🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Generation:

Second Generation (SG)

Production Years Covered:

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Chassis Codes:

SG5, SG9

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Subaru Forester is positioned as a compact crossover SUV, emphasizing all-wheel-drive capability, practicality, and a comfortable ride, often appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Competitors:

Primary competitors during this era included the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail (Rogue), Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape. The Forester's distinct advantage was its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Vehicle Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, spacious interior, good visibility, excellent ground clearance for its class, and cargo versatility.

Value:

Provides extensive factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling owners and independent mechanics to perform accurate and efficient service, saving money compared to dealership labor costs.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

Global (with variations for specific markets reflected in the manual's content)

Model Variants Covered:

All trim levels and configurations of the 2005-2008 Subaru Forester

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Ignition System, Turbocharger (if applicable)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Transfer Case, Front & Rear Differentials, Drive Shafts, Axles

Chassis Suspension:

Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Wheel Alignment

Brakes:

Front Brakes, Rear Brakes, Parking Brake, ABS System, Brake Fluid

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Gauges and Instruments, Wiper/Washer System, Power Windows/Locks, Audio System, Body Control Module (BCM), Engine Control Module (ECM)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Body Exterior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Glass, Mirrors

Body Interior:

Seats, Dashboard, Trim Panels, Carpet, Headliner

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter changes, inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault finding, symptom-based diagnosis

Repair Rebuild:

Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation

Diagnostics:

OBD-II codes, sensor testing, actuator testing, circuit testing

Specifications Data:

Torque values, clearances, fluid types and capacities, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Likely a PDF file, optimized for digital viewing and printing. Searchable text functionality is highly probable for digital formats.

Quality:

High resolution, clear diagrams and text for easy understanding and use in a workshop environment.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download - no physical binding)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download - no physical paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 2 5 Liter:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated EJ253 Flat-4 (Boxer)

Engine Type 2 5 Liter Turbo:

2.5L Turbocharged EJ255 Flat-4 (Boxer) - found in XT models

Horsepower 2 5I:

173 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2 5I:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 2 5Xt:

224 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2 5Xt:

235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane Naturally Aspirated:

87 Octane (R+M/2)

Recommended Octane Turbocharged:

91 Octane (R+M/2) or higher

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil-on-plug (COP) units

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 2 5I:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Part-time 4WD on some early models, full-time on later, check specific VIN)

Transmission Type Automatic:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential)

Transmission Type Turbo Automatic:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with Sportshift (Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models for this generation, with variations in center differential depending on transmission type)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (Genuine Subaru or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil (Genuine Subaru or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches (2619 mm)

Length:

175.2 inches (4450 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (205 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3200 - 3500 lbs (1450 - 1590 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

28.9 cubic feet (818 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

63.0 cubic feet (1784 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger) for 2005-2008 models

NHTSA Side Impact Test:

5-Star (Front and Rear Occupants) for 2005-2008 models

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Good (Top Safety Pick for most years in this range)

Standard Safety Features:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)

Optional Safety Features:

Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (availability may vary by trim level)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions, LATCH child seat anchors

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems were available.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system, typically a touch-screen unit integrated into the dash.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on some models.

Auxiliary Input:

Some models may feature an auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil And Filter Change:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions), or 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving conditions) - consult manual for exact conditions.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 7.5 years or 105,000 miles, then every 4.5 years or 60,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type Capacity:

5W-30 Synthetic (API SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM) - Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change for 2.5L Naturally Aspirated. Turbo models may vary slightly.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant. 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Genuine Subaru Power Steering Fluid or DEXRON III/MERCON compatible ATF.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than in earlier generations, some EJ25 engines can still develop head gasket leaks. Early detection and repair are crucial.

Oil Consumption:

Some EJ25 engines may exhibit increased oil consumption, especially at higher mileage. Regular oil level checks are recommended.

Turbo Failures Xt Models:

Turbocharger failures can occur if oil maintenance is neglected or if the turbo is subjected to excessive heat cycles without proper cool-down.

Suspension Wear:

Normal wear and tear on struts, ball joints, and bushings can occur with mileage. Listen for clunks and rattles.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a history rooted in aerospace engineering, which informs their robust engineering, particularly the flat-four 'Boxer' engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Forester Evolution Overview:

The second generation (SG, 2003-2008) evolved from the first generation, offering a more rounded and aerodynamic design, improved interior refinement, and enhanced safety features. The 2005 model year saw a significant mid-cycle refresh (facelift).

Production Location:

Gunma Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally received good ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction in its class, though some years may have specific recommendations. The manual will guide owners on how to maintain these positive attributes.

IIHS Awards:

Consistently earned 'Good' ratings in IIHS crash tests, contributing to its reputation as a safe vehicle.

Edmunds Reviews:

Edmunds often highlighted its standard AWD, practical interior, and comfortable ride as key strengths.