I'm working on an FB25 engine swap from a 2016 Legacy to a 2013 Forester. The new engine runs great, but I'm getting codes P0016 and P0018, camshaft/crankshaft correlation. I believe the issue is the camshaft reluctor plates, which you will find under the timing chain cover. In the old engine, the plates have 3 notches, and in the new engine the plates have 3 "tips." They are inverse of each other. I'm trying to arrive at the best solution now, and will let you know when (and if) I am successful. Either the plates have to be swapped, or the ECM needs to be reprogrammed to recognize the new engine. I'm not sure if this can be done, but I would prefer reprogramming to taking the timing chain cover off again, since the engine is now installed in the car. Here is a link to another forum with some pictures of what I am trying to describe: subaru FB25 engine interchange-Page 5| Grassroots Motorsports forum |

 

Following up from my last post. My problem turned out to be the camshaft reluctor (tone) plates, which you will find under the timing chain cover. In the old engine, the plates have 3 notches, and in the new engine the plates have 3 "tips." They are inverse of each other.

Here's a picture of the camshaft reluctor plates from the 2 different engines. The one on the left is from my old engine. I moved both plates from the old engine over to the new engine. I got the engine put back together and ran it last night. The P0016 and P0018 codes are gone. I'll have to put some miles on it before I'm completely convinced that this was the solution, but I'm about 95% certain at this point. The car runs great and there’s not a code in sight!

 

BTW, you can fairly easily find out which camshaft reluctor (tone) plates you have on your engine without removing the timing chain cover. Locate the camshaft position sensors mounted on the upper left and right corners of the timing chain cover. Remove one of these sensors and then shine a light into the resulting hole. You will be able to see the edge of the camshaft plate. Use a 22mm socket to turn the crankshaft clockwise. This will turn the camshaft and you will be able to see whether the camshaft plates have notches or "tips."

 

So I missed this thread as my son and I competed the swap with a 15 into an 11. We’re experiencing the p0016 and p0018 codes now. Is there a chance that there’s an ecu tune or something that can be done. We did the timing chain cover swap and made it without leaks and am so nervous to do it again so quickly. We might not get it done right since the engine is mounted now. Throwing up my wish and a prayer.
Another question how dangerous is it to drive with the camshaft codes?
Thanks folks.

 

@nickha82
I feel your pain! I did exactly the same thing. I asked a couple of people about reprogramming the ECU before I took my timing chain cover off the second time. It makes sense to me that you would be able to change the ECU to address this problem, but I was told that it couldn’t be done. Maybe you can find someone to help with that. Do you know a Subaru mechanic that you trust to give you good info?

As for driving with those codes, I would not recommend it. The position of the camshafts is determined by those “tone” plates and the valve timing is adjusted by the ECU accordingly. When I was driving with the wrong plates, the engine was really sluggish. When I got the correct plates in there, the codes were gone (and haven’t come back) and the engine performance was much more responsive. What you expect from a 2.5 liter engine.

Wish I had better news for you, but I will be the first to admit that I am an amateur mechanic. Maybe someone else can give you some more helpful advice.

 

@SDO,
Thanks, I figured as much. It makes sense that it would be a tune. But no one with access to make it happen would actually do it. If I worked for Subaru as a master mechanic I wouldn’t be in this position.

 

Got the cam plate swap done today for my 11 that got a 15 fb25 . Letting the rtv dry overnight and will fill oil tomorrow sometime. Fingers crossed that this is finally complete. Thanks for the help. I definitely hope this thread helps someone else avoid the extra steps we’ve had to take.
2015

2011

 

Yes, I've read a few threads where these same issues had to be learned the hard way.
Hopefully future DIYers will find this info beforehand

 

Did you guys ever have any codes pop back up. Looking to do the same swap

 

@594520 The P0016 and P0018 codes have not come back.

 

Hi, I am swapping a Subaru 2013 FB engine into a 2011 Forester. I am getting P0016 and P0018 codes but The relucter plates appear to be the same with 3 notches.

I will change the timing change cover as it is missing a pulley and the wiring harness. Hopefully, this will fix the problem.

I haven't changed the crankshaft sensor wheel, maybe this will be the problem but I will have to pull the motor again to change this.

 

Hi, I am swapping a Subaru 2013 FB engine into a 2011 Forester. I am getting P0016 and P0018 codes but The relucter plates appear to be the same with 3 notches.

I will change the timing change cover as it is missing a pulley and the wiring harness. Hopefully, this will fix the problem.

I haven't changed the crankshaft sensor wheel, maybe this will be the problem but I will have to pull the motor again to change this.

I'm looking at putting a 2013 Outback FB25 into a 2012 Forester.
Looks like oil pan and pick-up will have to be changed, due to front mount assembly on the Outback. I'll be using Forester Intake and timing cover.
Anything else you can tell me?
Thanks!