🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2013

Chassis Code:

SJ

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV renowned for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, practicality, and reliable performance. It competes in a highly contested segment against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5.

Competitors:

Key competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Forester's AWD standard equipment and higher ground clearance are often differentiating factors.

Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent visibility, spacious interior, good cargo capacity, available turbocharged engine (XT models), strong safety ratings.

📋 Manual Details

Regions:

Global (primarily North America, Europe, Australia)

Pages:

Estimated 3000+ pages (typical for a complete factory manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, specifications for EJ253 (2.5L NA), FB25B (2.5L NA), FA20DIT (2.0L Turbocharged Direct Injection)

Transmission:

Service and repair for CVT (Lineartronic) and 6-speed Manual Transmissions

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment procedures

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, Brake assist, hydraulic system, caliper and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures

Steering:

Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, column, rack and pinion, tie rods

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting, power accessories, starter, alternator, battery, charging system, body control modules

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting flowcharts

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater, blower motor, climate control panel, refrigerant handling

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, sunroof

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, SRS components, seatbelt pretensioners, SI-DRIVE system

Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), brake caliper and rotor replacement, CV axle replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and complex issues across all systems

Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission disassembly and reassembly

Installation:

Component installation, wiring harness repair, sensor replacement

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams, suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.5L EJ253 (SOHC NA), 2.5L FB25B (DOHC NA), 2.0L FA20DIT (DOHC Turbocharged Direct Injection)

2.5L Na (Fb25B) Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5800 rpm

2.5L Na (Fb25B) Torque:

174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

2.0L Turbo (Fa20Dit) Horsepower:

250 hp @ 5600 rpm

2.0L Turbo (Fa20Dit) Torque:

258 lb-ft @ 2000-4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for NA engines, Direct Injection (DI) for turbocharged engine.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular 87 Octane (NA), Premium Unleaded 91 Octane recommended for Turbocharged.

Engine Code Ej253:

Ej253

Engine Code Fb25B:

FB25B

Engine Code Fa20Dit:

FA20DIT

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

CVT (Lineartronic) with paddle shifters (on most models)

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Manual Transmission (available on specific trims, e.g., 2.5i Base, Premium)

Cvt Features:

Symmetrical AWD integrated, manual mode with 6-speed simulation, hill start assist

Cvt Fluid Type:

Subaru CVT Fluid (NS-2 or NS-3, consult manual for specific model)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru Gear Oil GL-5 75W-90

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

103.9 inches (2639 mm)

Length:

180.9 inches (4595 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1781 mm)

Height:

66.1 inches (1679 mm)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

34.4 cubic feet (974 liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

70.7 cubic feet (2002 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (depending on trim and engine)

Towing Capacity:

2,400 lbs (1089 kg) with trailer brakes

Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:

5x100

Wheel Size:

17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (2013 model received IIHS Top Safety Pick status)

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star Overall Safety Rating

AWD System:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Split

Traction Control:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

Brake Assist:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)

Stability Control:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Subaru's Starlink infotainment system with touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, available navigation system, and rearview camera.

Audio Options:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio input, USB port, SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Available EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning), Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist (depending on trim level).

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB port for device charging and media playback, available smartphone integration (e.g., Pandora, iHeartRadio).

Si Drive:

Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) system allowing drivers to select different driving modes (Intelligent, Sport, Sport Sharp) to optimize engine response, transmission shift timing, and other parameters.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km), or sooner under severe driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium-tipped spark plugs: 105,000 miles (168,000 km). Consult manual for specific engine type.

Coolant Flush:

First change at 132 months/100,000 miles, then every 72 months/50,000 miles thereafter.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 API SN certified synthetic oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter for 2.5L NA, 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter for 2.0L Turbo.

Coolant Type:

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

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Common Issues:

Potential for oil consumption on higher mileage naturally aspirated engines, CVT fluid degradation if not changed at recommended intervals, potential for carbon buildup on direct-injection engines if driven exclusively on short trips without proper maintenance.

Maintenance Advice:

Regularly check and maintain fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, CVT fluid). Follow the maintenance schedule diligently. Address any warning lights or unusual noises promptly.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, part of Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation), has a long history of producing reliable vehicles, particularly known for their horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines and their commitment to all-wheel-drive technology in most of their models.

Forester Generations:

The 2013 model represents the fourth generation (SJ) of the Subaru Forester, which debuted in late 2012. This generation saw significant updates in styling, interior refinement, and powertrain options, including the introduction of the turbocharged direct-injection engine and the Lineartronic CVT.

Production Location:

Globally assembled, with primary manufacturing in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Some models may be assembled in other locations depending on the market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award IIHS:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick

Award NHTSA:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-Star Overall Safety Rating

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Historically good reliability ratings from publications like Consumer Reports for Subaru models, though specific model year ratings vary. This manual provides the tools to maintain that reliability.