🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Years Covered:

1999-2002

Chassis Codes:

SF Series

👋 Introduction

Description:

The Subaru Forester of this generation (1999-2002) established itself as a capable and versatile compact SUV, known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and boxer engine. It competed with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.

Comparison Points:

Forester offered a more rugged, outdoors-oriented image compared to some competitors, with higher ground clearance and Subaru's renowned AWD traction. Engine performance was adequate but not class-leading.

Core Features:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally-opposed (boxer) engine, practical cargo space, good visibility, comfortable ride for its class.

Value Proposition:

This workshop manual is the definitive guide for maintaining and repairing the 1999-2002 Subaru Forester, providing the same level of detail and accuracy as used by dealership technicians. It empowers owners and independent mechanics to perform complex tasks with confidence.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All vehicle systems and components for maintenance, service, diagnosis, and repair.

Engine Coverage:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, and emission control systems.

Drivetrain Coverage:

Clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, propeller shaft, differential carrier, front axle, rear axle.

Suspension And Steering Coverage:

Front suspension, rear suspension, brake system, steering system.

Body And Interior Coverage:

Restraint system, body and trim, heater, air conditioner.

Electrical Coverage:

Electrical system, wiring diagrams.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 1500 pages (typical for FSMs of this era and scope).

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Purpose:

Designed for dealership technicians and serious DIY mechanics.

Language:

English

Download Format:

RAR (containing PDF files)

Extracted Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, lubrication & cooling, fuel & emission control, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, propeller shaft & differential carrier, front axle, rear axle.

Chassis:

Front suspension, rear suspension, brake system, steering system.

Body And Accessories:

Restraint system, body and trim, heater, air conditioner.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system including wiring diagrams, sensors, actuators, and control modules.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, tire rotation, brake pad/shoe replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnosis, component testing.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.

Installation:

Installation procedures for various components and systems, including torque specifications.

Body Repair:

Includes procedures for body panel alignment, repair, and interior trim removal/installation.

Specifications:

Comprehensive specifications, torque values, and measurement data for all major components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

Electrical Schematics:

Extensive wiring diagrams are provided, essential for diagnosing electrical issues.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

Assumed high quality, searchable PDF, suitable for printing.

Printability:

Printable, allowing users to create hard copies of specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Boxer (Horizontally-Opposed) 4-Cylinder

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Engine Codes:

EJ251, EJ252, EJ253 (depending on specific market and emissions standards)

Horsepower Approx:

Approximately 165-170 hp (varies slightly by market and specific engine variant)

Torque Approx:

Approximately 162-166 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating recommendations will be in the manual)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-Near-Plug (CNP) configurations depending on year/market.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (Specific Subaru coolant or equivalent recommended in manual)

Oil Viscosity Recommendation:

Likely 5W-30 or 10W-30 (confirm with manual for specific climate)

Timing Belt:

Yes, uses a timing belt that requires periodic replacement (critical maintenance item).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with locking torque converter)

AWD System:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for both manual and automatic transmissions.

Gear Oil Specification:

GL-5 Gear Oil (likely 75W-90 or 80W-90, consult manual for exact specification and capacity).

Atf Specification:

Dexron III or equivalent (consult manual for exact specification and capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 175.7 inches (4463 mm)

Width:

Approximately 69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

Approximately 63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 103.0 inches (2616 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 7.7 inches (196 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

Approximately 3100-3300 lbs (1406-1497 kg) depending on transmission and trim.

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approximately 33.7 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approximately 65.9 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Not rated or 4-star (refer to specific model year NHTSA data for definitive ratings).

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Not rated or 4-star (refer to specific model year NHTSA data for definitive ratings).

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Acceptable (Good for earlier years, some concerns emerged later in the generation).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available (often linked with AWD system)

Airbags Front:

Standard dual front airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, 3-point rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape, and optional premium audio systems (details in manual).

Climate Control:

Manual climate control with optional automatic climate control systems.

Cruise Control:

Available

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available

Usb Aux Input:

Not typically equipped from the factory; aftermarket solutions may be available but are not covered by the OEM manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (under severe driving conditions) or 7,500 miles or 6 months (under normal conditions). Consult manual for specifics.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial. Typically recommended every 60,000 to 105,000 miles, or a specific time interval (e.g., 5-7 years). Consult manual for exact interval as failure can cause severe engine damage.

Coolant Flush:

Approximately every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-45,000 miles. Consult manual.

Engine Oil Capacity:

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

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual)

Head Gaskets:

A common issue in Subaru boxer engines of this era is premature head gasket failure. This manual will provide diagnostic and repair procedures for this critical repair.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged over time, affecting performance and emissions. Procedures for inspection and replacement are covered.

Automatic Transmission:

Some models may experience transmission issues, particularly related to shifting or fluid leaks. The manual will detail diagnosis and repair.

Suspension Components:

Wear items like ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings are common. The manual covers inspection and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Focus:

Subaru has a long history of producing vehicles with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boxer engines, emphasizing durability, capability, and a connection to outdoor lifestyles.

Forester Launch:

The first generation (SF series) Forester was launched in 1997 in Japan and later introduced to other markets, including North America in 1998 for the 1999 model year. This generation established the Forester's unique blend of a wagon-like driving experience with SUV utility.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Prefecture).

Facelift:

The 1999-2002 Forester represents the initial phase of the first generation. A significant facelift occurred for the 2003 model year, marking the beginning of the second generation (SG series).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 2000:

Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2000.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received average to good reliability ratings, though specific components like head gaskets could be a concern.