🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

SF

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard, excellent visibility, practical cargo space, reliable Subaru boxer engines.

Competitors:

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

Standard AWD:

Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system was a defining feature, offering enhanced traction and stability in various conditions.

Body Style:

Wagon-like SUV with a practical, boxy profile maximizing interior volume and visibility.

📋 Manual Details

Model Variants Covered:

All 2002 Subaru Forester variants, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged (XT) models.

Market Coverage:

Primarily North American market (USA, Canada), but applicable to most international markets with minor regional variations.

Estimated Page Count:

~1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for EJ251 (2.5L SOHC NA), EJ252 (2.5L DOHC NA), and EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo) engines. Includes fuel injection, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication, and timing systems.

Transmission:

Coverage for 4-speed automatic (4EAT) and 5-speed manual transmissions. Includes removal, installation, overhaul, diagnosis, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear differentials, all-wheel drive system (Active AWD/VTD for automatic, viscous coupling for manual), driveshafts, CV joints, and wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brake systems (ABS and non-ABS variants), parking brake, hydraulic system, and brake bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front independent strut suspension (MacPherson type) and rear multi-link suspension. Includes steering system, wheel alignment specifications, and component replacement.

Electrical:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, diagnosis of lighting, starting and charging system, instrument panel, power windows, locks, and SRS (Airbag) system.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hoods, liftgate, interior trim, glass replacement, seals, and body repair procedures.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system operation, diagnosis, refrigerant handling, heater core, and ventilation system.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and belt inspections/replacements.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Repair:

Detailed repair procedures for virtually all mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension work, and body repairs.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, engine data, and diagnostic parameters.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, and ECU diagnosis.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and component replacement to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ251

Engine Type 1:

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower 1:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque 1:

166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

EJ255 (Optional Turbocharged)

Engine Type 2:

2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower 2:

Approximately 210-220 hp (depending on specific market/tune)

Torque 2:

Approximately 235-245 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum for NA, premium recommended for Turbo)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

AWD System Auto:

Active All-Wheel Drive with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) for automatic transmission models.

AWD System Manual:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Viscous Coupling Limited Slip Center Differential (VCDL) for manual transmission models.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.6 inches (4485 mm)

Width:

67.9 inches (1725 mm)

Height:

63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches (2616 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.5 inches (190 mm)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

32.0 cubic feet (0.90 m³)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

67.5 cubic feet (1.91 m³)

Curb Weight Na:

3,230 - 3,430 lbs (1465 - 1556 kg) approx.

Curb Weight Turbo:

3,500 - 3,700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg) approx.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (for AWD models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags; optional side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD stereo system. Available with premium sound options. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most models.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors standard or available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions), depending on oil type and usage.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with oil change. Subaru Part Number: 15208AA031 (or equivalent).

Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed. Subaru Part Number: 16546KA020 (or equivalent).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium type recommended). Check manual for specific type and gap.

Timing Belt:

Replace every 105,000 miles or 7 years (CRITICAL FOR THESE ENGINES). Subaru Part Number (belt kit): 13028AA070 (or equivalent).

Engine Oil:

API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30. Check manual for exact viscosity based on temperature. Capacity: ~4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter.

Coolant:

Subaru Genuine Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant. Mixture: 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: ~7.2 US quarts (6.8 liters).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Subaru Genuine ATF-HP or equivalent. Capacity: ~3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) for drain/fill.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity: ~2.4 US quarts (2.3 liters).

Differential Fluid Front:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity: ~0.9 US quarts (0.85 liters).

Differential Fluid Rear:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Capacity: ~0.9 US quarts (0.85 liters).

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than in earlier EJ engines, head gasket seepage or leaks can occur, particularly with high mileage or overheating.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

Failure of the timing belt tensioner can lead to belt skipping or breakage, causing severe engine damage. Regular replacement is paramount.

Brake Rotors:

Warping of front brake rotors can lead to vibration during braking, often due to heat stress.

Cv Boots:

Front CV joint boots are prone to tearing, leading to grease loss and potential joint damage if not replaced promptly.

Ac Compressor:

The AC compressor clutch can fail, or the compressor itself may leak refrigerant over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Legacy:

The Forester was developed as a spin-off from the Subaru Legacy wagon, leveraging its AWD technology and boxer engine architecture.

Sf Generation:

This 2002 model is part of the first generation (SF) Subaru Forester, produced from 1997 to 2002. It received a facelift in 2001.

Production Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

Frequently cited by automotive publications like Car and Driver for its utility and AWD capability within its segment.

Safety Awards:

Earned good safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for its era.