🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2007

Chassis Code:

SG

Platform:

Subaru SG Platform

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, those seeking all-weather capability

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail (Rogue), Mazda CX-5 (later models)

Drivetrain Philosophy:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across most trims, enhancing stability and traction

Engine Offering:

Renowned Subaru Boxer engine for low center of gravity and smooth operation

Design Philosophy:

Practicality, versatility, and robust construction for active lifestyles

Cost Savings:

Enables DIY repairs, reducing dealership service costs significantly

Repair Accuracy:

Provides factory-level accuracy and detail for proper repairs, preventing further damage

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2007 Subaru Forester

Engine Variants Covered:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ253), 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255)

Transmission Variants Covered:

4-speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-speed Manual

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 2500-3000 pages (typical for WSM)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (WSM - Workshop Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (EJ253, EJ255), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine management (ECU), intake system

Transmission Drivetrain:

5-speed manual transmission (TY754VB), 4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT), all-wheel-drive system (Symmetrical AWD), differentials (front, rear), driveshafts, CV joints

Chassis Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, stabilizers), rear suspension (multi-link, struts, stabilizers), steering system (power steering rack and pump), wheel bearings

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid, parking brake

Electrical Electronics:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), body electrical systems (wiper, washer, horn, power windows, locks), ECU diagnostics, CAN bus system

HVAC Body:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, body panels, doors, windows, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, sunroof (if equipped), glass

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-ups, lubrication, belt replacement, spark plug replacement

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering component repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

OBD-II diagnostic procedures, trouble code interpretation, system-specific troubleshooting flowcharts, common fault diagnosis

Special Tools:

Listing and usage of Subaru-specific specialty tools for various repair and diagnostic procedures

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive torque specifications for all fasteners across all systems

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostics, including ECU datastream interpretation and component testing

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (OCR processed for efficient information retrieval)

Resolution:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Naturally Aspirated Engine:

2.5L (2457cc) EJ253 SOHC Flat-4

Turbocharged Engine:

2.5L (2457cc) EJ255 DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (XT models)

Ej253 Horsepower:

173 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Ej253 Torque:

166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Ej255 Horsepower:

224 hp @ 5,200 rpm (XT), 230 hp @ 5,200 rpm (XT Limited)

Ej255 Torque:

226 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (XT), 235 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (XT Limited)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Turbocharged)

ECM Type:

Subaru Engine Control Module (ECM), specific part numbers for NA and Turbo variants

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), secondary air injection system (on some variants)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Na:

5-speed Manual Transmission (TY754VB)

Transmission Type Auto:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with Electronic Control (4EAT)

Transmission Options:

5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic (availability varies by trim)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential (manual) or electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch (automatic)

At Sportshift:

Some 4EAT models may feature a 'Sportshift' manual mode (check specific trim)

Manual Trans Fluid:

GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Extra-S or equivalent recommended)

Automatic Trans Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or Dexron III compatible fluid

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.9 inches (4570 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

65.7 inches (1670 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches (2619 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,500 lbs (1451 - 1588 kg) depending on configuration

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

32.1 cu ft (0.91 m³)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

67.1 cu ft (1.90 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:

5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

E Brake Force Distribution:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear)

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio with subwoofer available on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Visibility:

Excellent outward visibility due to large greenhouse and higher seating position

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack (check specific trim)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

105,000 miles (169,000 km) for Platinum/Iridium spark plugs

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months thereafter

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter (EJ253/EJ255)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

0W-20, 5W-30 (refer to manual for climate-specific recommendations)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

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

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent on the EJ253/EJ255 compared to earlier generations, monitoring coolant levels and oil is crucial. The manual provides diagnostic steps.

Catalytic Converter:

Potential for premature failure due to age or rich fuel mixture; manual covers O2 sensor diagnosis.

Automatic Transmission:

Some reports of torque converter shudder or delayed shifting; manual offers troubleshooting for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Foundation:

Founded in 1953, known for its aviation background and engineering prowess

Subaru Specialty:

Pioneered the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Boxer engine combination

First Generation:

Launched in 1997 as a compact SUV based on the Impreza platform

Second Generation Sg:

Introduced for the 2003 model year, featuring a more robust chassis and increased interior space. The 2007 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2007 Forester often received high safety accolades, including potential IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings for its class.

Consumer Reports:

Consistently ranked well for reliability and owner satisfaction in its segment by publications like Consumer Reports.