🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Model Generation:

First Generation

Model Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Chassis Code:

SF/SG

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points:

Standard All-Wheel Drive, practicality, good visibility, comfortable ride, distinctive styling.

Key Competitors:

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

Powertrain:

Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and horizontally opposed ('boxer') engines.

Design:

Wagon-like profile with SUV ground clearance, offering a good balance of utility and car-like driving dynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete service, repair, and maintenance for all 1999-2004 Subaru Forester models and engines.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) - High Quality, Searchable, Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection (MPI), ignition system.

Engine Management:

ECU operation, sensor diagnostics (MAP, TPS, MAF, O2, Crank/Cam position), actuator control, emission control systems (EGR, PCV), OBD-II diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox assembly, gear ratios, shift linkage, maintenance, repair procedures for 5-speed manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, transmission valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control systems, electronic control unit (TCU), maintenance, repair procedures for 4-speed automatic transmissions.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front differential, rear differential, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings, hub assemblies.

Suspension:

Front struts/shocks, rear struts/shocks, springs, control arms, ball joints, sway bars, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, pump, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper, rotor, pad replacement, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, chassis lubrication, rust prevention, structural components.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, diagnostic and repair.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection.

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, head gasket replacement, timing belt replacement (critical maintenance item), clutch replacement, brake caliper rebuilding.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic trees, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault identification, fault code interpretation.

Diagnostics:

Detailed procedures for using diagnostic scan tools, reading live data, performing actuator tests, checking sensor outputs, and interpreting wiring diagrams.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing individual components like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, water pumps, power steering pumps, AC compressors, and more.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Digital Resolution:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations.

Digital Accessibility:

Accessible on any device with a PDF reader; bookmarking and searching enabled.

Digital Content Type:

Contains text, exploded views, schematics, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ251

Engine Type 1:

Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (Horizontally Opposed)

Displacement 1:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Bore X Stroke 1:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.7:1

Horsepower 1:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year/spec)

Torque 1:

166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year/spec)

Engine Code 2:

EJ253 (later models)

Engine Type 2:

Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (Horizontally Opposed)

Displacement 2:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Horsepower 2:

170 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year/spec)

Torque 2:

170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year/spec)

Engine Code 3:

EJ20 (Japan/export markets only)

Displacement 3:

2.0 Liters (1994 cc)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)

Emissions Standard:

EPA Tier 1 standards for the US market; specific standards vary by year and region.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Drive System Manual:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential.

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Drive System Automatic:

Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with electronically controlled clutch pack in later models.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Subaru Extra MT Fluid (or equivalent API GL-5 rated gear oil, e.g., 75W-90).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON compatible fluid).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,590 mm (180.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,735 mm (68.3 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,590 mm (62.6 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,630 mm (103.5 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 195 mm (7.7 in)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 33.5 cu ft (variable by configuration)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 67.8 cu ft (variable by configuration)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,450 - 1,550 kg (3,197 - 3,417 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Typically not officially rated for towing in the US market for this generation, but capable of light trailer use.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Achieved 4-star rating in NHTSA frontal crash tests for driver and front passenger (1999 model year testing data available).

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good to Acceptable ratings in IIHS frontal offset crash tests (varies by specific year and testing protocol).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models, standard on higher trims.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models, particularly with automatic transmissions.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags not typically available on this generation.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point rear seatbelts.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced chassis and cabin structure for enhanced rollover protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM/CD player (single-disc or changer). Cassette player was also common on early models.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models. Cruise control system operation and troubleshooting covered.

All Wheel Drive:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a core technology, providing enhanced traction and stability in various conditions. The manual details its operation and maintenance.

Telematics:

Limited connectivity features. No Bluetooth or USB ports available from the factory on this generation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal driving conditions).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months. Crucial maintenance item to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

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

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend (API SN or newer, ILSAC GF-5 or newer).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru anti-corrosion additives.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gasket Leaks:

Common issue, especially on earlier EJ25 engines. Symptoms include coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, or coolant in oil. The manual provides repair procedures.

Timing Belt Failure:

If not replaced at recommended intervals, failure can lead to valve-to-piston contact and severe engine damage. The manual details the replacement process.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Some owners report premature wear or failure of automatic transmissions, especially under heavy use. Regular fluid changes are critical.

Cv Joint Wear:

Front CV joints can wear out, particularly if the protective boots are damaged, leading to clicking noises during turns.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history in aviation and automotive manufacturing, renowned for its horizontally opposed engines and All-Wheel Drive technology.

First Generation Launch:

The first-generation Subaru Forester (SF series) was introduced in Japan in 1997 and globally in 1998 for the 1998 model year, establishing the crossover SUV segment for Subaru.

Generation Transition:

The SF series (1998-2002) was succeeded by the SG series (2003-2008). This manual covers the later part of the first generation and the beginning of the second generation transition, depending on specific regional launches.

Key Updates 1999 2004:

Minor updates included revised styling (headlights, grille, bumpers), interior enhancements, and powertrain refinements. Turbocharged 'GT' or 'STI' models were available in some markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan by Subaru Corporation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iiihs Top Safety Pick:

While not consistently a 'Top Safety Pick' by modern standards, the Forester generally performed well for its era in safety tests, particularly with AWD providing stability.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports often rated the Forester well for its practicality and AWD capability, though reliability ratings could be mixed due to specific common issues like head gaskets.

Emissions Certification:

Certified to meet US EPA emissions standards for its model years.