🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Product Name:

SUBARU FORESTER Full Service & Repair Manual 1999-2002

Model Codes Covered:

SF Series (SG Series begins late 2002 model year)

Chassis Codes Covered:

SF5, SF9

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points Era:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Practicality, Safety, Off-road Capability (for its class)

Competitors 1999-2002:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra

Subaru Differentiators:

Standard AWD, horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine for lower center of gravity

Manual Value Proposition:

Enables owners and independent shops to perform dealership-level maintenance and repairs

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Regions Covered:

Global (primarily North America, Europe, Japan)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Purpose:

Repair, Servicing, Diagnostics, Maintenance

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Accessibility:

Computer, Tablet, Smartphone

Licensing Terms:

No Expiry Dates, No Extra Fees

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Management (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System, Differentials (Front/Rear), Transfer Case, Driveshafts, CV Axles

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic/ABS), Wheel Alignment

Electrical Systems:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Power Distribution, Charging System, Starting System, Body Electrical (Windows, Locks, Wipers, Mirrors), Instrument Cluster, Audio System, HVAC Controls

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Airbags, HVAC System (Components)

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Flushes (Coolant, Brake, Transmission, Differential), Belt Replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair/Replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-to-Cause Diagnosis, OBD-II Scan Tool Procedures, Electrical Circuit Diagnosis, Mechanical Component Testing

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Pressures, Electrical Resistances, Alignment Angles

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced, including specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and procedures for electronic systems

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams with component locations and wire color coding

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Printability:

Printable by section or entire manual

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder

Engine Displacement Common:

2.5 Liters (2498cc)

Engine Codes Common:

EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated), EJ255 (Turbocharged - FXT models, though less common in early base models)

Engine Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated (most common), Turbocharged (on some higher trims/performance variants)

Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5,500-6,000 RPM

Torque Naturally Aspirated:

Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,000 RPM

Horsepower Turbocharged:

Approx. 210-220 hp @ 5,600 RPM (FXT)

Torque Turbocharged:

Approx. 235-245 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,000 RPM (FXT)

Fuel Delivery:

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

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 (Octane rating may vary by region and specific engine tune)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Opt:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

AWD System:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models)

AWD Manual Trans:

Viscous coupling center differential

AWD Auto Trans:

Electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 175.5 inches (4458 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

Approx. 63.8 inches (1620 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.0 inches (2616 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 7.7 inches (196 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 97.1 cubic feet (2750 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 31.4 cubic feet (890 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 67.1 cubic feet (1900 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,200 - 3,500 lbs (1450 - 1590 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4,600 lbs (2087 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

5-Star (for models tested)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

5-Star (for models tested)

IIHS Ratings:

Good (for models tested)

Active Safety Standard:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Four-Wheel Disc Brakes (ABS optional/standard on higher trims)

Brake System Type:

Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs

ABS Availability:

Optional on base models, Standard on higher trims and later years

Passive Safety Standard:

Dual Front Airbags, Crumple Zones, Side-Impact Door Beams

Side Impact Airbags:

Optional on some trims

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) introduced mid-generation or later models, typically rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Higher trims may have premium sound systems.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Display Technology:

Basic climate control and radio displays. No advanced touchscreens in this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

Traction Control:

Not typically available in this generation. Focus is on AWD.

Connectivity Options:

Limited. No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months (severe) / 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months (normal). Refer to manual for detailed driving conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles (driving conditions dependent).

Spark Plugs:

Replace approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type: platinum or iridium).

Coolant Flush:

Initial flush at 30,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter (or as specified by Subaru Super Coolant).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect every 30,000 miles, change as needed. Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG, SH, SJ, or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water

Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf:

Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific Subaru recommendations)

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90

Head Gaskets:

While not as prevalent as later generations, early EJ25 engines can be prone to head gasket failure, especially if overheated. Check for coolant leaks or milky oil.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged over time, leading to reduced power and poor fuel economy.

Oxygen Sensors:

Failure can cause check engine lights and affect fuel mixture.

Drive Belt Tensioner:

The automatic tensioner can wear out, causing noise or belt slippage.

Wheel Bearings:

Front wheel bearings can be a wear item, especially in vehicles used in harsh conditions.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Foundation:

Founded by Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), known for aviation and engineering expertise.

Subaru Core Technologies:

Boxer Engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Forester First Generation:

Launched in 1997 (Japan) / 1998 (North America) as the 'SF' generation.

Sf Generation Facelift:

Received a significant facelift for the 2001 model year, altering headlights, grille, bumpers, and interior.

Transition To Sg Generation:

The second generation ('SG') began with the 2003 model year.

Manufacturing Plant:

Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan

Production Years Sf Gen:

1997-2002

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Some models received 'Good' ratings from IIHS for crashworthiness.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally received average to good reliability ratings, with some specific components noted for potential issues.

North American Car Of The Year Nominee:

Forester has been recognized in various SUV/crossover categories over its lifespan.