🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2015

Chassis Code:

SJ Series

Engine Codes Covered:

FB25 (2.5L), FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent visibility, practical interior, strong safety reputation, good fuel economy for its class.

Direct Competitors:

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

Standard AWD:

Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard on all trims, enhancing traction and stability.

Visibility:

Large greenhouse and elevated seating position provide superior outward visibility.

Practicality:

Spacious cabin with ample rear legroom and a generous cargo area, enhanced by a wide tailgate opening.

📋 Manual Details

Countries Of Operation:

Global (primarily North America, Europe, Asia)

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, starting and charging, engine control system (ECU/ECM), timing components, turbocharger system (FA20DIT)

Transmission:

CVT (Lineartronic) operation, maintenance, diagnosis, removal and installation, CVT fluid specifications, manual transmission (MT) operation, maintenance, diagnosis, removal and installation, MT fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system operation, differential maintenance, driveshaft, wheel bearings, CV joints

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment procedures, specifications

Steering:

Power steering system (electric), steering rack, column, troubleshooting, fluid specifications (if applicable)

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, caliper, rotor, brake pads, brake fluid specifications, ABS, VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system diagnosis, parking brake

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, interior and exterior electrical components, fuses, relays, power distribution

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass, sunroof, bumpers, body repair procedures

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant types, service procedures, diagnosis

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt mechanisms, related sensors, diagnosis

Infotainment And Comfort:

Audio system, navigation (if equipped), climate control interfaces, power windows, seats, mirrors

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic tool usage

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension repair, brake caliper replacement, electrical component replacement

Adjustment:

Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (MT)

Installation:

Accessory installation, component replacement procedures

Depth:

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

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text within PDF

Quality:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and text

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Device Compatibility:

Computers (Windows/Mac), Tablets (iOS/Android), Smartphones

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L DOHC Naturally Aspirated SUBARU BOXER (FB25)

Engine 2:

2.0L DOHC Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER (FA20DIT)

Hp Fb25:

170 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque Fb25:

174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

Hp Fa20Dit:

250 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Fa20Dit:

258 lb-ft @ 2000-4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery Fb25:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Delivery Fa20Dit:

Direct Injection (DI) + MPI

Fuel Requirement:

Regular Unleaded 87 Octane (FB25), Premium Unleaded 91 Octane Recommended (FA20DIT)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue), or equivalent P-OAT (Phosphated Organic Acid Technology)

Engine Oil Viscosity Fb25:

0W-20

Engine Oil Capacity Fb25:

5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters)

Engine Oil Viscosity Fa20Dit:

0W-20

Engine Oil Capacity Fa20Dit:

5.7 US quarts (5.4 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Transmission Type Optional:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (MT) - Available on select trims

Cvt Modes:

Manual mode with paddle shifters (6-speed simulated gears) on most trims.

Cvt Fluid Type:

Subaru CVT Fluid (Green, Subaru Part # K0421Y0000 or equivalent)

Mt Fluid Type:

Subaru Extra-S ATF, or equivalent GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil

Cvt Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters) for a drain and fill.

Mt Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 2.1 US quarts (2.0 liters)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.9 inches (4570 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

64.8 inches (1645 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.9 inches (2640 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches (220 mm)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

34.4 cubic feet (974 liters)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

70.9 cubic feet (2008 liters)

Curb Weight 2.5I:

3360 - 3450 lbs (1524 - 1565 kg)

Curb Weight 2.0Xt:

3500 - 3600 lbs (1588 - 1633 kg)

Towing Capacity:

1500 lbs (680 kg) - Not typically recommended for heavy towing.

Wheel Size Standard:

17-inch alloy wheels

Tire Size Standard:

225/65R17

Wheel Size Optional:

18-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims)

Tire Size Optional:

225/60R18

Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

Center Bore:

56.1 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall:

5-Star Overall Safety Rating (for applicable models/configurations)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Top Safety Pick (often awarded, check specific year/options)

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Vdc:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (Traction Control and Stability Control)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System

Ebs:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Brake Assist:

Brake Assist System

Eyesight:

Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (Optional - includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist, etc.)

Airbags:

Multi-stage front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Latch:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Subaru's STARLINK infotainment system with 6.2-inch or 7-inch touchscreen (depending on trim).

Audio Options:

Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker audio system, available harman/kardon premium audio on higher trims.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, USB port, auxiliary audio input. Siri Eyes Free integration.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic capability.

Eyesight Features:

Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Other Adas:

Rearview camera (standard on most trims), Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Steering Responsive Fog Lights (available).

Keyless Entry Start:

Keyless Access and Push Button Start available on higher trims.

Sunroof:

Power tilting and sliding glass sunroof available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement Fb25:

Iridium spark plugs; Replace at 105,000 miles (168,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement Fa20Dit:

Iridium spark plugs; Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km).

Brake Fluid Change:

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

Cv Axle Boot Inspection:

Inspect at every oil change for tears or damage.

Coolant Flush:

First flush at 137,500 miles (220,000 km) or 11 years, then every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

N/A (Electric Power Steering)

Oil Consumption Fb25:

Some early FB25 engines experienced higher than average oil consumption. Monitor oil levels regularly.

Cv Axle Wear:

Front CV axle boots can be prone to tearing, leading to lubrication loss and eventual failure. Regular inspection is key.

Earlier Cvvt Issues Fa20Dit:

Some reports of issues with the Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) system on earlier FA20DIT engines, though less common on the 2015 model.

Brake Noise:

Occasional reports of brake noise, often related to pad wear or rotor condition. Inspect and replace as per schedule.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Legacy:

Subaru's history is rooted in aerospace engineering, leading to its signature BOXER engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Forester Launch:

The Forester debuted in 1997 as a 'Sport Utility Wagon' combining car-like handling with SUV practicality and AWD capability.

Fourth Generation:

The 2014-2018 Forester (SJ series) represented the fourth generation, introducing the turbocharged XT model with the FA20DIT engine and a more refined interior/exterior.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

The 2015 Subaru Forester received numerous accolades for safety, practicality, and value, often being recognized by automotive publications and safety organizations.

Insurance Institute Highway Safety:

Consistently rated highly by the IIHS, frequently earning 'Top Safety Pick' or 'Top Safety Pick+' designations for its segment.