🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Model Generation:

SF (First Generation)

Model Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Chassis Codes:

SF5, SF9

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent visibility, practical cargo space, reliable powertrain.

Competitors 1999-2002:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute.

Forester Attributes:

Hatchback utility with SUV-like ground clearance, praised for its go-anywhere capability in adverse weather conditions.

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Subaru owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.

📋 Manual Details

Geographical Coverage:

North America (implied by year range and typical manual distribution)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine variants, including diagnostics, maintenance, repair, overhaul, specifications, and troubleshooting.

Transmission:

Both automatic (4-speed) and manual (5-speed) transmissions, including removal, installation, overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, including differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, and related components.

Brakes:

Front disc, rear disc (or drum on some base models), ABS, parking brake systems, including hydraulic components, ABS modulator, and component replacement.

Suspension:

Front McPherson struts, rear multi-link or trailing arm suspension, including component replacement, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.

Steering:

Power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, hoses, and fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage of starter, alternator, battery, ignition system, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, and accessory circuits.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, including A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, and controls.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and oxygen sensors.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, and bleeding procedures.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, frame specifications, and corrosion protection.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnostics and replacement, seatbelt mechanisms.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, power steering fluid changes.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues across all major systems, including engine performance, electrical faults, and drivability problems.

Component Repair And Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component rebuilds, etc.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic codes, diagnostic procedures for specific systems, use of diagnostic tools.

Installation And Removal:

Step-by-step guides for removing and installing virtually all major and minor components.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications, measurement tolerances, clearances for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and body components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and chassis repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear text, and legible diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated 2.5L SOHC Boxer-4)

Engine Code And Type Turbo:

EJ255 (Turbocharged 2.5L SOHC Boxer-4) - Turbo models (e.g., Forester S/TB)

Horsepower Na:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx.)

Torque Na:

166 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower Turbo:

210-230 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx.)

Torque Turbo:

235-250 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane Na:

87 (or higher)

Recommended Octane Turbo:

91 (or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Na:

4-speed automatic (4EAT)

Transmission Type Manual:

5-speed manual (5MT)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled active torque split (automatic).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III/Mercon (for automatic), Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil or equivalent (for manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.1 inches

Width:

69.7 inches

Height:

63.0 inches

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.5 inches

Curb Weight Approx:

3150 - 3350 lbs (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

33.0 cu ft (approx.)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

65.9 cu ft (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Not rated or 4-star (varies by year/testing protocol)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Not rated or 4-star (varies by year/testing protocol)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (often for models with optional side airbags)

ABS:

Standard on most models, 4-wheel disc with ABS.

Traction Control:

Not generally available on these models.

Airbags:

Dual front airbags standard. Optional side airbags available on select trims/years.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pre-tensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette/CD players, optional premium sound systems.

Display Technology:

Basic digital clock and radio displays. No advanced color screens.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions may exist.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions, check manual for exact specs).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 15 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Not standard on all trims during this period; if equipped, typically every 15,000 miles or 15 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (NGK Platinum or Iridium recommended).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial 60,000 miles or 4 years, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 miles or 30 months.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 30,000 miles or 30 months.

Engine Oil Type Na:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SG or higher)

Engine Oil Type Turbo:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SG or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity Na:

4.5 US quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity Turbo:

4.5 US quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze/coolant

Head Gasket Leaks:

While more prevalent in later EJ25 engines, early signs or coolant consumption can indicate potential head gasket issues. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures.

Catalytic Converter Failure:

Can occur due to engine misfires or excessive oil consumption; manual covers exhaust system diagnostics.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Occasional reports of hesitation or slipping, particularly with higher mileage. Manual provides detailed repair and diagnosis.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Reputation:

Known for its pioneering use of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across its entire lineup and its horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines.

Forester Genesis:

The Forester was introduced in 1997 in Japan and globally in 1998 as a compact crossover SUV, blending wagon practicality with SUV capability.

Sf Generation Updates:

The 1999-2002 models represent the latter part of the first generation (SF chassis). Minor styling updates and feature adjustments occurred during this period, with a more significant facelift around 2001.

Assembly Location:

Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best SUV:

Frequently listed by automotive publications as a capable and practical compact SUV.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally good reliability ratings for Subaru models of this era, with specific notes on potential head gasket concerns for the EJ25 engine.