🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

SF/SG

Vin Code:

J

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Target Demographic:

Individuals and families seeking a versatile vehicle for everyday use, outdoor activities, and all-weather capability.

Key Competitors:

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

All Wheel Drive:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system offering enhanced traction and stability.

Practicality:

Spacious interior, ample cargo room, elevated driving position, and rugged styling.

Safety:

Focus on safety with standard airbags and a robust chassis design.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Intended Audience:

Professional Technicians, Dealerships, Advanced DIY Enthusiasts

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems, oil pump, lubrication.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators, EVAP system.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (5-speed), clutch assembly, gear shift mechanism, transmission fluid specifications, internal component replacement.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (4-speed), torque converter, valve body, transmission control unit (TCU), fluid type and capacity, overhaul procedures.

Drivetrain AWD:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, front differential, rear differential, viscous coupling, drive shafts, CV joints, axle boots.

Suspension:

Front strut assembly, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment specifications, troubleshooting.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, power steering pump, fluid type, steering column, tie rods, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid type and specifications, hydraulic components, parking brake, troubleshooting.

Body And Chassis:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, weatherstripping, chassis components.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), horn.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning compressor, refrigerant type, heater core, blower motor, controls, troubleshooting.

Interior Systems:

Seats, seat belts, airbags, dashboard, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and component inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common issues and their resolutions.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and rebuilding with torque specifications.

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics, scan tool usage, live data interpretation.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and component connections.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls).

Illustrations:

Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and photographic illustrations for clarity.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content.

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing.

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ253

Engine Type:

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 (Boxer)

Displacement:

2457 cc (150 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm (3.92 in x 3.11 in)

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Horsepower SAE Net:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque SAE Net:

166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

ECU Type:

Denso (specific model varies)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-Plug or Coil Packs)

Emissions Control:

Catalytic Converter, EGR, Secondary Air Injection (on some models), EVAP system.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic (with Lock-up Torque Converter)

Type:

5-speed Manual

AWD System:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for automatic, viscous coupling AWD for manual).

Atf Type:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON compatible fluid)

Mtf Type:

Subaru Extra-S Synthetic Gear Oil (or equivalent 75W-90 GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.9 inches (4495 mm)

Width:

67.1 inches (1705 mm)

Height:

63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches (2615 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.5 inches (191 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

30.0 cubic feet (850 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

66.5 cubic feet (1883 liters)

Curb Weight Approx:

3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg) depending on trim and transmission

Towing Capacity:

2,400 lbs (1090 kg) with trailer brakes

Wheel Size:

16-inch alloy or steel

Tire Size:

215/60R16

Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Center Bore:

56.1 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Good (for both driver and passenger) - 2002 model year tested.

NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:

Good (for front and rear passengers) - 2002 model year tested.

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional (depending on trim)

Electronic Stability Control:

Not available on 2002 models.

Airbags:

Standard front dual-stage airbags. Optional front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio system.

Navigation:

Rarely available or aftermarket on this model year.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Keyless Entry:

Optional remote keyless entry system.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory.

Usb Port:

Not available from factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months for severe driving, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months for normal driving (consult manual for details).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months (if equipped).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) using NGK PFR6G-11 (or equivalent iridium spark plugs).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial fill and then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30 months (Subaru Super Coolant Blue).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years (Crucial maintenance item for EJ engines to prevent catastrophic failure).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact fill).

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 (SAE)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than on earlier EJ series, external oil leaks from head gaskets can occur. Internal coolant leaks causing overheating are less common on this specific generation but remain a potential concern for the EJ engine family.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Can develop oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal.

Clutch Wear:

Manual transmission clutches can wear with age and mileage.

Exhaust System:

Corrosion and leaks can occur in the exhaust system over time, particularly in areas with heavy road salt use.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear in suspension bushings can lead to clunking noises and affect handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Philosophy:

Subaru's long-standing reputation for building reliable, durable vehicles with a focus on all-wheel drive technology and unique engineering (e.g., Boxer engines).

Generation Introduction:

The second generation Forester (SG) debuted for the 2003 model year, but this manual covers the 2002 model, which is the final year of the first generation (SF) platform, albeit with styling updates that foreshadowed the second generation.

Sf Generation Period:

1997-2002

Sg Generation Period:

2003-2008

Manufacturing Plant:

Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

While the Forester as a model has appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks list in earlier generations, the 2002 model specifically was recognized for its capability and value.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated as average to above average for reliability by Consumer Reports for this era, with specific model years having varying scores.

Safety Awards:

Received good ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its safety performance in crash tests.