🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2013

Chassis Code:

SJ Series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent visibility, practical interior space, good safety ratings, Subaru's reputation for reliability and durability

Key Competitors:

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

Target Audience:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking a practical and capable all-weather SUV

Manual Purpose:

To provide detailed repair and maintenance procedures for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 2500-3500 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (manual and automatic), driveline, drivetrain (Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive components)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS, VDC), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments and gauges, audio system, climate control system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, safety systems (SRS, immobilizer), body control modules, wiring diagrams

Body:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, interior trim, seating systems, security systems

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures for electrical and mechanical components

Repair Overhaul:

Component disassembly and reassembly, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component replacement and repair

Special Tools:

Identification of required special tools for specific procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic information

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (depending on source quality)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FB25

Engine Type:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2498 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

94.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque:

174 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm

Engine Management:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Transmission Type:

Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)

Cvta Mode:

CVT features manual mode with paddle shifters and 6 pre-set ratios on some trims.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

180.0 inches (4570 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

65.7 inches (1669 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.7 inches (2634 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (221 mm)

Curb Weight Min:

3,325 lbs (1508 kg) (MT)

Curb Weight Max:

3,492 lbs (1584 kg) (CVT)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

34.4 cubic feet (974 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

76.1 cubic feet (2155 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for models equipped with EyeSight, otherwise often 4-Star in specific categories)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ on models with specific features)

Braking System:

4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)

Stability Control:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS)

Driver Assistance:

Optional EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning)

Airbags:

Advanced Frontal Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (front and rear), Driver Knee Airbag

Seat Belts:

3-point ELR front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

Child Anchors:

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit Options:

Various infotainment systems available, including touchscreens with standard audio, CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and rearview camera.

Navigation System:

Optional GPS navigation system integrated into the touchscreen display.

Eyesight Features:

Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning.

Rearview Camera:

Standard on most trims, integrated with infotainment display.

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming.

Usb Aux:

USB port for media playback and device charging, typically with an auxiliary audio input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) for normal driving conditions; refer to manual for severe conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 30 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 15 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum: 105,000 miles (for FB25 engine with iridium/platinum plugs).

Coolant Replacement:

First change at 105,000 miles, then every 52,500 miles or 52 months.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Lubricant (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter change.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90 (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Type Cvt:

Subaru CVT Fluid (NS-2 or NS-3)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3

Oil Consumption:

Some FB25 engines may exhibit increased oil consumption, particularly with higher mileage. Regular checks are recommended.

Cvt Behavior:

CVT responsiveness can sometimes be a point of discussion. Software updates may address perceived issues.

Suspension Components:

Wear on suspension bushings and struts can occur with age and mileage, leading to potential noise or handling issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Philosophy:

Focus on All-Wheel Drive, boxer engines, safety, and practicality. Established in 1953.

Generation:

Third Generation (SJ series)

Previous Generations:

First Generation (1997-2002), Second Generation (2003-2008)

Design Changes For Sj:

Larger dimensions, redesigned exterior and interior, improved fuel efficiency, introduction of the FB25 engine, availability of the EyeSight system.

Production Start Year:

2012 (for model year 2013)

Manufacturing Locations:

Gunma Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Awards:

Consistently received IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards in its model years, especially with EyeSight.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally receives good to above-average ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction from publications like Consumer Reports.

California Pzev:

Certain Subaru models, including the Forester, have been available as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) in specific markets like California.