🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

1998

Product Name:

1998 Subaru Forester Service & Repair Manual Software

Chassis Code:

SF Series

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Subaru's first compact SUV, aimed at active lifestyle consumers. Competed with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.

Advantage:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, elevated ground clearance, and Subaru's reputation for durability and boxer engine performance.

Feature 1:

Boxer Engine for low center of gravity and vibration reduction.

Feature 2:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction in various conditions.

Feature 3:

Practical wagon-like utility combined with SUV styling.

Feature 4:

Optional turbocharged engine for increased performance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and service information for the 1998 Subaru Forester

Page Count:

N/A (Software)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L DOHC Turbocharged (EJ255 - applicable to potential STI variants or performance tuning aspects)

Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System

Brakes:

Front Ventilated Disc Brakes, Rear Solid Disc Brakes

Suspension:

Front Independent MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent Multi-Link Suspension

Steering:

Power Rack and Pinion Steering

Electrical:

Complete Electrical System Schematics, Component Testing, Diagnosis

Body:

Body Panel Repair, Glass Replacement, Interior Trim

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System

Fuel System:

Fuel Injection System, Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Tank

Cooling System:

Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Cooling Fan

Exhaust System:

Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Pipes

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups

Engine Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Head Gasket Replacement, Piston Ring Replacement, Timing Belt Replacement

Transmission Repair:

Transmission Fluid Service, Clutch Replacement (Manual), Torque Converter Service (Automatic)

Brake Repair:

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Brake Caliper Overhaul, Brake Fluid Flush

Suspension Repair:

Strut Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Alignment Specifications

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Faulty Sensors, Wiring Harness Repair, Component Testing

Troubleshooting:

System-Specific Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Fault Code Identification

Component Replacement:

Alternator, Starter Motor, Power Steering Pump, Radiator, A/C Compressor

Body Repair:

Door Panel Removal, Bumper Repair, Fender Replacement

Depth:

Expert Level: Covers detailed diagnostics, component-level repairs, and rebuild procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary Software Format (Requires Installation)

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Content)

Binding Type:

N/A (Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Content)

Searchability:

High (Full-text search capability within the software)

Illustrations:

Detailed diagrams, schematics, and exploded views

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ25D

Configuration:

2.5L (2457cc) Naturally Aspirated DOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Torque:

177 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Injection:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

60,000 - 90,000 Miles (or as specified in service manual)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT) with Lock-Up Torque Converter

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

AWD Coupling:

Continuously Variable Transfer Clutch (CVTCS) for automatic transmission, viscous coupling for manual.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 Quarts (14.0 L) for full refill

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.0 inches (4445 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

63.6 inches (1615 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches (2616 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.5 inches (190 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

3,175 lbs (1440 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

3,250 lbs (1474 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

Not Rated (1998 Model Year Standards)

NHTSA Front Passenger:

Not Rated (1998 Model Year Standards)

Airbags:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-Point Height-Adjustable Front Seatbelts with Pretensioners, Rear 3-Point Seatbelts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH System (Rear seats)

ABS:

Optional (Standard on some trims)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player and optional CD Player. Basic speaker setup (e.g., 4 speakers).

Cruise Control:

Available (Typically standard on higher trims or optional).

Aux Input:

Not available from factory.

Climate Control Type:

Manual HVAC system with A/C.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first

Air Filter Replacement:

15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Not Equipped (Standard on 1998 models)

Spark Plug Replacement:

30,000 miles (48,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 Quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze) mixed 50/50 with distilled water

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.7 Quarts (6.3 L)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru Hydraulic System Oil or equivalent ATF Dexron II/III

Head Gaskets:

The EJ25D engine is known for potential head gasket failures, especially at higher mileage or if maintenance is neglected. Symptoms include coolant leaks, white smoke, and overheating.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks are common due to age and material degradation.

Cv Joints:

Front CV joint boots can split, leading to lubrication loss and premature wear. Regular inspection is recommended.

Radiator:

Plastic end tanks on the radiator can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Subaru Corporation, a Japanese automaker, has a long history dating back to 1917, known for its automotive division established in 1953 and its pioneering use of boxer engines and all-wheel-drive systems.

Generation 1:

First Generation (1997-2002): Introduced as a compact crossover SUV, built on a modified Impreza platform. Emphasized practicality, AWD capability, and the signature Subaru boxer engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award 1:

Often praised for its AWD system and utility in initial reviews, contributing to Subaru's growing popularity in the SUV segment.

Fuel Economy City:

Approx. 17-19 MPG (Varies by transmission)

Fuel Economy Highway:

Approx. 21-23 MPG (Varies by transmission)