🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2012

Generation:

Fourth Generation (SJ)

Chassis Code:

SJ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, practical cargo space, excellent visibility, reputation for safety and durability.

Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape.

AWD System:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a standard feature across all trims, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions.

Engine Layout:

Horizontally-opposed Boxer engines, providing a lower center of gravity for improved handling and stability.

Visibility:

Excellent outward visibility due to large glass areas and a commanding driving position.

📋 Manual Details

Region Covered:

Global (primarily North America, Europe, Australia)

Total Pages:

4534

Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage of all engine variants, including Boxer engine principles, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for naturally aspirated and turbocharged (XT models) engines.

Transmission:

Detailed information on Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and 5-speed/6-speed manual transmissions, including operation, maintenance, diagnostics, and overhaul.

Drivetrain:

Full coverage of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, including front and rear differentials, driveshafts, and coupling systems.

Suspension:

In-depth coverage of front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension systems, including component replacement, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Detailed procedures for hydraulic brake system maintenance, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, and bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Information on hydraulic power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, and fluid specifications.

Electrical:

Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, and accessory circuits.

Climate Control:

Service and repair procedures for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and diagnosis.

Body And Interior:

Detailed instructions for body panel removal and installation, interior trim, upholstery, glass replacement, and bodywork repair.

Safety Systems:

Coverage of SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and associated sensors and control modules. NOTE: Extreme caution and specific training are required for SRS system work.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules and procedures for all intervals, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and inspections.

Engine Repair:

Component-level engine repair, including cylinder head removal/installation, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and bearing service, and timing belt/chain replacement (where applicable).

Transmission Repair:

Overhaul procedures for both manual and CVT transmissions, including torque converter replacement, clutch service, and valve body diagnostics.

Brake Service:

Replacement of brake pads, rotors, calipers, hoses, and bleeding of the brake system.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for common electrical faults, including sensor testing and ECU diagnosis.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Replacement of struts, shocks, ball joints, tie rod ends, and power steering pump/rack.

Body Panel Replacement:

Step-by-step guides for removing and installing fenders, hoods, bumpers, doors, and glass.

Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive troubleshooting section with symptoms, potential causes, and recommended repair actions for various vehicle systems.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners across all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Complete overhaul and detailed repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Viewable on any device with a PDF reader (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone).

Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and images. Optimized for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Text Search:

Searchable text allows for quick location of specific information, procedures, and part numbers.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Base:

FB25

Displacement Base:

2.5 Liters (2498 cc)

Configuration Base:

Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower Base:

173 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Base:

174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

Engine Code Turbo:

FA20DIT (Forester XT models)

Displacement Turbo:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Configuration Turbo:

Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower Turbo:

250 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Turbo:

258 lb-ft @ 2000-4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) for NA engines, Direct Injection (DI) for XT models.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 AKI (for NA), 91 AKI (for XT models)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

Transmission Type Optional:

6-speed Manual Transmission (available on some trims, particularly 2.5i models)

AWD Integration:

Fully integrated with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for optimized power distribution.

Cvt Modes:

Manual mode with paddle shifters for simulated gear changes (on select trims).

Cvt Fluid Type:

Subaru CVTF (Continuously Variable Fluid) II or equivalent (specific part number available in manual).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil or equivalent (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 180.9 inches (4595 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

Approx. 65.7 inches (1670 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.9 inches (2640 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 34.4 cu ft (974 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 70.4 cu ft (1993 liters)

Curb Weight Base:

Approx. 3300 - 3400 lbs (1497 - 1542 kg)

Towing Capacity:

1500 lbs (680 kg) - consult manual for specific trailer brake requirements.

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for 2012 model year)

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for 2012 model year)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Ebs:

Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

TCS:

Standard Traction Control System

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (Vehicle Dynamics Control)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters in all seating positions.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit Options:

Base models feature a 6-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input. Higher trims offer touch-screen infotainment systems with optional navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

Camera System:

Optional rear-view camera integrated with the infotainment system.

Keyless Access:

Optional Keyless Access system with push-button start.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Check manual for severe driving conditions.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. More frequent replacement recommended in dusty conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

60,000 miles (96,000 km) for naturally aspirated engines. Consult manual for XT models.

Transmission Fluid Change Cvt:

Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, especially under severe driving conditions. Check for filter replacement as well.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Genuine ATF-HP or equivalent (check manual for specific PN).

Cvt Hesitation:

Some early models may experience minor hesitation; regular fluid changes are crucial for CVT longevity. Manual provides diagnostic steps.

Oil Consumption:

Certain FB25 engines can exhibit oil consumption; proper monitoring and adherence to oil change intervals are important.

Headlight Fogging:

Condensation can sometimes form inside headlight assemblies; manual may offer disassembly/cleaning procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Company Origin:

Founded in 1917 as Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., rebranded as Subaru Corporation in 2017.

All Wheel Drive Pioneer:

Subaru is renowned for its pioneering work and widespread adoption of All-Wheel Drive technology in passenger vehicles.

First Generation:

Introduced in 1997 as a compact SUV/station wagon, blending SUV practicality with car-like handling.

Fourth Generation Introduction:

The 2012 model year marked the debut of the fourth generation (SJ), featuring a completely new platform and design language, and the introduction of the Lineartronic CVT.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick.

NHTSA Award:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-Star Safety Rating.

Edmunds Best SUVs:

Often cited by automotive publications like Edmunds for its practicality and value within its segment.