🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Model Generation:

SF Series (First Generation)

Product Name:

SUBARU FORESTER Service Repair Workshop Manual 1999-2002

Chassis Codes:

SF5, SF9

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Subaru Forester SF series (1999-2002) represented Subaru's entry into the burgeoning compact SUV market, blending the practicality of a station wagon with the ruggedness and all-wheel-drive capability synonymous with the Subaru brand.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute, differentiating itself with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Subaru's boxer engine reputation.

Brand Philosophy:

Emphasized 'Do it right the first time' by providing a complete and authoritative service manual, contrasting with cheaper, incomplete alternatives.

Manual Promise:

Guaranteed complete manual with no missing pages, ensuring all necessary information for repair and maintenance is present.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Model Years:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Covered Regions:

Global markets (North America, Europe, Asia, etc. where applicable models were sold)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Authorized Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, engine management (ECU), fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems (including EGR, PCV, catalytic converter diagnostics)

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (4-speed, part-time 4WD/Full-time AWD), Manual transmission (5-speed, part-time 4WD/Full-time AWD), clutch system, driveline components (front and rear differentials, propeller shaft, drive shafts)

Brake Systems:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and diagnostics, parking brake system

Suspension And Steering:

Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment specifications

Electrical Systems:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lights), horn, wipers and washers, power windows, central locking, HVAC blower motor, infotainment system wiring, fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics

Body And Chassis:

Body panels (doors, hood, tailgate), interior trim, exterior trim, chassis structural components, body sealing, glass replacement

Comfort And Convenience:

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system diagnostics and repair, seat adjustment mechanisms, sunroof operation (if equipped)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change intervals and procedures, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush and replacement, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, timing belt inspection/replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation and clearing (OBD-II), testing procedures for sensors and actuators, fuel pressure testing, compression testing

Repair Procedures:

Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul and component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement, radiator replacement, fuel pump replacement, clutch replacement, CV axle replacement

Adjustment Procedures:

Valve clearance adjustment (where applicable), parking brake adjustment, throttle cable adjustment (if applicable)

Specification Data:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine timing specifications, valve clearance specifications, wheel alignment settings, tire pressure recommendations

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians, experienced DIY mechanics, and advanced home mechanics

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable (allows quick location of specific topics and keywords)

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manual pages, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Illustrations:

Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and photographs to illustrate procedures.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Product)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ253

Engine Description 1:

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 Engine

Displacement 1:

2457 cc (149.9 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke 1:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.7:1

Horsepower 1:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1:

166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code 2:

EJ255 (Turbocharged variant for XT models, less common in base models of this generation)

Engine Description 2:

2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer-4 Engine (for Forester XT)

Displacement 2:

2457 cc (149.9 cubic inches)

Horsepower 2:

210 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx. for XT)

Torque 2:

235 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (approx. for XT)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil-on-plug or coil packs.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission with electronically controlled torque converter lock-up

Transmission Type Optional:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Drivetrain:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models)

AWD System Auto:

Active All-Wheel Drive (APA) for automatic transmission models (electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch)

AWD System Manual:

Continuous All-Wheel Drive (CAWD) for manual transmission models (viscous coupling center differential)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,405 mm (173.4 in)

Width:

1,735 mm (68.3 in)

Height:

1,620 mm (63.8 in)

Wheelbase:

2,630 mm (103.5 in)

Ground Clearance:

205 mm (8.1 in)

Curb Weight Min:

1,430 kg (3,150 lbs)

Curb Weight Max:

1,570 kg (3,460 lbs)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

72.6 cu ft (with rear seats folded)

Cargo Volume Behind Front Seats:

31.1 cu ft (with rear seats up)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:

4 stars (for models prior to 2003 frontal redesign)

NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:

4 stars (for models prior to 2003 frontal redesign)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags, check specific year/trim)

Active Safety Standard:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Four-wheel disc brakes

Active Safety Optional:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Passive Safety Standard:

Dual front airbags, crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

Passive Safety Optional:

Side airbags (check availability by trim and year), front and rear crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or cassette players, often with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems may have been available on higher trims.

Display:

Basic digital or analog clock display. No integrated navigation or advanced infotainment screens.

ABS:

Available as an option on many models, crucial for enhanced braking control during emergency stops.

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this generation of Forester.

Auxiliary Input:

No factory auxiliary input or Bluetooth connectivity; aftermarket solutions required for modern device integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (or 7,500 miles / 12,000 km with synthetic oil and filter, check owner's manual for specific recommendations).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, or consult manual for platinum/iridium recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first (critical item for interference engines).

Engine Oil Type Na:

SAE 5W-30 API Service SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2 (Synthetic recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity Na:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter

Coolant Type:

Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, typically green or blue)

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Subaru Genuine ATF HP or Dexron III / Mercon compatible

Transmission Fluid Manual:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil

Differential Fluid Front Rear:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Head Gaskets:

While the EJ25 engine in this generation is not as notoriously prone to head gasket failure as some later EJ models, it is still a potential concern, especially in higher mileage vehicles. Look for coolant leaks or white smoke from the exhaust.

Timing Belt:

Failure to replace the timing belt at recommended intervals can lead to catastrophic engine damage due to the interference design of the boxer engine. Inspect for wear and proper tension regularly.

Cv Joints:

Front CV joints can wear over time, leading to clicking noises during turns, especially at lower speeds.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged over time, leading to reduced engine power and potential misfires. This is particularly relevant if the engine has been consuming excessive oil.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Core Values:

Subaru is renowned for its horizontally-opposed boxer engines and its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, emphasizing capability, durability, and safety.

Forester Introduction:

The first-generation Forester (SF series) was introduced in Japan in 1997 and globally for the 1998 model year. It was designed to fill the gap between Subaru's station wagons and traditional SUVs.

Sf Generation Updates:

The 1999-2002 models represent the initial iteration of the SF generation, with minor styling updates and feature enhancements over this period. A significant facelift occurred for the 2003 model year (SG generation).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:

Subaru Forester was a contender in MotorTrend's SUV of the Year competition during its early years, often praised for its AWD capability and practicality, though it may not have won outright in this specific generation.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied by model year and specific components, with consistent praise for AWD performance and chassis but some concerns regarding specific engine components like head gaskets on certain EJ engines.