🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2013

Engine Variant:

2.0L

Chassis Code:

SJ Series

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Brand Positioning:

Known for Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engines, safety, and practicality.

Key Competitors:

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

Drivetrain:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across most trims.

Visibility:

Excellent outward visibility due to large windows and upright stance.

Practicality:

Spacious interior, good cargo capacity, user-friendly design.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (Multi-Point Injection), ignition, emissions control, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (5-speed and 6-speed options), automatic transmission (Lineartronic CVT), clutch, differential, driveshafts, AWD system operation and maintenance.

Brake Systems:

Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) operation and service.

Steering Suspension:

Power steering system (hydraulic or electric depending on market), suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), alignment specifications.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, audio system, power windows, locks, mirrors.

HVAC Systems:

Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, climate control operation and service.

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, seatbelts.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, flowcharts, component testing, wiring diagrams.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), inspections, tire rotation, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (alternator, starter, water pump), transmission service and repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step troubleshooting for common and complex issues, fault finding based on symptoms and DTCs.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, including component locations and connector pinouts.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and basic repairs to advanced diagnostics, component-level troubleshooting, and complete overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Yes, typically text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Illustration Clarity:

High-quality, clear, step-by-step illustrations and diagrams.

Digital Delivery:

Downloadable file, no physical binding.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FB20

Engine Type:

2.0L Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four (Boxer) Engine

Displacement:

1995 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Horsepower:

148 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

Transmission Type Optional:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (Market dependent, less common for 2.0L in some regions)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for CVT, Direct Driving AWD for Manual)

Manual Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios available in manual section of the manual.

Cvt Fluid Type:

Subaru CVT Fluid (e.g., Subaru CVT Oil K0776YA000)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4595 mm (181.0 inches)

Width:

1795 mm (70.7 inches)

Height:

1695 mm (66.7 inches)

Wheelbase:

2640 mm (103.9 inches)

Ground Clearance:

218 mm (8.6 inches)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 34.4 cubic feet (974 liters)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 73.0 cubic feet (2067 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1460-1520 kg (3219-3351 lbs) depending on trim and transmission

Towing Capacity:

Up to 1000 kg (2205 lbs) with trailer brakes

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (2013 Model Year)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models equipped with optional EyeSight system)

Brake Assist:

Yes

Electronic Stability Control:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) - Standard

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) - Standard

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard

Airbags:

Front, front-side, side-curtain airbags; driver knee airbag (depending on market).

Seatbelts:

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

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

Eyesight Driver Assist:

Optional advanced driver-assistance system (adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning) on some trims.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Standard infotainment system with CD player, auxiliary input, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims may feature touchscreen displays with navigation.

Standard Driver Aids:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist.

Optional Driver Aids:

Subaru EyeSight system (on applicable trims) including Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning.

Bluetooth:

Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Usb Ports:

Available for audio playback and device charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for severe driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or 48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs.

Coolant Replacement:

Subaru Super Coolant: Initial change at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 4 years.

Transmission Fluid Service:

CVT fluid: Inspect periodically, replace based on driving conditions and mileage (refer to manual for specific intervals, often around 60,000 miles or 5 years for severe use).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Spec:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Subaru CVT Fluid (e.g., K0776YA000) for Lineartronic CVT; Subaru Gear Oil G5 for manual transmissions.

Common Complaints:

Occasional reports of oil consumption (especially in older boxer engines), CVT responsiveness concerns, and potential for suspension component wear (bushings) over time.

Typical Fixes:

Oil consumption may require monitoring and top-offs; addressing CVT judder or lag might involve fluid changes or valve body inspection as per service bulletins.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries).

Core Technologies:

Pioneered the adoption of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the Boxer engine in passenger vehicles.

Forester Introduction:

First generation launched in 1997.

Fourth Generation Launch:

The 2013 model year marked the debut of the fourth generation (SJ series), representing a significant redesign.

Design Changes From Gen 3:

More sculpted body, revised interior, increased wheelbase for better interior space, and updated powertrains.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Gunma, Japan. Some units may have been assembled in other locations depending on market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award 2013:

IIHS Top Safety Pick (for models equipped with optional EyeSight)

Kelley Blue Book Segment Award:

Often recognized by KBB for its value and family-friendly features within the compact SUV segment.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally receives good to above-average reliability ratings from consumer organizations, though specific model years can vary.