🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

SF

Engine Codes:

EJ251 (2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated), EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged - XT models, though XT typically refers to later generations, check specific vehicle VIN for certainty on 2001)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Key Differentiators:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine, practicality, cargo space, go-anywhere capability for its class.

Competitors 2001:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra.

AWD Standard:

Yes

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 7.5 inches, class-leading for its time.

Cargo Volume:

Generous for its class, with fold-flat rear seats.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Drivetrain:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Body And Interior:

Yes

HVAC:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed breakdown and reassembly of all engine components including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control system, turbocharger system (if applicable to specific trim/engine).

Transmission Automatic:

Component identification, disassembly, assembly, torque specifications, shift control, hydraulic system.

Transmission Manual:

Component identification, disassembly, assembly, clutch operation, lubrication.

Drivetrain AWD:

All-Wheel Drive system operation, center differential, rear differential, driveshafts, CV joints, propeller shaft.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson strut system, control arms, steering knuckles, ball joints, bushings, spring replacement.

Suspension Rear:

Multi-link independent suspension, trailing arms, lateral links, shock absorbers, coil springs, bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid replacement, alignment specifications.

Brakes Front:

Disc brake system, calipers, rotors, pads, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components.

Brakes Rear:

Disc or drum brake system (depending on trim), parking brake mechanism.

Electrical Charging:

Alternator, battery, charging system diagnostics.

Electrical Starting:

Starter motor, ignition switch, starter circuit troubleshooting.

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb types, wiring diagrams.

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, meter assembly troubleshooting.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system components, blower motor, heater core, climate controls, refrigerant charging.

Body Exterior:

Door panel removal, bumper replacement, panel alignment, glass replacement, sunroof operation.

Body Interior:

Seat removal, headliner repair, trim panel replacement, airbag system precautions.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, DTC code interpretation, common fault finding.

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, timing belt replacement, piston ring installation, valve grinding.

Transmission Overhaul:

Complete disassembly, inspection, replacement of worn parts, reassembly for both automatic and manual transmissions.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake bleeding, parking brake adjustment.

Suspension Replacement:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, wheel bearing replacement.

Electrical Component Replacement:

Alternator, starter motor, fuel pump, ignition coils, sensors (e.g., crank position, cam position), ECUs.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all major systems, including engine, chassis, body, and HVAC.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

Digital (PDF)

Searchable:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Na:

EJ251

Engine Type Na:

2.5L SOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)

Displacement Na:

2457 cc

Bore X Stroke Na:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio Na:

9.7:1

Horsepower Na:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Na:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), Secondary Air Injection (depending on market).

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255 (Potentially, but often associated with GT models in later generations. Confirm specific 2001 variant.)

Engine Type Turbo:

2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer

Horsepower Turbo:

~197 hp (Estimated for applicable models)

Torque Turbo:

~208 lb-ft (Estimated for applicable models)

🔧 Transmission

Type Standard:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

AWD System Auto:

Active All-Wheel Drive with electronic control, variable torque split.

Type Optional:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

AWD System Manual:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (usually a 50/50 front/rear torque split).

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Subaru ATF HP / Dexron III (Check owner's manual for exact specification and capacity).

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil (Check owner's manual for exact specification and capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.9 inches

Width:

69.7 inches

Height:

63.0 inches

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches

Front Track:

59.8 inches

Rear Track:

59.6 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.5 inches

Curb Weight Auto:

Approximately 3200-3300 lbs

Curb Weight Manual:

Approximately 3100-3200 lbs

Towing Capacity:

2400 lbs (Check local regulations and owner's manual for specifics)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

Wheel Size:

16 inches (Standard)

Tire Size Standard:

215/60R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

Good (for the 2001 model year, based on available data and typical ratings for vehicles of this era)

NHTSA Front Passenger:

Good (for the 2001 model year)

IIHS Offset Frontal:

Acceptable (typical for the era)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims

Airbags Front:

Standard dual front airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional side airbags on some trims

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player with 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim. Optional premium audio system available.

Display:

Analog gauges with a central LCD multi-information display for odometer, trip meter, and warning lights. Climate control displays are manual or simple digital.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Optional on some trims.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

Usb Ports:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (Severe driving conditions), or 7,500 miles / 12 months (Normal driving conditions). Always check owner's manual for exact recommendations.

Engine Oil Type And Capacity:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Conventional (Check owner's manual). Capacity: 4.8 US quarts with filter.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or more frequently in dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

NGK Platinum or Iridium spark plugs. Interval typically every 60,000 miles or as per manual.

Coolant Type And Capacity:

Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent (blue). Capacity: Approx. 7.3 US quarts (1.8 gallons).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial. Every 90,000 miles or 105 months. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF

Head Gasket Leaks:

A common concern on EJ-series engines of this era. While not as prevalent as on some earlier Subaru models, inspection for coolant leaks around the cylinder head mating surface is recommended. The manual will detail replacement procedures.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Can occur over time, leading to oil leaks at the transmission/engine junction. The manual provides diagnostic and replacement steps.

Cv Joint Boots:

Wear and tear can lead to torn CV joint boots, causing grease loss and potential joint failure. The manual covers inspection and replacement.

Oxygen Sensor Failure:

Can lead to check engine lights and poor fuel economy. The manual details diagnostic procedures and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Philosophy:

Engineering focus on safety, reliability, and unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, often utilizing the boxer engine layout.

Forester Generation 1:

Launched in 1997 (JDM) and 1998 (global) as a compact crossover SUV based on the Impreza platform. The 2001 model represents a mid-cycle refresh or continuation of the first generation (SF chassis).

Forester Generation 2 Start:

Second generation (SG chassis) introduced for the 2003 model year.

Assembly Location:

Gunma Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated as average to above-average by consumer reporting agencies for this model year, though specific issues like head gaskets should be monitored.

Icam Safety Award:

The 2001 Forester received an 'Acceptable' rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) offset-frontal crash test.