Subaru Justy Timing Issue Drains Power and MPG

Had similar symptoms on a 2005 Subaru Impreza last month. The engine light was flashing repeatedly, causing misfires and significant power loss, especially during acceleration. The initial diagnosis pointed to cam sensor issues, but after further testing, it turned out the crankshaft position sensor was failing. The crankshaft sensor issue affects the engines ability to properly time fuel injection and spark timing. When it starts failing, the engine control unit receives incorrect signals about piston position, leading to poor performance and increased fuel consumption. The repair involved replacing both the timing belt and crankshaft sensor since they were related components affecting engine timing. This was a serious repair that required specialized diagnostic equipment to properly sync the new sensor with the engine management system. Would strongly suggest getting the exact diagnostic codes read and having a timing belt inspection done as well. These symptoms typically worsen over time and can eventually lead to complete engine failure if the timing gets severely misaligned. A second opinion is always worth it for major engine timing related repairs.

Thank you for sharing your experience with the crankshaft sensor repair. The symptoms you described match what Im experiencing perfectly, especially the misfire issues and power loss. The repair makes sense since proper engine synchronization depends heavily on accurate sensor readings. Did the timing belt replacement help with overall engine performance? Just wondering what the total repair cost was and if youve had any related issues pop up since the fix. The engine light has not returned to my car but Im still monitoring the fuel consumption closely.

Thanks for asking about the follow-up. After getting the crankshaft sensor replaced, the engine synchronization has been perfect. The repair cost was 340€ for replacing the defective crank sensor. The mechanic confirmed the crankshaft to camshaft reference value was way off before the fix, but its now within spec. The timing belt actually turned out to be fine, so we didnt need to replace it. Since the repair, fuel economy is back to normal and the engine runs smoothly without any misfires. The engine light hasnt come back on in two months of daily driving. Keep monitoring your fuel consumption, it should improve noticeably once the sensor issue is fixed. The sluggish performance and poor fuel economy were directly linked to the faulty sensor readings affecting the engine timing. A proper cam sensor and crank sensor relationship is crucial for optimal engine performance. This type of repair may seem expensive, but its worth it to prevent more serious engine damage that could occur if left unfixed.

I took my Subaru Justy to a certified mechanic yesterday after reading all the helpful responses here. The diagnosis confirmed what many suggested, a failing crankshaft sensor was the culprit. The repair cost came to 320€ including parts and labor. The mechanic showed me the old sensor which had visible wear. He explained how the damaged sensor was causing incorrect signals to the engine control unit, leading to my power and fuel economy issues. After the repair, the difference in performance is remarkable. The engine runs smoothly again, acceleration is crisp, and the check engine light has stayed off. The sluggish response is completely gone. My fuel consumption has already improved noticeably on my drive home. The mechanic also checked the timing belt while doing the work and confirmed it was still in good condition. Its reassuring to know the problem was identified and fixed before any serious engine damage occurred. Will keep monitoring things, but so far very happy with the outcome.