Positioning:
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV renowned for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, practicality, and go-anywhere capability, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking reliable all-weather transportation.
Competitors:
Competes with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra, and Ford Escape of the same era, differentiating itself through its AWD system and Subaru's reputation for durability.
Distinguishing Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engines, good ground clearance, practical interior space, excellent visibility.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Component Overhaul
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for OEM service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Engine:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management, turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (including AWD system integration), clutch system, driveline components
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake component overhaul, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, power steering, wheel alignment specifications
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body electrical, infotainment, power accessories, multiplex communication systems, detailed wiring diagrams
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, climate control system, HVAC
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures, symptom-based diagnostics, scan tool usage
Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication
Repair:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake service, suspension repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
System-specific troubleshooting guides, common fault isolation
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Subaru-specific special tools
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Engine Code And Type:
EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated), EJ255 (Turbocharged - XT models)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower Na:
Approximately 165-170 hp @ 5600-5800 rpm (EJ253)
Torque Na:
Approximately 166-170 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm (EJ253)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approximately 210-230 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ255 - XT models)
Torque Turbo:
Approximately 235-250 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (EJ255 - XT models)
Induction:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Turbocharged XT models)
Transmission Type Na:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Auto:
4-Speed Automatic (with Sportshift on some models)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (automatic)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Length:
Approximately 175.0 inches
Width:
Approximately 69.7 inches
Height:
Approximately 63.0 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 101.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 7.5 inches
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approximately 30.3 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approximately 63.0 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Approximately 2,400 lbs (with proper towing equipment)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star (2003 Models)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star (2003 Models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (Top Safety Pick for 2003 Models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, available front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, three-point rear seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD stereo system, often with 4 or 6 speakers. Higher trims may have premium audio or optional subwoofer.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems available depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Auxiliary Input:
Typically not standard; aftermarket head unit or adapter required for modern audio input.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe use) / Every 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal use), refer to owner's manual for specific conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately 15,000 miles or 15 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately 15,000 miles or 15 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium type)
Engine Oil Type Na:
SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher (Synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Type Turbo:
SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher (Full Synthetic recommended)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Genuine Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free long-life coolant
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than on earlier generations, head gasket leaks can still occur. Early detection and repair are crucial.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail over time, especially if the engine is burning oil. Symptoms include loss of power and check engine light.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can wear out, leading to humming or grinding noises, particularly at speed.
Suspension Components:
Sway bar links and bushings can wear, leading to clunking noises over bumps.
Brand Focus:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history in aviation and automotive engineering, known for its boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.
Generation:
This covers the second generation of the Subaru Forester (SG chassis), which ran from 2003-2008. It received a significant redesign over the first generation.
Design Changes:
The second generation featured a larger, more refined body, improved interior, and updated powertrain options compared to the first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
