🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Generation Codes:

SF

Model Years Covered:

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Unique Selling Proposition:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, excellent practicality, reliable Subaru Boxer engines, and comfortable ride for its class.

Key Competitors:

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

Standard AWD:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions.

Practicality:

Spacious interior for its class, good cargo capacity, and versatile seating configurations.

Ride Comfort:

Generally praised for a comfortable and compliant ride, making it suitable for daily commuting and longer journeys.

Powertrain:

Reliable Subaru Boxer engines known for their smooth operation and distinctive character.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Factory Service Repair Manual

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Repair, Overhaul

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for this era's comprehensive manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed sections on EJ251, EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged variants), including engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, cooling, lubrication, and engine management systems.

Transmission:

Coverage for both 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., TZ102, TY754) and 4-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., TV1A3, TV1B3), including overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, including center differential, viscous coupling unit, front and rear axles, driveshafts, and CV joints.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum configurations), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system, and bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension, steering system (power steering), wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical:

Comprehensive coverage of the electrical system, including battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, gauges, instrument cluster, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuse locations, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, glass, sunroof (if equipped), bumpers, and body repair procedures.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant, components, diagnostics, and repair.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and related diagnostics.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil change procedures, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement.

Diagnostics:

Systematic troubleshooting guides, diagnostic charts, symptom-to-cause analysis, use of diagnostic tools, and interpretation of DTCs.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components and systems, including engine disassembly/reassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, and electrical component replacement.

Overhaul:

Complete overhaul procedures for major components like engines and transmissions.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and diagnostic procedures.

Torque Specs:

Precise torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete mechanical rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick navigation and information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital native files, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Naturally Aspirated:

EJ251 (2.5L SOHC) and EJ253 (2.5L DOHC)

Engine Code Turbocharged:

EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged - likely found in specific trims or later model years within this range)

Horsepower Ej251:

Approximately 165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Ej251:

Approximately 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower Ej253:

Approximately 175 hp @ 6000 rpm (DOHC variations)

Torque Ej253:

Approximately 175 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (DOHC variations)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for turbocharged models)

Configuration:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with Electronic Control

AWD Integration:

Integrated with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent meeting Dexron III specifications

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.5 inches (2630 mm)

Length:

Approx. 175.8 inches (4465 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

Approx. 63.5 inches (1615 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.0 inches (203 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3200 - 3300 lbs (1450 - 1500 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3300 - 3450 lbs (1500 - 1565 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 35.4 cu ft (1003 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 67.8 cu ft (1919 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-star rating (for earlier models in this range)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-star rating (for earlier models in this range)

IIHS Small Overlap Front:

Marginal to Acceptable (depending on specific year and testing protocol)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (standard on most trims)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (available on some trims or later models)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, potentially side airbags on higher trims or later models.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Basic AM/FM/CD player, potentially with cassette tape. Optional premium audio systems may be available.

Speakers:

Typically 4-6 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Rarely present in this generation; aftermarket solutions are common.

Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trims or as an option.

Power Windows Locks:

Standard on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 - 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (consult manual for specifics).

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed.

Spark Plugs:

Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs (refer to specific plug type recommended in manual).

Timing Belt:

Critical replacement interval for EJ25 engines; typically 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil:

5W-30 Synthetic or Conventional (API SG or higher). Capacity approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter.

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant. Capacity approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Head Gaskets:

While less prone than some earlier Subaru models, head gasket leaks (coolant or oil) can still occur on EJ25 engines, especially with high mileage or overheating.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Failure can lead to stalling or no-start conditions.

Oxygen Sensors:

Can become fouled or fail, affecting fuel economy and emissions.

Evaporative Emission Control System:

Issues with the EVAP system (e.g., charcoal canister, purge valves) can trigger check engine lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Legacy:

The Forester was initially conceived as a more rugged, higher-riding variant of the Subaru Impreza and shared many mechanical components with the Legacy. Subaru's reputation for AWD and reliable engineering is a key part of its heritage.

First Generation:

The SF series Forester debuted in 1995 in Japan and arrived in North America for the 1998 model year. This generation (1998-2002) established the Forester's distinctive look and utility.

Facelifts Within Generation:

A minor facelift occurred for the 2001 model year, with updated styling cues, improved interior features, and minor mechanical enhancements.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:

MotorTrend did not award SUV of the Year to the Forester during these specific years. Competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V often received such accolades.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Consumer Reports typically rated the Forester in the average to above-average range for reliability during this period, with specific model years varying.

Emissions Standards:

Compliant with U.S. EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model years.