🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Product Name:

SUBARU FORESTER Service Repair Manual 1999-2002

Generation Code:

SF Series (First Generation)

Chassis Codes:

SF5, SF9

Engine Codes Covered:

EJ201, EJ202, EJ251, EJ252, EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated), EJ205 (Turbocharged)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, drivers seeking AWD capability and practicality

Key Competitors:

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

Differentiating Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine configuration, practical wagon-like utility

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners and technicians with comprehensive, accurate repair and maintenance data for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

All models and engines produced for the 1999-2002 model years

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era, exact number not provided but described as 'every single detail')

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, turbocharging (for EJ205)

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch, drive axles, differentials

Drivetrain Systems:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, viscous coupling center differential

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), Rear suspension (Multi-link), power steering system, steering column

Braking Systems:

Front disc brakes, Rear disc brakes (or drum brakes on some base models), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, gauges, instruments, power accessories, body control module, engine control module (ECM) wiring diagrams

HVAC Systems:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation and repair

Body Chassis:

Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, roof, underbody

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, brake service, tune-ups

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, exhaust system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement

Troubleshooting Guidance:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, common problems and solutions

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, fault code interpretation

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics including component testing and wiring schematics

Rebuild Capability:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with specifications

Specification Detail:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and fluid capacities

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Printable:

Printable pages for on-site workshop use

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Name:

2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Boxer (EJ251/EJ252/EJ253)

Engine 1 Displacement:

2457 cc (2.5 Liters)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

165-170 HP (SAE Net, varies slightly by year/spec)

Engine 1 Torque:

166-170 lb-ft (SAE Net, varies slightly by year/spec)

Engine 2 Name:

2.0L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged Boxer (EJ205)

Engine 2 Displacement:

1994 cc (2.0 Liters)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

210-227 HP (SAE Net, varies slightly by year/spec)

Engine 2 Torque:

235-250 lb-ft (SAE Net, varies slightly by year/spec)

Fuel Requirement:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum for naturally aspirated, premium recommended for turbocharged)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multi-Point Injection

Engine Control Unit:

Subaru Engine Control Module (ECM)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system (on some models)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Opt:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with overdrive)

Drivetrain System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential (standard on all trims)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., Subaru Genuine Gear Oil or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Subaru ATF-HP, though Dexron III is more common for this era)

Manual Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 2.3 liters (manual notes capacity, specific part number for fluid usually 80W-90 GL-5)

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 liters (for drain and fill, total capacity higher)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2530 mm (99.6 inches)

Length:

4405 mm (173.4 inches)

Width:

1735 mm (68.3 inches)

Height:

1590 mm (62.6 inches)

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 28.4 cu ft (with rear seats up), Approx. 63.0 cu ft (with rear seats folded)

Curb Weight:

1400-1550 kg (approx. 3086-3417 lbs, varies by trim and drivetrain)

Towing Capacity:

1000 kg (2200 lbs) (with trailer brakes), 750 kg (1650 lbs) (without trailer brakes)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

Not directly comparable to modern standards, but generally rated well for its era

IIHS Side Impact:

Not rated for the 1999-2002 models in a way that directly translates to modern G/A ratings.

Active Safety Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (standard on most models, check specific trim)

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, Side impact door beams, Crumple zones, 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) not standard in this generation. ISOFIX compatible in some regions, requires manual guidance.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional cassette, typically 4 or 6 speaker system depending on trim.

Navigation System:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims, typically aftermarket units were more common.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on these models, AWD is the primary traction enhancer.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically equipped with factory auxiliary input. Aftermarket adapters or head unit replacements are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving), check owner's manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions and oil type.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs, 60,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (check plug type)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: Every 60,000 to 105,000 miles or 4-7 years (refer to specific manual for exact mileage/time, critical due to interference engine design). Often recommended to replace water pump and idler pulleys simultaneously.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SG or SH rated (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API rating for your climate)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to reservoir cap)

Common Issues:

Head gasket leaks (especially on EJ251/EJ252 engines in earlier iterations, though less prevalent than later generations), exhaust manifold cracks, oil consumption, rear differential whine, ABS sensor failure, catalytic converter issues.

Timing Belt Failure Impact:

Interference engine design means timing belt failure will likely result in catastrophic valve-to-piston damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Founded in 1953, Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) is known for its pioneering work in all-wheel-drive technology and horizontally-opposed Boxer engines.

Forester Introduction:

The Subaru Forester was introduced globally in 1997 as a 'sport utility wagon', bridging the gap between traditional station wagons and SUVs.

First Generation Period:

1997-2002 (SF Series)

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan (Ota, Gunma Prefecture), Ecuador, Thailand, Taiwan

Production Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver All Stars:

Subaru Forester (often the turbocharged XT models, but the platform was recognized for its capabilities) was a recurring recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best Trucks' list in various years around this period.

Wheel And Tire Spec:

Standard: 215/60R16. Optional: 215/55R17. Bolt pattern: 5x100 mm. Offset: ET48 (typical).