🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

SF Series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, drivers seeking AWD capability and utility in a compact package.

Key Competitors:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Drivetrain:

Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

Ground Clearance:

Higher than many competitors, offering moderate off-road capability.

Utility:

Practical cargo space, versatile interior, available roof rails for accessory mounting.

Engine Philosophy:

Reliable Subaru Boxer engine design, known for its low center of gravity and smooth operation.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants Covered:

All 1999 Subaru Forester Engine Variants (e.g., EJ25D - 2.5L SOHC, EJ251 - 2.5L DOHC)

Transmission Variants Covered:

All 1999 Subaru Forester Transmission Variants (e.g., 4-Speed Automatic, 5-Speed Manual)

Trim Levels Covered:

All 1999 Subaru Forester Trim Levels (e.g., L, LS, S)

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, exhaust system.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starter motor, alternator, battery, fuel injection system (ECU), sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, O2, MAF, MAP), emission control systems.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox assembly, shift mechanism, internal components, maintenance, repair.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic system, electronic controls, maintenance, repair.

Drivetrain AWD:

Center differential, rear differential, driveshafts, CV joints, viscous coupling unit (if applicable), wheel bearings, maintenance, repair.

Suspension:

Front strut assembly, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, bushings, sway bars, springs, shock absorbers, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (or drum depending on trim), hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, rotor/pad replacement, caliper service.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, pump, fluid specifications, alignment.

Electrical System:

Charging system, starting system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, fuse box diagrams, relay locations, wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, refrigerant, condenser, evaporator), heating system, blower motor, climate controls, cabin filter replacement.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals, structural components, rust prevention.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, differential fluid change, transmission fluid change, tire rotation, battery checks.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, starting/charging issues, ABS fault diagnosis.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical system voltages, emissions data, alignment settings, tire pressure recommendations.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical system wiring diagrams for all major circuits, allowing for accurate diagnosis and repair of electrical issues.

Depth:

Comprehensive - Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical system diagnosis, and bodywork repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF. Printable pages.

Clarity:

Clear, legible text and diagrams suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ25D (Phase I SOHC)

Engine Type:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

162 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-pack depending on variant

Alternative Engine:

EJ251 (Phase II DOHC, 167 hp) - May be present in later 1999 models or specific markets. Manual would cover both if applicable.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

AWD System Auto:

Variable torque distribution with a planetary gear center differential and viscous coupling unit.

AWD System Manual:

Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a viscous coupling limited-slip center differential.

Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification).

Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for exact specification).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,410 mm (173.6 in)

Width:

1,735 mm (68.3 in)

Height:

1,590 mm (62.6 in)

Wheelbase:

2,500 mm (98.4 in)

Ground Clearance:

approx. 8.0 inches (203 mm)

Curb Weight Auto:

approx. 1,430 kg (3,153 lbs)

Curb Weight Manual:

approx. 1,405 kg (3,100 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

approx. 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

approx. 35.1 cu ft (994 liters)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

approx. 67.5 cu ft (1,911 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-star (for vehicles tested)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-star (for vehicles tested)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for vehicles tested)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Not standard, but available on some trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags not standard.

Seatbelts:

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

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Navigation:

Not available on standard 1999 models.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically standard; may require aftermarket modifications.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (12 months) or as per severe/normal driving conditions specified in the manual. Consult the manual for exact recommendation based on oil type used.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (or annually).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., platinum) and interval (often 60,000 - 100,000 miles).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial! Approximately every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years, as this is an interference engine. Manual will detail exact interval and procedure.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-2, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30. Check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature. Capacity: ~4.5 quarts with filter.

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Capacity: ~7.0 quarts.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual). Capacity: Approx. 0.5 liters.

Head Gaskets:

While more prevalent in later EJ25 engines, some early models can experience head gasket leaks. Manual provides diagnostic procedures.

Timing Belt:

Critical to maintain replacement schedule due to interference engine design. Manual details replacement and inspection.

Idle Control Valve:

Can sometimes become dirty and cause rough idling. Manual provides cleaning/testing procedures.

Automatic Transmission Behavior:

Some users report occasional rough shifts; manual offers diagnostic steps for the 4EAT.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Focus:

Subaru's long history and expertise in building reliable all-wheel-drive vehicles, often with unique Boxer engine configurations.

Forester Introduction:

The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 as Subaru's first compact crossover SUV, blending the driving dynamics of a car with the utility of an SUV.

First Generation Sf:

The 1999 model is part of the first generation (SF series), produced from 1997 to 2002. It established the Forester's signature blend of AWD, raised ride height, and wagon-like practicality.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Varies by model year; Subaru generally known for good reliability, though specific year ratings should be checked.

Vehicle Type Recognition:

Often praised for its AWD capability and practicality in a compact SUV segment.