🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2014

Trim Levels Covered:

All trims (e.g., 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0XT Touring)

Engine Variants Covered:

All engine variants

Chassis Code:

SJ Series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Usp:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), excellent visibility, practical cargo space, renowned safety.

Key Competitors:

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

Standard AWD:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions.

Visibility:

Excellent outward visibility due to large glass areas and relatively low beltline.

Cargo Capacity:

Generous and versatile cargo space, with a wide tailgate opening.

Ground Clearance:

Higher than average ground clearance (8.7 inches) for its class, offering capability off-pavement.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

Primarily North American market, but technical information is broadly applicable globally.

Dealer Usage:

Factory service manual used by Subaru dealer technicians.

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for a complete factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service/Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, automatic transmission, manual transmission, CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Chassis:

Brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), suspension system (front and rear), steering system, driveline (AWD system, differentials), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition system, instrument cluster, body control modules, infotainment system, power accessories, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seating, glass and seals, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, structural repair information.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, brake, differential), filter replacements, inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common symptoms, flowcharts, DTC interpretation, electrical system diagnostics.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal.

Replacement:

Detailed procedures for replacing wear items and components, such as belts, hoses, spark plugs, sensors, pumps, actuators.

Calibration And Adjustment:

Procedures for resetting service indicators, clutch engagement adjustment (if applicable), steering angle sensor calibration.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable, allowing for quick lookup of specific topics and procedures.

Quality:

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

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 2.5I:

FB25B

Engine Type 2.5I:

2.5-liter Boxer (H4) Naturally Aspirated

Displacement 2.5I:

2498 cc (2.5 Liters)

Horsepower 2.5I:

170 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2.5I:

174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

Engine Code 2.0Xt:

FA20DIT

Engine Type 2.0Xt:

2.0-liter Boxer (H4) Turbocharged

Displacement 2.0Xt:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower 2.0Xt:

250 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2.0Xt:

258 lb-ft @ 2000-4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery 2.5I:

Sequential multi-port fuel injection

Fuel Delivery 2.0Xt:

Direct injection (DIT)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded (2.5i), Premium Unleaded (2.0XT recommended for optimal performance)

ECU Type:

Subaru Engine Control Module (ECM) with diagnostic capabilities.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 2.5I:

Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

Transmission Type 2.0Xt:

Lineartronic CVT (performance-tuned)

Transmission Type 2.5I Manual:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (available on some 2.5i trims)

AWD System:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) for CVT models, or 50/50 split for manual models.

Cvt Features:

Paddle shifters, simulated gear shifts, manual mode.

Cvt Fluid Type:

Subaru CVT Fluid (e.g., K0421Y0000 or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90 (e.g., K0305F0010 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.5 inches (4560 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.8 inches (2635 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (221 mm)

Curb Weight Start:

Approx. 3300 lbs (1497 kg)

Curb Weight End:

Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg) for XT models

Towing Capacity:

1500 lbs (680 kg) (unbraked and braked)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for models equipped with EyeSight, typical)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models meeting specific criteria, often a Top Safety Pick+)

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive enhances traction and stability.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System

Ebs:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution

Vsc:

Vehicle Stability Control

Trac:

Traction Control System

Eyesight Driver Assist:

Optional adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, sway warning.

Airbags:

Front, front side, and side curtain airbags.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

Body Structure:

Advanced Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit Features:

Standard infotainment system with AM/FM radio, CD player, USB port, auxiliary input, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offer touchscreen displays with advanced features.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.

Eyesight Features Availability:

Available on select trims, includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, sway warning, and lead vehicle start-up notification.

Rearview Camera:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models.

Blind Spot Detection:

Optional, often part of a package with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Bluetooth:

Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Usb Aux Ports:

Standard for device connectivity and charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement 2.5I:

Iridium spark plugs: 60,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement 2.0Xt:

Iridium spark plugs: 30,000 miles.

Coolant Replacement:

First replacement at 105,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles thereafter.

Cvtf Replacement:

Typically 30,000 miles for severe use or as recommended by dealer/manual.

Differential Fluid Replacement:

Front: Every 30,000 miles. Rear: Every 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 0W-20, API SN/SN PLUS, ILSAC GF-5 certified (Subaru recommends their own brand)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) for 2.5i, Approx. 5.2 quarts (4.9 liters) for 2.0XT

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent Subaru-approved long-life coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3

Oil Consumption 2.5I:

Some FB25 engines may exhibit higher than expected oil consumption. Regular checks and top-ups are advised. The manual will detail inspection procedures.

Cvt Noise:

Occasional reports of whining or humming noises from the CVT, often related to fluid condition or internal components. Manual provides diagnostic steps.

Ignition Coil Failures:

While not excessively common, ignition coil issues can cause misfires. The manual covers testing and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Founded in 1953, Subaru is the automotive division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries). Known for its boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Forester Genesis:

First generation debuted in 1997 as a compact crossover, blending wagon and SUV characteristics.

Fourth Generation Intro:

The 2014 model year marked the introduction of the fourth generation (SJ series) Forester.

Sj Generation Updates:

This generation saw a significant redesign with a more refined interior, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced safety features like the available EyeSight system.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Awards:

Consistently recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for safety performance, often earning 'Top Safety Pick' or 'Top Safety Pick+' designations.

Kbb Best Resale Value:

Often cited by Kelley Blue Book (KBB) for strong resale value within its segment.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally receives good ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction from Consumer Reports.