors, cheap units can cause unstable AVCS control.

Treat it right with regular oil changes and quick attention to any warning lights, and the camshaft sensors on a 2023 Impreza will generally run for many hundreds of thousands of kilometres without a fuss.

Popular questions

How many camshaft sensors are on a 2023 Subaru Impreza?
The FB20 engine uses two—one on the left‑hand head and one on the right‑hand head. That lets the ECU track cam timing on both banks for accurate AVCS control and sequential fuel injection.

What fault codes point to a camshaft sensor issue?
Common codes include P0340/P0341 for Bank 1 and P0345/P0346 for Bank 2 camshaft position circuits. A proper diagnosis should also check wiring integrity, connector condition and the crank sensor signal.

Is it safe to drive with a failing camshaft sensor?
It might run, but it can stumble, go into limp mode or stall at the lights. Best to minimise driving and get it checked—prolonged use can stress the catalyst and waste fuel.