🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

1999

Market:

North America (assumed)

Chassis Code:

SF

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1999 Subaru Forester was positioned as a compact SUV with distinctive wagon-like styling and Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, appealing to consumers seeking versatility, all-weather capability, and a more car-like driving experience than traditional truck-based SUVs.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Nissan Xterra, differentiating itself through its standard AWD, boxer engine, and slightly more rugged, adventurous image. Its compact dimensions and focus on on-road comfort made it a practical choice for urban and suburban environments.

Key Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally-opposed (boxer) engine, raised ground clearance, distinctive styling, robust chassis, practical interior space for its class.

Historical Significance:

The 1999 Forester established Subaru's presence in the burgeoning compact SUV segment, blending the practicality of a wagon with the utility of an SUV, a formula that would heavily influence future vehicle designs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair for the 1999 Subaru Forester.

Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2000 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era, exact count not provided)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (mechanics, fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (AWD system, differentials, axles), Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), Suspension (front and rear), Steering, HVAC, Electrical System (lighting, power accessories, charging, starting, body controls), Body (interior and exterior trim, panels, glass), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams.

Procedures Included:

Scheduled maintenance, routine inspections, diagnostic procedures, component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly, torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, troubleshooting guides, repair procedures for common and complex faults.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to in-depth engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical system diagnostics. Includes detailed exploded views, schematics, and step-by-step instructions suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostics Coverage:

Detailed troubleshooting charts based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system information, procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and control modules.

Bodywork Procedures:

Repair and replacement procedures for body panels, doors, fenders, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim pieces, glass installation, and basic paint information.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format), typically searchable and printable.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital reproductions ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download - PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - PDF)

Technical Depth Description:

This factory service manual provides the highest level of technical detail available, directly from Subaru. It includes precise diagnostic procedures, component specifications, tolerances, wiring diagrams with pinouts, and step-by-step repair instructions, making it indispensable for accurate and efficient repairs.

File Format Features:

PDF format typically allows for keyword searching, bookmark navigation, and printing of specific sections or the entire manual.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.5L (2457cc) Naturally Aspirated EJ25D SOHC Flat-4 Boxer Engine

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Torque:

162 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Engine Management System:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics.

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Timing Belt Type:

Rubber timing belt with hydraulic tensioner and idler pulleys.

Engine Code:

EJ25D

Bore X Stroke:

3.50 x 3.11 inches (89.0 mm x 79.0 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (with Overdrive)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models). Manual transmission uses a viscous coupling center differential. Automatic transmission uses an electronically controlled clutch pack system.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Subaru specified or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent

Front Differential Ratio:

4.11:1 (typical for manual and automatic)

Rear Differential Ratio:

4.11:1 (typical for manual and automatic)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.7 inches (4463 mm)

Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches (2616 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.7 inches (196 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3,190 lbs (1447 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3,230 lbs (1465 kg)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 95.4 cubic feet (2702 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 30.0 cubic feet (850 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 67.5 cubic feet (1911 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

4/5 Stars (Driver and Passenger - reported for '98-'02 models)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Acceptable (reported for '98-'02 models)

Active Features:

All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (standard on higher trims, optional on base trims), Traction Control (available on some models).

Passive Features:

Dual front airbags, front seat belt pretensioners, side impact door beams, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player or CD player (optional). Four-speaker or six-speaker sound systems available depending on trim level.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited; primarily focused on active safety features like AWD and ABS. No advanced electronic driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist were available.

Connectivity Features:

Basic analog systems. No Bluetooth, USB ports, or integrated smartphone connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal service), or as per owner's manual. Typically, synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 15 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 15 months (if equipped).

Spark Plug Replacement:

NGK platinum or iridium plugs recommended; typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: 105,000 miles or 105 months. The EJ25D is an interference engine; timing belt failure will cause severe engine damage. Include idler pulleys and water pump replacement.

Engine Oil Specification:

5W-30 API SG or higher. Subaru recommends synthetic for best performance and protection.

Coolant Specification:

Subaru Super Coolant or a high-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Do not use long-life or OAT coolants. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 L).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or Subaru PS fluid.

Transfer Case Fluid:

Gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru specified or equivalent).

Rear Differential Fluid:

Gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru specified or equivalent).

Known Issues:

Head gasket failures (common on EJ25 engines, especially early ones like EJ25D), coolant leaks, catalytic converter issues, A/C system leaks, potential for automatic transmission issues if maintenance is neglected.

Fuel Recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (Octane Rating - R+M/2). Higher octane may provide marginal performance benefits but is not strictly required.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing reliable vehicles, with a strong emphasis on horizontally-opposed engines and all-wheel-drive technology derived from their aerospace engineering roots.

Model Evolution:

The first-generation Subaru Forester (SF series) was introduced for the 1998 model year. The 1999 model represents an early iteration, building on the initial platform with minor refinements. It paved the way for subsequent generations that would continue to evolve its SUV/crossover characteristics.

Production Years Sf Series:

1997-2002 (Japan), 1998-2002 (Global)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1999 model year are not widely publicized, Subaru vehicles of this era were generally recognized for their AWD capability, safety, and practicality. The Forester as a model line has received numerous accolades over the years, often cited for its utility and value.