🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2008-2012

Market:

US/Canada

Chassis Code:

SH Series

Design Era:

Third Generation

Engine Codes:

EJ253 (2.5L Naturally Aspirated), EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking practical and safe all-weather transportation.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape

Subaru Strengths:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), Boxer engine, excellent visibility, strong safety reputation.

Unique Selling Proposition:

The Forester in this generation solidified its reputation as a go-to choice for those prioritizing utility, capability in adverse weather, and a user-friendly driving experience.

📋 Manual Details

Geographical Coverage:

North America (USA & Canada)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission (4EAT/5EAT), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (Active AWD/VDC)

Chassis:

Suspension (front strut, rear multi-link), steering system, brake system (ABS, EBD), wheels, tires

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, HVAC system, safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts)

Electrical:

Body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), multiplex communication systems, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, power accessories

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanation, circuit diagrams, component testing procedures

Repair:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair

Calibration Adjustment:

Wheel alignment specifications, headlight aiming, keyless entry system programming

Level Of Detail:

Comprehensive; covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF - no physical binding)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF - no physical paper)

Operating Systems:

Windows (95, 98, ME, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10), Linux, macOS, iOS, Android

Text Search:

Searchable text within PDF allows for quick access to specific information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 2.5I:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated SOHC EJ253 Boxer-4

Engine Type 2.5Xt:

2.5L Turbocharged DOHC EJ255 Boxer-4 (late 2008-2010 models)

Horsepower 2.5I:

170 hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque 2.5I:

174 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Horsepower 2.5Xt:

224 hp @ 5,200 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2.5Xt:

235 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Regular Unleaded (2.5i), Premium Unleaded recommended for 2.5XT

Emission Standards:

Meets EPA/CARB emission standards for the model year.

ECU System:

Subaru's Engine Control Unit (ECU) with CAN bus communication.

🔧 Transmission

Type 2.5I:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type 2.5I Auto:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

Type 2.5Xt Auto:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all trims). AWD system varies slightly between manual and automatic transmissions.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid 4Eat:

Subaru ATF HP (or Dexron III equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid 5Eat:

Subaru ATF-HP

Rear Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.5 inches (4559 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1781 mm)

Height:

65.4 inches (1661 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches (2616 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 100.9 cubic feet (2857 L)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 14.7 cubic feet (416 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 68.3 cubic feet (1934 L)

Curb Weight Start:

Approx. 3,329 lbs (1510 kg) for base models

Curb Weight End:

Approx. 3,600 lbs (1633 kg) for turbo models

Towing Capacity:

2,400 lbs (1089 kg) (with proper hitch and trailer brakes)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4 out of 5 stars (typical for this generation)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Awarded Top Safety Pick in multiple years within this generation.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Vdc:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) - Stability and Traction Control System

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio systems with optional premium audio, MP3 playback, and auxiliary input jack.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system integrated into the dashboard display.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronically controlled cruise control.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and streaming audio.

Keyless Entry:

Standard or optional keyless entry with immobilizer system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty), 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty), or per oil life indicator.

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on driving conditions).

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on driving conditions).

Spark Plugs:

Platinum tipped: 60,000 - 105,000 miles (check specific engine variant).

Coolant Flush:

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

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 (preferred), SAE 5W-30 (if 0W-20 unavailable)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter for 2.5L engines.

Brake Fluid Type:

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III ATF or equivalent.

Head Gaskets:

While less common on naturally aspirated EJ253 engines compared to earlier EJ25s, potential for head gasket leaks can still occur over time, especially with the turbocharged EJ255.

Catalytic Converter:

Premature failure of the catalytic converter can occur due to engine misfires or oil consumption.

Wheel Bearings:

Some models may experience premature wear of front wheel bearings.

Evaporative Emissions Control System:

Issues with the EVAP system (e.g., purge valve, vent solenoid) can lead to Check Engine Lights.

Brake Pad Replacement:

Front: 290mm Solid Discs, Rear: 290mm Solid Discs (specifics vary by trim). Replacement typically every 30,000-50,000 miles.

Standard Tire Size:

215/65R16, 225/60R17 (depending on trim level)

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Focus:

Subaru, known for its engineering prowess, Boxer engines, and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, has a long history in rallying and adventure-oriented vehicles.

Forester Genesis:

Introduced in 1997, the Forester was designed to blend the utility of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car. This third generation (SH) marked a significant redesign with a more conventional SUV-like appearance compared to its predecessors.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan

Model Years Covered:

2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award:

Consistently received IIHS Top Safety Pick awards during this generation for its strong crash test performance.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received good ratings for reliability and predicted owner satisfaction from publications like Consumer Reports, though specific model years and engines might have had minor variations.

Epa Fuel Economy:

EPA estimated MPG: approximately 21 MPG city / 27 MPG highway for 2.5i models (manual and automatic vary slightly).