🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2001-2002

Chassis Code:

SF5/SG5 (for applicable variants)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Usp:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Practicality, Off-Road Capability (relative to segment)

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra (older generations)

Engine Layout:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)

Drivetrain Type:

Full-Time All-Wheel Drive

Body Style:

5-Door SUV/Crossover

Target Audience:

Subaru Service Personnel, Dealership Technicians, Independent Repair Shops, and knowledgeable DIY Enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Region:

Global (Primarily North American market focus implied by description, but service data is generally universal)

Estimated Page Count:

500-800+ (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF, based on common sales practices for older manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ253), 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255/EJ257 - depending on specific market trims)

Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-Speed Manual (TY754VB)

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System, Front & Rear Differentials, Transfer Case

Suspension:

Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link Independent Suspension

Brakes:

Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs (ABS equipped variants)

Steering:

Power Assisted Rack and Pinion

Electrical:

Full Electrical Schematics, Lighting, Ignition, Starting, Charging System, ECU Pinouts, Body Control Modules

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System Diagnosis and Repair

Body:

Body Panel Repair, Door Mechanisms, Glass Replacement, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Differential Fluid Change, Transmission Fluid Change, Air Filter Replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides based on symptoms, DTC Code Interpretation, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) Procedures

Repair:

Engine Component Overhaul (pistons, rods, crank, heads), Transmission Rebuilds, Suspension Component Replacement (struts, control arms, bushings), Brake System Repair (calipers, rotors, lines), Power Steering System Repair, Cooling System Repair, Fuel System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement (alternator, starter, sensors), Body Panel Repair and Replacement

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removal and installation of all major components and sub-assemblies.

Specifications Data:

Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Fluid Capacities and Types, Electrical System Data, Emission Control Information

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance, detailed diagnostics, component-level repair, and complete system overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Readability:

High Resolution, Clear Diagrams and Text for easy reading and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format - Printable on standard paper)

Text Search:

Searchable text content for quick access to specific information.

Diagrams Photos:

Includes detailed diagrams, exploded views, and photographic illustrations to aid in understanding procedures.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Na:

EJ253

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255 (GT) / EJ257 (STI-derived, less common in Forester of this era)

Displacement Na:

2.5 Liters (2498 cc)

Bore Na:

99.5 mm

Stroke Na:

79.0 mm

Horsepower Na:

Approx. 165-170 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm (market dependent)

Torque Na:

Approx. 162-166 lb-ft @ 3600-4000 rpm (market dependent)

Horsepower Turbo:

Approx. 210-230 hp (for XT/GT models)

Torque Turbo:

Approx. 235-250 lb-ft (for XT/GT models)

Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium required for Turbocharged models)

Configuration:

Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder Boxer

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder

Compression Ratio Na:

9.7:1 (Typical)

Compression Ratio Turbo:

8.2:1 - 8.5:1 (Typical for XT/GT)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (TY754VB)

Transmission Type Opt:

4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

AWD Coupling Manual:

Viscous Center Differential (typically)

AWD Coupling Auto:

Variable Torque Distribution AWD (VTD) or electronically controlled coupling depending on exact year/model. Often features a planetary gear center differential.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific Subaru specification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent specified by Subaru)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 175.5 - 177.0 inches (4455 - 4495 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height:

Approx. 63.0 - 63.5 inches (1600 - 1615 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.1 inches (2620 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 inches (190 - 203 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100 - 3500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg), varies by trim and transmission

Towing Capacity:

Typically rated around 2000 lbs (907 kg) with proper towing package.

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 30-32 cubic feet

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 65-68 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Typically received 4-star ratings for driver and passenger in frontal impact.

IIHS Crash Test:

Generally rated 'Good' in frontal offset tests, but side impact ratings varied.

ABS:

Standard on most models, especially XT/GT trims. 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Available on some higher trims or as an option.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags standard, optional side airbags on some models.

Seatbelts:

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

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems may be present on higher trims.

Navigation:

Rarely offered, not a common feature for this model year.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Stability Control:

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) were becoming available/optional on higher trims, but not ubiquitous.

Aux Input:

Not typically factory standard; aftermarket solutions are common.

Bluetooth:

Not factory standard for this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months for severe driving, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months for normal driving (refer to manual for specific details).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs (check manual for type).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Initial 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30 months thereafter (refer to manual for specific coolant type).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (check manual for specific viscosity and API classification, e.g., API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (EJ25 engine)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation)

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent, check manual)

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than in earlier EJ25 engines, Subaru head gasket leaks were a known concern for some EJ25 engines of this era. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures and replacement steps.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Can fail, leading to no-start or stalling conditions. Manual will cover location and replacement.

Oxygen Sensors:

Can degrade over time, affecting fuel economy and emissions. Manual covers testing and replacement.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Some reports of wear in automatic transmissions, especially with aggressive use or lack of maintenance. The manual's diagnostic section is crucial here.

Cv Axle Boots:

Rubber boots can tear, leading to grease loss and potential CV joint damage. Manual details replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Japan

Brand Focus:

Known for horizontally opposed engines and all-wheel-drive systems.

Generation 1 Start Year:

1997

Generation 1 End Year:

2002

Generation 2 Start Year:

2003

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

Sales Performance Era:

Gained popularity as a practical and capable compact SUV, carving a niche for AWD capability.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Component:

Often featured on Car and Driver's '10Best Trucks' list in its early years.

Consumer Reports Rating:

Generally received average to good reliability ratings, with some noted issues as per maintenance section.

Epa Fuel Economy:

EPA estimated MPG ranges from approximately 19-21 MPG city and 24-27 MPG highway, depending on engine and transmission configuration.