🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

SF

Engine Code:

EJ253 (SOHC NA), EJ255 (DOHC Turbo - optional)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2002 Subaru Forester (second generation) solidified its position as a practical, all-wheel-drive compact SUV appealing to those seeking utility, reliability, and all-weather capability. It competed with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.

Competitive Analysis:

Distinguished itself with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a higher ground clearance than many competitors, and a wagon-like driving feel with SUV versatility. The turbocharged GT model offered a performance edge.

Key Features:

Standard AWD, 2.5L Boxer engine, available turbocharger, spacious interior for its class, good visibility, solid build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, diagnostics, troubleshooting, repair procedures, maintenance schedules.

Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical (EJ253/EJ255), Engine Control System (ECU, sensors, actuators), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Drivetrain (All-Wheel Drive System, Differentials), Transmission (Automatic and Manual), Brakes (ABS), Steering System, Suspension System (Front and Rear), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Charging, Starting, Lighting, Accessories), Body & Chassis, HVAC System, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, component removal and installation, disassembly and assembly, torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, electrical troubleshooting charts, wiring harness repair, body panel repair, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension alignment.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF, high-resolution images and diagrams.

Print Quality:

Printable at home or a professional print shop, ensuring clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated EJ253 Boxer-4

Horsepower Na:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque Na:

166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255 (Optional)

Horsepower Turbo:

210 hp @ 5,600 rpm (Forester GT/STI Sport Package)

Torque Turbo:

236 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (Forester GT/STI Sport Package)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for turbo models)

Emission Control:

Catalytic Converter, Secondary Air Injection System (SAI), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR).

Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

Lubrication System:

Forced lubrication by oil pump

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Grade Logic Control)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for automatics, Continuous AWD for manuals)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent Dexron III compatible)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Extra-S Manual Transmission Oil (75W-90 GL-5 recommended)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,405 mm (173.4 in)

Width:

1,735 mm (68.3 in)

Height:

1,670 mm (65.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2,620 mm (103.1 in)

Ground Clearance:

195 mm (7.7 in)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 97.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 30.1 cu ft

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 63.0 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,450 - 1,550 kg (3,200 - 3,420 lbs), depending on trim and transmission.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2,400 lbs (1,088 kg) (check specific market regulations and vehicle limitations).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating 2002:

4 out of 5 stars (SUV category, though rollover ratings were less standardized then).

Active Features:

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

Passive Features:

Front airbags, available front-seat side airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all occupants, height-adjustable front seatbelt anchors, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

Body Structure:

Subaru's Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame for enhanced crash protection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system with cassette and CD changer. Analog climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily focused on ABS and AWD. No advanced electronic driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Connectivity Features:

No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports. Options for aftermarket installation.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe driving), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal driving) for synthetic oil. Consult owner's manual for specific recommendations.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (iridium plugs). Refer to manual for specific plug type and interval.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Refer to manual; typically 60,000-100,000 miles for EJ25 engines. Critical to replace to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

5W-30 (or 10W-30 depending on climate). Check owner's manual for exact specification and API rating.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life additives.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru Power Steering Fluid or ATF-Dexron III compatible.

Known Issues:

Head gasket leaks (less common on EJ253 than older EJ series, but still a potential issue), oil consumption, catalytic converter failure, exhaust system corrosion, power steering pump noise, ABS sensor failures.

Tire Size Standard:

205/70R15 or 215/60R16 (depending on trim level).

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 100 mm

Wheel Offset:

+48 mm (typical)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing reliable, capable vehicles, particularly known for their horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Model Evolution:

The 2002 Forester represents the second generation (SF chassis, though later models had SG chassis designation for the facelift). This generation received a significant styling update, larger dimensions, and improved interior refinement over its predecessor.

Production Years:

Second generation: 1997-2002 (Japan), 1998-2002 (North America). The 2002 model year is the final year for the first generation's styling, with a facelift occurring for the 2003 model year.

Production Location:

Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Subaru Forester generally received positive reviews for its practicality, AWD system, and value. Often lauded for its utility in inclement weather.

Ratings:

Consistently ranked as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment for its combination of performance and utility.

Certifications:

Compliant with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for its model year.