🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

SF

Engine Codes:

EJ25 SOHC, EJ25 DOHC Turbo (for specific market variants)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Usp:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent visibility, practical cargo space, boxer engine.

Competitors:

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

Powertrain Advantage:

Subaru's signature Boxer engine provides a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability.

AWD Advantage:

Symmetrical AWD system offers superior traction and stability in various weather conditions compared to many front-wheel-drive based competitors.

Practicality:

Spacious interior for its class, good cargo capacity, and comfortable ride for daily use and light off-roading.

Diy Enablement:

Empowers owners to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, saving money and increasing vehicle longevity.

Diagnostic Power:

Provides the technical information needed to accurately diagnose and fix issues, often beyond the capabilities of generic repair guides.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All workshop procedures, maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for the 1999 Subaru Forester.

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar e-book format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair of internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshafts, valves), cylinder head, block, timing belt/chain, seals, and gaskets.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control systems (EVAP, EGR), sensors (O2, MAF, TPS, crank/cam position), actuators, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, gear shifting mechanisms, transmission overhaul, fluid types, maintenance, and repair for 5-speed manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission operation, fluid types, maintenance, torque converter, valve body, transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for 4-speed automatic transmissions.

Drivetrain AWD:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, viscous coupling, center differential, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, axle shafts, maintenance, and repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings), alignment specifications, wheel bearing replacement, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs, pads, calipers, rotors, drums, shoes), hydraulic system (master cylinder, brake lines, booster), parking brake, ABS system operation, diagnostics, and repair.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, reservoir, lines, rack and pinion), steering column, tie rod ends, maintenance, and repair.

Electrical System:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals, trim, rust prevention, and repair.

Body Interior:

Dashboard removal, seating systems, interior trim, headliner, carpets, airbags, climate control panel, and accessory components.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system operation, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, climate control system, diagnostics, and repair.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS) operation, diagnostics, and component replacement, seatbelt mechanisms.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), common problems and solutions, systematic troubleshooting procedures for all major systems.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, timing belt inspection/replacement intervals.

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, valve adjustment, timing belt replacement (critical procedure), engine mounts.

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement, manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission clutch pack replacement, valve body repair, torque converter replacement.

Brake Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, master cylinder replacement, brake booster replacement, ABS sensor replacement.

Suspension Steering Repair:

Strut/shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, wheel bearing replacement, power steering pump replacement, rack and pinion replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Using wiring diagrams, testing circuits, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults, starter and alternator testing, battery testing.

Body Work:

Body panel alignment, door mechanism repair, tailgate hinge and latch repair, bumper cover replacement, glass and seal replacement.

HVAC Repair:

Refrigerant system evacuation and recharge, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier), heater core replacement, blower motor replacement.

Airbag System Service:

SRS component diagnosis, airbag module replacement, seatbelt pretensioner replacement (with specific safety precautions).

Wheel Alignment:

Front and rear wheel alignment specifications (camber, caster, toe) and procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - commonly used for digital manuals.

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics.

Printability:

Printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual for workshop use.

Quality:

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

Binding:

N/A (Digital format; if printed, typically coil-bound or perfect bound for durability in a workshop environment).

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format; if printed, would ideally be on durable, gloss or semi-gloss paper for resistance to grease and shop elements).

Scope:

Complete factory service manual, equivalent to what authorized Subaru dealerships utilize.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ25

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, SOHC Boxer-4 (Flat-4)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque:

162 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-near-Plug (CNP) depending on specific build.

Turbocharged Engine:

Optional EJ25D Turbocharged Boxer-4 (GT Trim) - Higher output, requires premium fuel.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

AWD Integration:

All transmissions are integrated with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Automatic transmission utilizes a viscous coupling center differential. Manual transmission typically uses a viscous limited-slip center differential.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.8 inches (4465 mm)

Width:

67.9 inches (1725 mm)

Height:

63.2 inches (1605 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches (2616 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.5 inches (190 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3200 - 3400 lbs (1451 - 1542 kg), varies by trim and transmission

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

35.7 cu ft (1011 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

67.7 cu ft (1917 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Driver:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

4 Stars

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (GM - Good, A - Acceptable, M - Marginal, P - Poor)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags (check specific trim).

Seatbelts:

3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/Cassette player with optional CD player. Speaker configuration typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Display:

Basic analog gauges, HVAC controls, and radio display. No integrated navigation or touchscreens.

Traction Control:

Not typically available on base models; some higher trims might have basic traction assistance integrated with AWD. ABS is standard.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory.

Usb:

Not available from factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe duty) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal duty) - consult manual for definitive intervals based on driving conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Typically every 90,000-105,000 miles or 7 years. Critically important for EJ25 engines. Refer to manual for exact interval and inspection procedures.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or as per severe duty schedule. Use only specified ATF.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles. Use specified gear oil.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for viscosity based on ambient temperature). Capacity: Approx. 4.5 quarts with filter.

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant. 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.1 quarts.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon compatible fluid if specified in manual for this era).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil for front and rear differentials.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent in the '99 model compared to later generations, head gasket leaks can still occur, especially in the naturally aspirated EJ25. Turbo models are more susceptible.

Timing Belt:

Critical to replace at recommended intervals. Failure leads to catastrophic engine damage due to interference design.

Cv Axles:

Front CV boots can wear and tear, leading to CV joint failure. Check for cracks and grease leakage.

Rear Main Seal:

Can develop leaks over time.

Suspension Components:

Bushing wear in control arms and sway bars can lead to clunks and poor handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing aircraft and, since the mid-20th century, automobiles known for their engineering prowess, particularly their boxer engines and All-Wheel Drive systems.

First Generation Sf:

The first generation Subaru Forester (SF) debuted in 1997 in Japan and 1998 in North America, bridging the gap between a station wagon and an SUV. The 1999 model year represents a refinement of this initial design.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

Production Years Sf Generation:

1997-2002

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:

2000 MotorTrend Sport/Utility of the Year (for the 2000 model year, but relevant to the platform).

Car And Driver 10Best:

Selected as one of Car and Driver's 10Best lists multiple times in its early years for value, capability, and fun-to-drive nature.

Kelley Blue Book Value:

Maintains good resale value due to Subaru's reputation for durability and AWD capability.