🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

SG

Platform:

Subaru SG platform

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, practicality, and robust build. This 2006 model represents the second generation (SG) of the Forester, popular for its balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Nissan X-Trail, differentiating itself with its symmetrical AWD and horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines.

Forester Highlights:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, elevated ground clearance for its class, comfortable ride, practical interior space, and reliable boxer engine architecture.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (Software based, dynamically displays)

Type:

Official Service Manual Software (Digital)

Language:

English

Format:

Software Application (Requires Installation)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, Engine control system (ECU), Fuel system, Ignition system, Emission control system, Exhaust system, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (All-Wheel Drive components)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering system, Brake system (ABS, EBD), Wheels and Tires

Body & Electrical:

Body panels, Doors, Interior trim, HVAC system, SRS Airbag system, Lighting, Wiper/Washer system, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), Audio system, Instrumentation, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and changes, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, Symptom-based diagnostics, DTC interpretation and resolution, Live data analysis (OBD-II)

Repair:

Component removal and installation, Engine overhaul procedures, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper and rotor replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and repair

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, Clearance measurements, Component alignment procedures, Wiring diagrams, Vacuum diagrams, Exploded views

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic fluid services to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic trees and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Requirements:

PC compatible (Windows OS), CD-ROM drive or digital download, sufficient hard drive space.

Digital Resolution:

High-resolution graphics, diagrams, and text for clear on-screen viewing and printing of individual pages.

Binding:

N/A (Software, not physical)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software, not physical)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (EJ253)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2498 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower:

173 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular 87 Octane

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30

Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Variable torque distribution for automatic, viscous coupling center differential for manual)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III compatible (check specific model/VIN)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (API GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.5 inches (4560 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

63.8 inches (1620 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches (2619 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.0 inches (203 mm)

Curb Weight:

3210 - 3330 lbs (1456 - 1510 kg) depending on trim/transmission

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

31.4 cu ft (889 liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

64.7 cu ft (1832 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars (Driver & Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5 Stars (Front & Rear Passengers)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Braking:

4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Stability Control:

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control System (TCS) available on some trims.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Available front and rear side-curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, Rear 3-point seatbelts.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base models featured a standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims offered premium audio systems with optional subwoofer and amplifier. Bluetooth connectivity was not standard.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system available on select higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system on most trims.

Other:

No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist were available on this model.

Auxiliary Input:

Auxiliary audio input jack available on some models.

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliant for emissions and general vehicle diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (inspect annually).

Spark Plug Replacement:

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

Coolant Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for initial change, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years thereafter.

Timing Belt Replacement:

NOT APPLICABLE (this generation uses a timing chain).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III compatible ATF.

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water).

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than on earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual covers diagnosis and replacement procedures.

Oil Consumption:

Some EJ25 engines can experience oil consumption. The manual provides diagnostic steps for oil leaks and consumption.

Catalytic Converter:

Premature failure can occur, often indicated by P0420/P0430 codes. The manual covers exhaust system diagnostics.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Legacy:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation, has a long history in automotive manufacturing, particularly known for its horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines and standard All-Wheel Drive systems, originating from its pioneering work in aviation.

Forester Generation 2 Sg:

The 2006 Forester is part of the second generation (SG) chassis, produced from 2002-2008. This generation saw refinements in styling, chassis dynamics, and available features over the first generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iiihs Top Safety Pick:

While specific 'Top Safety Pick' awards for the 2006 model year may vary in reporting, the Forester consistently scored well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests for its generation.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Consumer Reports often rated the Subaru Forester favorably for its reliability, particularly in its earlier years. The manual provides insights to maintain this reliability.