🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

SF

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Individuals seeking adventure, practicality, and Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Owners who prefer DIY maintenance and repairs.

Competitors:

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

AWD:

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

Body Style:

Station wagon/SUV crossover, offering a blend of car-like handling and SUV utility.

Ground Clearance:

Higher ground clearance than typical sedans, aiding in light off-road capability.

📋 Manual Details

General:

Complete Service and Repair Manual

Estimated:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, etc.). Detailed torque specifications and clearances provided.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel pressure testing, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system diagnostics and repair.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, ignition timing, diagnostic procedures for ignition faults.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, fan system, leak detection, coolant flush and fill procedures.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors, emissions control components.

Transmission Manual:

Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of manual gearboxes, including clutch replacement, synchronizer repair, and gearset maintenance.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnostic procedures, fluid changes, filter replacement, internal component inspection and repair (if applicable to specific models covered).

Drivetrain:

Front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel bearings, propeller shaft, and related components.

Suspension:

Front and rear struts/shocks, springs, control arms, ball joints, sway bars, bushings, alignment procedures, and specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column, diagnostic procedures, and fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Disc brake systems (front and rear), hydraulic system diagnostics, master cylinder, brake calipers, brake pads/rotors replacement, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures. ABS system diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, lighting system, fuses, relays, interior and exterior electrical components.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, bumper repairs, structural component inspection, rust repair techniques.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling, diagnostic procedures for climate control.

Interior Trim:

Dashboard removal, seat removal and installation, door panel removal, headliner, carpet.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, troubleshooting flowcharts.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, tire rotation and balancing, fluid level checks and top-offs.

Tune Up:

Spark plug replacement, ignition coil inspection, fuel filter replacement, throttle body cleaning, idle speed adjustment.

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine teardown and rebuild, including necessary tools and torque specifications.

Transmission Repair:

Procedures for repairing and rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake Service:

Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line replacement, brake bleeding.

Suspension Repair:

Replacement of struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, and bushings.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Using wiring diagrams to diagnose and repair electrical faults, component testing.

Body Repair:

Removal and installation of body panels, doors, and trim components.

Airbag System:

Safety precautions and procedures for servicing airbag systems.

Emission Controls:

Diagnosis and repair of emission control systems, including EVAP and EGR.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Comprehensive flowcharts and diagnostic trees for common and complex issues.

Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics).

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable:

Yes (text-based, allowing keyword searches)

Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2457cc)

Engine Code:

EJ25

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)

Acceleration 0 60:

Approx. 9.0 - 10.0 seconds (depending on transmission)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ octane for optimal performance)

Fuel Capacity:

14.7 gallons (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Lock-Up Torque Converter)

AWD Integration:

Integrated with Symmetrical AWD system, providing power distribution to all four wheels.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.2 inches

Width:

69.7 inches

Height:

63.0 inches

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.7 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,300 lbs

Towing Capacity:

2,000 lbs (approx., consult owner's manual for specific limits and towing equipment requirements)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

5-Star (for 1998 model year, as per available data)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

5-Star (for 1998 model year, as per available data)

AWD:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system contributes to active safety through enhanced traction.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pre-tensioners for front seats.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced body structure designed to mitigate rollover risks.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape player. Speaker configuration typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control with a/c and heater. Some models may have optional automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Visibility:

Good all-around visibility due to large glass areas and higher seating position. Optional fog lights.

Power Outlets:

12V power outlets for accessory charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal driving conditions). Consult manual for specifics.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.

Cabin Filter:

Inspect/replace every 15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plugs:

Replace approximately every 60,000 miles (NGK Platinum or Iridium recommended).

Coolant Flush:

Initial flush at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace fluid/filter as needed (often considered 'lifetime' by some manufacturers, but regular checks and changes are advisable).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH certified, SAE 5W-30 viscosity. (Consult manual for exact specification and capacity: approx. 4.5 quarts with filter).

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent silicate-free, extended-life coolant. 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: approx. 7.5 quarts.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Genuine Subaru power steering fluid or Dexron III ATF. (Consult manual for exact specification).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Genuine Subaru ATF or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid. (Capacity: approx. 4.5 quarts for drain and fill).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 viscosity. (Capacity: approx. 2.3 quarts).

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than in earlier EJ22 engines, the EJ25 can be susceptible to head gasket failure over time. Early detection and proper maintenance are key.

Idler Pulley:

Some models experienced issues with the idler pulley bearing, which can lead to noise or failure if not replaced.

Automatic Transmission:

Certain automatic transmission models may exhibit harsh shifting or hesitation if fluid and filter are not maintained.

Rust Corrosion:

Common in vehicles of this era, particularly in areas with road salt. Frame rails, rocker panels, and wheel wells are common areas for inspection.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Subaru Corporation (part of Fuji Heavy Industries until 2017)

Core Philosophy:

Known for engineering excellence, Boxer engines, and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Generation 1:

First generation (SF) introduced in 1997 in Japan and globally in 1998. The 1998 model year represents the initial introduction of the Forester to the market.

Design Concept:

Created to combine the advantages of passenger cars and off-road vehicles, carving out the 'crossover' segment.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (primarily Gunma Plant)

Production Years:

1997-2002 (First Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

4Wd Awards:

Consistently praised for its standard AWD system, which provides exceptional grip in various weather conditions. Often recognized by automotive publications for its capability.

Kiplingers Best Value:

The Subaru Forester has been a consistent recipient of 'Best Value' awards from publications like Kiplinger's Personal Finance for its combination of utility, reliability, and operating costs.

Safety Certifications:

Meets or exceeds all federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) for its model year.