🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Model Generation:

First Generation (SF)

Covered Years:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Chassis Code:

SF5, SF9

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV / Station Wagon

Unique Selling Proposition:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, Subaru's Boxer engine, practicality, and off-road capability for its class.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan X-Trail (outside North America).

Powertrain:

Naturally aspirated Boxer engines, available turbocharged variants (GT/STI models).

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard across most trims.

Body Style:

Five-door wagon/SUV crossover.

Practicality:

Spacious interior, versatile cargo area, higher ground clearance than conventional cars.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Page Count:

Approx. 2500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, timing belt, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (MPI).

Engine Performance:

Engine control system (ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator control), emissions control, turbocharging (if applicable for specific trims).

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (5-speed), clutch system, gear shift linkage, lubrication, repair procedures, specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (4-speed), torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control, lubrication, repair procedures, specifications.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, propeller shaft, viscous coupling (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems (struts, coil springs, control arms, stabilizer bars), alignment specifications, wheel bearing replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, hydraulic pump, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes (and rear drum brakes on some models), ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake, brake fluid specifications, component replacement, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

12V battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), ignition system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals, exterior trim.

Body Interior:

Dashboard removal, interior trim panels, seats, seat belts, airbags (SRS system removal/installation precautions), HVAC system components.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, refrigerant R134a, compressor, condenser, evaporator, control panel, troubleshooting.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, timing belt replacement, spark plug replacement, etc.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for removing, installing, and adjusting virtually every mechanical and electrical component.

Diagnostics:

Procedures for using diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-II scanner), interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and performing system checks.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, pressures, and electrical resistance values.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians, experienced DIY enthusiasts, and aspiring mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

Searchable PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear text and diagrams.

Printable:

Yes, printable pages.

Clarity:

Factory standard, ensuring legibility of all text and illustrations.

Format For Print:

Typically spiral-bound or ring-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment (as a physical copy).

Format For Print:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop conditions (as a physical copy).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Na:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC), EJ254 (2.5L DOHC)

Engine Displacement Na:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Engine Configuration Na:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-Cylinder

Horsepower Na:

Approx. 165-170 hp (depending on exact engine and year)

Torque Na:

Approx. 166-170 lb-ft (depending on exact engine and year)

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged)

Engine Displacement Turbo:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Horsepower Turbo:

Approx. 210-220 hp (Forester XT models)

Torque Turbo:

Approx. 235-250 lb-ft (Forester XT models)

Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 octane (91+ for turbocharged models)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with electronically controlled AWD.

AWD Type Manual:

Viscous coupling center differential with mechanical front and rear differentials (for 5MT).

AWD Type Automatic:

Electronically controlled active AWD (primarily front-biased, distributes power to rear as needed).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 176.9 inches (4495 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

Approx. 63.2 inches (1605 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.5 inches (2630 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 7.5 inches (190 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg), depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1999-2002 models, actual ratings may vary slightly by year).

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags, which became more common in later years of this generation).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most trims, 4-wheel disc brakes often standard on higher trims.

AWD:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard feature enhancing traction and stability).

Airbags:

Front dual airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags and curtain airbags on later models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, with optional cassette or premium sound systems. Aftermarket head unit upgrades are common.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

ABS:

Standard on most models, significantly improving braking control.

Aux Input:

Not standard. Often requires aftermarket modifications or specific adapters for audio input.

Bluetooth:

Not available on factory systems for this generation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe conditions); 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (normal conditions) with synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Timing Belt:

Recommended replacement every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months. Critical component, often recommended to replace water pump and tensioner at the same time.

Spark Plugs:

Typically iridium plugs with a replacement interval of 60,000 miles (96,000 km).

Engine Oil:

API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Mt:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil.

Transmission Fluid At:

Subaru Genuine ATF HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid (check specific manual for exact type).

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While less prone than some EJ engines, internal coolant leaks from head gaskets can occur, especially on higher mileage naturally aspirated models. Turbocharged models are generally more robust in this regard.

Timing Belt:

Belt degradation and catastrophic failure if not replaced per schedule. Idler pulleys and tensioner can also fail.

Catalytic Converter:

Can degrade over time, especially with misfires or oil consumption, leading to reduced performance and check engine lights.

Rear Main Seal:

Oil leaks from the rear main seal can occur on some vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries).

Specialization:

Known for its pioneering use of Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Introduction:

First generation (SF) introduced in 1997 globally, and late 1997/early 1998 for the North American market, spanning model years 1998-2002. The manual covers the latter part of this generation, including updates.

Facelift:

A minor facelift occurred around 2000/2001, featuring updated headlights, grille, bumpers, and interior trim.

Manufacturing Plant:

Mainly manufactured in Gunma, Japan.