🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Model Years Covered:

2003-2004

Chassis Codes:

SF (for early models, but 2003-2004 is SG generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, drivers seeking AWD capability and practicality.

Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail (Qashqai in some markets).

Feature 1:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

Feature 2:

Boxer engine for a lower center of gravity.

Feature 3:

Practical interior space and cargo capacity.

Feature 4:

Good ride quality and comfortable interior.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Bumper to bumper repair and maintenance for Subaru Forester 2003-2004 models.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for OEM comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

OEM Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, emission control system, ignition system, engine management system (ECU/ECM), starting system, charging system.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (MT) and automatic transmission (AT) overhaul, operation, diagnosis, and repair; transmission control systems.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, center, rear), driveshafts, axles, hubs.

Suspension:

Front suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, stabilizer bars, steering knuckles, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack, tie rods, steering wheel, diagnosis and repair.

Electrical:

12V battery system, charging system, starting system, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, gauges, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, climate control panel, diagnosis.

Body:

Body exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, convertible top (if applicable, though not for Forester), corrosion protection.

Chassis And Frame:

Frame structure, unibody construction, mounting points, chassis components.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners, safety system diagnosis and repair.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-ups, brake inspections, tire rotations, battery service.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding for all major systems, diagnostic procedures using scan tools.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for component replacement, disassembly and reassembly of major assemblies, engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, suspension and brake repairs.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, diagnostic values.

Wiring:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, pin-out data for ECUs and modules.

Depth:

Full dealer-level diagnostic and repair capability, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and complex electrical system diagnosis.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows (95, 98, ME, XP, 7), MAC, Linux

Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and illustrations suitable for printing.

Binding:

Digital Download (N/A for printed format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC)

Configuration:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (Horizontally Opposed)

Displacement:

2457 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque:

166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)

ECU Type:

Subaru Engine Control Module (ECM)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT)

AWD System Type:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Automatic AWD Mode:

Active Torque Split (ATS) - electronically controlled.

Manual AWD Mode:

Viscous-coupling Limited-Slip Center Differential (VLSD) with driver-selectable modes (not common on base models).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.7 inches (4565 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

65.7 inches (1669 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches (2615 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 97.7 cubic feet (2766 L)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approximately 31.4 cubic feet (890 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approximately 67.1 cubic feet (1900 L)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,300 - 3,500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg), depending on transmission and trim.

Towing Capacity:

2,400 lbs (1089 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars (for 2003 model)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars (for 2003 model)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5 Stars (for 2003 model)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5 Stars (for 2003 model)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Good (for 2003 model)

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction and stability.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional on some trims).

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, front seat belt pretensioners.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, with optional premium audio or in-dash CD changer on higher trims.

Display:

Basic digital display for radio and clock. No touchscreens or advanced navigation systems standard.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel ABS.

Aux Input:

Not standard on most models; early auxiliary inputs may be found on premium audio systems.

Bluetooth:

Not available on factory systems for these model years.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first, under severe driving conditions. Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months under normal conditions. Consult manual for specific definition of conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or sooner if driven in dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

105,000 miles (168,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 5 years, then every 52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 2.5 years thereafter.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30, API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL or ILSAC GF-2 or GF-3.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.7 US quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter.

Coolant:

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

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Atf:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent DEXRON III compatible fluid.

Transmission Fluid Mt:

GL-5 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Power Steering Fluid:

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

Head Gaskets:

While less common than on earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks can still occur. Symptoms include coolant loss, milky oil, or white smoke from the exhaust.

Catalytic Converter:

Can fail due to age or engine issues, leading to reduced power and check engine lights.

Cvt Problems:

Not applicable to this model year (CVTs became more prevalent later).

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to clunks or poor handling.

Wheel Bearings:

Can become noisy (humming or grinding) with age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing reliable vehicles with a focus on practicality and their signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Generation Start:

The Subaru Forester was first introduced in 1997 (as a 1998 model). The 2003-2004 models represent the second generation (SG) of the Forester.

Generation Changes Sg:

The SG generation introduced a more refined and upscale design compared to the first generation. It featured updated styling, improved interior comfort, and enhanced safety features. The wheelbase was also slightly increased.

Assembly Location:

Gunma Seisakusho No. 2 Plant, Japan

Production Years Sg:

2002-2008

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safetys Pick:

Subaru Forester was consistently recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its safety performance in its class during this period.

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Forester often appeared on '10Best' lists for its utility and value, though not necessarily the specific 2003-2004 models themselves, but the model line overall.