🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

SF Series

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1998 Subaru Forester was a pioneering compact SUV, blending the practicality and all-wheel-drive capability of an SUV with the driving dynamics and comfort of a car. It carved out a unique niche, appealing to those seeking go-anywhere versatility without the ruggedness and compromises of traditional truck-based SUVs.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan X-Trail (though the X-Trail arrived later in some markets). The Forester distinguished itself with standard AWD across all trims and a strong emphasis on safety and a car-like ride.

Key Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine for a lower center of gravity, robust construction, good ground clearance, practical wagon-like versatility.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Systems:

Routine Maintenance, Tune-up Procedures, Engine Removal/Installation, Cylinder Head/Valve Train, Engine Block, Engine Lubrication, Intake Manifold/Exhaust System, Cooling and Heating, Fuel and Emissions, Transaxle, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Differential, Driveshaft, Steering, Suspension, Brakes (including ABS), Body, Heater and Air Conditioning, Automatic Climate Control, Electrical (including SRS), Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Engine Repair, Air Conditioning, Exhaust, Emissions Control, Ignition, Wiring Diagrams, Valve Timing Procedures, Chain & Gear Replacement, General Removal & Installation Instructions, Safety Precautions, Special Tools, Tensioner Adjustments, Tightening Torques, Timing Marks, Valve Timing Instructions, Tensioner Release & Reset Methods, Chain Routing & Sprocket/Gear Valve Timing Marks

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (EJ25 SOHC/DOHC), Transmission (4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual), Drivetrain (All-Wheel Drive System, Differentials, Driveshaft)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering (Power-Assisted Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front Ventilated Disc, Rear Disc, ABS)

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System (Manual and Automatic Climate Control), Body Electrical

Electrical:

Engine Control Module (ECM), Ignition System, Fuel System Controls, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / Airbags, Wiring Diagrams

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine overhaul (cylinder head, piston, connecting rod, crankshaft), transmission overhaul (automatic and manual), differential repair, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (struts, control arms, bushings), AC system servicing and repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, ABS, and SRS systems.

Technical Procedures:

Valve timing procedures, chain and gear replacement, tensioner adjustments and release/reset methods, torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine removal and installation, transmission removal and installation.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High quality, printable pages. Assumed to contain clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ25

Engine Type:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) Four-Cylinder

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) or SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves (4 per cylinder)

Horsepower Est:

Approx. 165-170 hp (depending on SOHC/DOHC and specific market tuning)

Torque Est:

Approx. 162-166 lb-ft (depending on SOHC/DOHC and specific market tuning)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Coolant Capacity Est:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (15.8 US Quarts)

Oil Capacity Est:

Approx. 4.4 Liters (4.7 US Quarts) with filter change

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific climate conditions)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with electronic control)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon

Differential Fluid Type:

GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,440 mm (174.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,735 mm (68.3 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,570 mm (61.8 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,575 mm (101.4 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 195 mm (7.7 in)

Curb Weight Est:

Approx. 1,450 - 1,550 kg (3,197 - 3,417 lbs)

Towing Capacity Est:

Approx. 900 kg (2,000 lbs) (check specific market regulations)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

Not rated as per modern standards, but its lower center of gravity compared to truck-based SUVs was a safety advantage.

Active Features:

All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (optional on some trims)

Passive Features:

Dual front airbags, crumple zones, side impact beams, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Typically a basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player or optional CD player. Limited to analog controls and speaker systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited to ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as an optional feature. No electronic stability control or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available.

Connectivity Features:

No Bluetooth, USB, or auxiliary input ports. Connectivity is limited to basic audio systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal service) - refer to manual for exact specification.

Engine Air Filter:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or 12-24 months.

Spark Plugs:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, Iridium recommended for longer life).

Coolant Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (initially), then longer intervals for Subaru Super Coolant.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for EJ25 engines! Every 90,000 - 105,000 miles or 105 months. Failure results in catastrophic engine damage (interference engine).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or DEXRON II/III ATF

Known Issues:

Head gasket leaks (especially on early EJ25D engines), timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule, radiator leaks, premature wear of suspension components (bushings, ball joints), catalytic converter issues, occasional ABS sensor failures.

Wheel Lug Nuts:

Approx. 78-93 lb-ft (105-126 Nm)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing rugged and reliable vehicles, often with a focus on all-wheel-drive technology and boxer engines, originating from aircraft manufacturing.

Generation Introduction:

The Subaru Forester was first introduced globally in 1997 as a 1998 model year vehicle. It was based on the Subaru Impreza platform but offered a taller body, increased ground clearance, and a more spacious interior, effectively creating the template for the modern compact crossover SUV.

Production Years:

1997-2002 (First Generation SF Series)

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan (Mainly Gunma Prefecture)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1998 model might be scarce by modern standards, the Forester series has consistently received praise for its safety, practicality, and all-wheel-drive capabilities, often being cited by publications for value and reliability in its class.