🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2014

Product Name:

Subaru Forester 2014 Service Repair Workshop Manual

Generation:

Fourth Generation (SJ)

Generation Years:

2013-2018

Chassis Code:

SJ

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV renowned for its standard All-Wheel Drive, practical design, and off-road capability, appealing to outdoors enthusiasts and families.

Competitive Analysis:

Competes with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Nissan Rogue, differentiating itself with Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engine architecture.

Key Features:

Standard AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, spacious interior, high safety ratings, available turbocharged engine.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete vehicle service and repair for Subaru Forester 2014.

Page Count:

Extensive (typically 3000+ pages for a full factory service manual)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) - Implied by common industry practice for digital manuals.

Target Audience:

Professional automotive technicians, DIY mechanics, and Subaru owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance knowledge.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission (Automatic & CVT), Drivetrain (AWD), Brakes (ABS, VDC), Steering, Suspension, HVAC, Electrical System, Body & Chassis, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Emission Control Systems.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Component Removal and Installation, Repair Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications, Torque Values, Special Tools, Exploded Views.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their associated troubleshooting steps.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, identification of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their repair steps, use of Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) tool procedures.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for all major component repairs, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension and steering component replacement, brake system repair, electrical system troubleshooting, and body panel repair.

Maintenance Schedules:

Comprehensive preventive maintenance schedules based on mileage and time, including specific checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, allowing for clear viewing of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Coverage Completeness:

Full factory-level coverage, mirroring the information provided to Subaru dealership technicians. Includes all trim levels and engine options for the specified year.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.5L DOHC Naturally Aspirated Boxer (FB25)

Optional Engine:

2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer (FA20)

Horsepower 2 5L:

170 hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque 2 5L:

174 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm

Horsepower 2 0L Turbo:

250 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque 2 0L Turbo:

258 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,800 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Codes Naturally Aspirated:

FB25

Engine Codes Turbocharged:

FA20DIT

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) - Lineartronic

Optional Transmission:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (available on specific trims/markets, less common in US for 2014)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Cvt Features:

Includes manual mode with paddle shifters on certain trims.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

103.9 inches (2,640 mm)

Length:

179.5 inches (4,560 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1,790 mm)

Height:

63.9 inches (1,625 mm) (without roof rails)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (221 mm)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

34.4 cu ft (974 liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

70.9 cu ft (2,008 liters)

Curb Weight Min:

3,307 lbs (1,500 kg) (2.5i, Manual)

Curb Weight Max:

3,638 lbs (1,650 kg) (2.0XT, CVT)

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (2014 Top Safety Pick)

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (Overall)

Active Safety Features:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist.

Passive Safety Features:

Advanced Frontal Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (front and rear), Driver's Knee Airbag, Whiplash Protection Front Seats, 3-Point Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Force Limiters.

Optional Safety Features:

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

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Subaru STARLINK infotainment system, available touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth, USB integration, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Available EyeSight system (Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning), Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB input, auxiliary audio jack, available Pandora and iHeartRadio integration.

Convenience Features:

Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, power liftgate, rearview camera, automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever comes first (severe conditions may require shorter intervals).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

105,000 miles (168,000 km) (Iridium spark plugs)

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified

Engine Oil Capacity 2 5L:

5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 2 0Xt:

5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter

Transmission Fluid Spec Cvt:

Subaru CVT Fluid (NS-2 / NS-3 specification)

Coolant Spec:

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

Known Issues:

Some reports of oil consumption in early FB25 engines, potential for CVT issues if fluid is not maintained, occasional CVT judder or hesitation.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation), has a long history of producing reliable vehicles with a focus on engineering and capability, particularly known for its Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Model Evolution:

The 2014 Forester marked the debut of the fourth generation (SJ), significantly redesigned with a longer wheelbase, increased interior space, improved fuel efficiency, and a more modern exterior and interior design. It also introduced the more powerful 2.0XT turbo model.

Production Location:

Gunma Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

IIHS Top Safety Pick, Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value (often a contender in its class), Car and Driver 10Best Trucks and SUVs (previous generations, but reflects brand strength).

Ratings:

Generally high owner satisfaction ratings due to reliability and AWD capability.