🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2013

Chassis Code:

SJ

Engine Codes Covered:

FB25 (2.5L Naturally Aspirated), FA20DIT (2.0L Turbocharged DIT)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Usp:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Boxer engine, practical interior, good visibility.

Competitors:

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

Standard Features:

Symmetrical AWD, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), driver-focused dashboard layout, ample cargo space.

Engine Options:

2.5L FB25 Boxer (Naturally Aspirated), 2.0L FA20DIT Boxer (Turbocharged DI - XT models)

Transmission Options:

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), 6-Speed Manual (limited availability)

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All repairs and servicing procedures

Diagnostic Coverage:

Extensive troubleshooting guides and fault code explanations

Wiring Diagrams:

Included

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.5L FB25, 2.0L FA20DIT Turbo), Transmission (CVT, 6-Speed Manual), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (AWD System)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, EBD), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instruments, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System

Body And Frame:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Roof, Chassis Frame

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Air Filter Replacement

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Service/Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics, Component testing

Installation:

Component installation and removal procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable, allowing quick navigation to specific topics.

Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2498cc)

Engine 1 Type:

FB25 Inline Boxer-4, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

94.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998cc)

Engine 2 Type:

FA20DIT Boxer-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Direct Injection, Turbocharged

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

10.6:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

250 hp @ 5600 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

258 lb-ft @ 2000-4800 rpm

Engine 2 Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (FB25) / Direct Injection (FA20DIT)

Fuel Pump Pressure:

Refer to manual for specific pressure values for each engine type.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

CVT (Lineartronic)

Transmission Type Optional:

6-Speed Manual (Rare)

Cvtf Fluid Type:

Subaru CVT Fluid (SOA868V9300 or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90 recommended)

Differential Fluid Type:

Front: Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 API GL-5; Rear: Subaru Limited Slip Differential Fluid (if equipped) or SAE 75W-90 API GL-5.

AWD System:

Active Torque Split AWD (standard on most models) / Variable Torque Distribution AWD (standard on turbo models)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

180.9 inches (4595 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

65.1 inches (1655 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.9 inches (2640 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (220 mm)

Approach Angle:

Approx. 28 degrees

Departure Angle:

Approx. 27 degrees

Curb Weight Est Min:

3373 lbs (1530 kg) - 2.5i CVT

Curb Weight Est Max:

3579 lbs (1623 kg) - 2.0XT Touring CVT

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

34.4 cubic feet (974 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

70.9 cubic feet (2008 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models equipped with EyeSight, where applicable for the year)

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for models tested)

Active Safety Systems:

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

Optional Safety Features:

Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning), Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist.

Passive Safety Features:

Front Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Driver Knee Airbag, Whiplash-Protection Front Seats, Pretensioner Seatbelts with Force Limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Subaru's Starlink infotainment system with touchscreen display, AM/FM/CD/MP3, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and available navigation system.

Audio System:

Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker audio system. Harman Kardon premium audio available on higher trims.

Driver Assistance Suite:

Subaru's EyeSight suite (optional, on select trims and later production models), including Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Sway Warning.

Other Driver Aids:

Rearview camera standard on most trims, available Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB ports for device charging and media playback, Aux input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), under normal driving conditions. 3,750 miles or 3 months if operating in severe conditions (dust, towing, etc.).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (under normal conditions), or sooner if visibly dirty.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or sooner if airflow is reduced or odors are present.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

2.5L FB25: Iridium plugs, 105,000 miles. 2.0L FA20DIT: Iridium plugs, 60,000 miles (turbocharged engines typically have shorter intervals).

Engine Oil Type 2.5L:

SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (API SN or SN PLUS)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:

5.1 US Quarts (4.8 Liters) with filter change

Engine Oil Type 2.0Xt:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or SN PLUS)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.0Xt:

5.1 US Quarts (4.8 Liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent OAT coolant

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.1 US Quarts (6.7 Liters)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Issues Engine:

Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, potential for oil consumption in older FB25 engines, carbon buildup in direct-injected FA20DIT engines.

Common Issues Transmission:

CVT fluid requires regular replacement to prevent premature wear; some CVT hesitation or shudder reported by owners.

Common Issues Suspension:

Front strut mounts and bushings can wear over time, leading to clunking noises.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Subaru is renowned for its Boxer engines and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, often associated with ruggedness, safety, and capability.

Generation:

Fourth Generation (SJ Series)

Introduction Year:

The SJ generation of the Forester debuted for the 2014 model year, so the 2013 model is the final year of the third generation (SH series).

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan; Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), Lafayette, Indiana, USA (for North American market models).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award 2013:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick (for models meeting specific criteria).

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally positive reliability and owner satisfaction ratings from publications like Consumer Reports, though specific model years and powertrains can vary.