🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Years Covered:

1999-2002

Generation:

SF Series (Second Generation)

Chassis Codes:

SF5, SF9

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV / Station Wagon

Key Selling Points:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, practicality, cargo space, good visibility, robust build quality.

Competitors 1999-2002:

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

Powertrain Emphasis:

Subaru's signature Boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD system.

Utility Focus:

Designed for active lifestyles, offering versatility and capability beyond typical sedans.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants Covered:

2.5L EJ25 SOHC & DOHC Naturally Aspirated & Turbocharged (EJ251, EJ253, EJ255, EJ205)

Transmission Variants Covered:

4-speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-speed Manual

Drivetrain Variants Covered:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific count not provided, but indicative of comprehensive coverage)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions, diagnostics, timing belt replacement, piston/ring/valve service, cylinder head overhaul

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (4EAT) overhaul, maintenance, diagnostics, valve body repair, torque converter; Manual Transmission overhaul, maintenance, diagnostics, clutch service

Drivetrain:

Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, differentials, propeller shaft, AWD system components

Suspension:

Front struts/coil springs, rear struts/coil springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars, wheel bearings

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc/drum brakes (depending on model/trim), ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, caliper, rotor, pad service, bleeding procedures

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, ECU/ECM diagnostics

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling, cabin air filter replacement

Body:

Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, sunroof, body sealing, paint repair guidance

Chassis And Frame:

Frame construction, unibody structure, corrosion protection

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake, power steering, transmission), spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, timing belt inspection/replacement, tune-up procedures

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Component removal, installation, overhaul, and replacement for all major systems

Rebuild:

Engine rebuilding, transmission rebuilding, differential rebuilds

Adjustment:

Valve clearance adjustment, parking brake adjustment

Troubleshooting Specifics:

Detailed steps for diagnosing and repairing issues related to starting, running rough, overheating, transmission slippage, electrical faults, etc.

Level:

Comprehensive Professional Level: Covers everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

Diagrams Included:

Detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, and step-by-step illustrated repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (standard for high-quality PDF manuals)

Clarity:

High-resolution digital scans, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Base:

EJ25

Engine Displacement Base:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Engine Configuration Base:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder, SOHC

Horsepower Base Na:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm (EJ251/EJ253)

Torque Base Na:

Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (EJ251/EJ253)

Horsepower Turbocharged:

Approx. 210-220 hp @ 5,600-6,000 rpm (EJ205/EJ255 - WRX/GT models, often included in performance manuals)

Torque Turbocharged:

Approx. 236-250 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,000 rpm (EJ205/EJ255)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91+ for Turbocharged)

Timing System:

Timing Belt (requiring periodic replacement)

Engine Management:

ECU (Engine Control Unit) / ECM (Engine Control Module)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT) with Lock-up Torque Converter

AWD Integration:

Integrated with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Manual transmissions typically featured a viscous coupling center differential, while automatics used an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch AWD system.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 175.6 inches (4460 mm)

Width:

Approx. 66.7 inches (1695 mm)

Height:

Approx. 63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.0 inches (2615 mm)

Curb Weight Base:

Approx. 3,100 - 3,300 lbs (1400 - 1500 kg) depending on trim and transmission

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approx. 30.0 cu ft (850 L)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 67.0 cu ft (1900 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-star (for models equipped with airbags)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-star (for models equipped with airbags)

Braking System:

Standard 4-wheel disc brakes on most trims; some base models may have rear drums. Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this generation, AWD is the primary traction enhancement.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, driver's seat belt pretensioner.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically a 1-DIN or 2-DIN AM/FM stereo with CD player. Some models offered premium audio systems.

Navigation:

Rarely offered, if at all, on this generation. Aftermarket solutions were more common.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors were common options or standard on higher trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; often required aftermarket modification for audio device connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months (critical maintenance item to prevent catastrophic engine damage).

Engine Coolant Change:

Initially at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SJ or higher, ILSAC GF-2, SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life ethylene glycol based coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than in later generations with the EJ25, some early EJ25 engines can experience head gasket leaks. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Automatic Transmission:

The 4EAT can sometimes develop issues with solenoids or valve bodies, particularly with delayed engagement or rough shifts. The manual's diagnostic section is crucial here.

Suspension Wear:

Worn bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings are common wear items on higher mileage vehicles of this era. The manual provides specs for replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Legacy Connection:

Based on the Subaru Impreza/Legacy platform, sharing many components and engineering principles.

Generation Launch:

The second generation (SF Series facelift) was introduced for the 1998 model year in Japan and globally for 1999.

Design Changes Vs First Gen:

Updated exterior styling, revised interior, improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), and some powertrain enhancements.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Щения:

Often featured in '10Best' lists for SUVs or all-around vehicles during its production run, praised for its AWD system and utility.

Ieda Safety Awards:

Subaru vehicles of this era were generally well-regarded for their build quality and safety, though specific awards might vary by year and region.