🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2003, 2004

Generation:

Second Generation (SG)

Chassis Code:

SG5, SG9

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, practicality, comfort, safety, durability.

Competitors 2003 2004:

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

AWD System:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system for enhanced traction and stability.

Body Style:

5-door Station Wagon/SUV body style with ample cargo space and a raised ground clearance.

Horizontally Opposed Engine:

Subaru's signature horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine layout for a lower center of gravity and improved balance.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

All Forester models for 2003-2004

Covered Trims:

All trim levels (e.g., X, XS, XT, Cross Sports - if applicable for the market)

Covered Engines:

All engine variants (e.g., naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants)

Covered Transmissions:

All transmission types (e.g., 5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely exceeds 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication system, cooling system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control system (ECU), turbocharged systems (if applicable).

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, linkages), Automatic transmission (hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (center differential, viscous coupling, drive shafts, differentials).

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, anti-roll bar), Rear suspension (multi-link, trailing arms, springs, dampers), Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, fluid), Wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components and operation, Parking brake system.

Electrical Electronics:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), ignition system, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control modules (BCM).

Body Chassis:

Body structure, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), exterior body panels, underbody coatings.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, flowcharts for electrical and mechanical issues.

Preventive Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement.

Engine Repair:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal/installation, piston/connecting rod service, crankshaft service, timing belt/chain service, valve adjustment.

Transmission Repair:

Manual transmission gear set service, automatic transmission clutch pack replacement, valve body diagnostics, torque converter replacement.

Suspension Steering Repair:

Strut replacement, control arm bushing replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump replacement, wheel bearing replacement.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, ABS sensor replacement, brake bleeding procedures.

Electrical Component Replacement:

Alternator replacement, starter motor replacement, fuel pump replacement, sensor replacements (e.g., O2 sensors, crank/cam sensors), fuse and relay identification and replacement.

Body Repair:

Door panel removal, bumper cover replacement, tailgate adjustment, glass replacement, HVAC component diagnosis and replacement.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine service, diagnostics, troubleshooting, component removal/installation, overhaul, and rebuild procedures.

Diagnostic Tools:

Includes information on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and may reference Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) or similar diagnostic equipment usage.

Special Tools:

Lists specific Subaru special tools required for certain procedures (e.g., timing belt installation, suspension component removal).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable PDF for easy information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Na:

EJ253

Engine Type Na:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4

Displacement Na:

2457 cc

Bore X Stroke Na:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio Na:

9.7:1

Horsepower Na:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)

Torque Na:

166 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255

Engine Type Turbo:

2.5L Turbocharged Boxer-4 (EJ255 for XT model)

Displacement Turbo:

2457 cc

Horsepower Turbo:

210 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx. for XT)

Torque Turbo:

235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx. for XT)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Turbocharger Details:

IHI VF30 or similar (for XT models)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

AWD Integration:

Integrated with Symmetrical AWD system.

Automatic Transmission Modes:

May include a lock-up torque converter for improved efficiency.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,405 mm (approx.)

Width:

1,735 mm (approx.)

Height:

1,590 mm (approx.)

Wheelbase:

2,630 mm (approx.)

Ground Clearance:

200 mm (approx.)

Curb Weight Na Manual:

1,430 kg (approx.)

Curb Weight Na Automatic:

1,460 kg (approx.)

Curb Weight Turbo Manual:

1,480 kg (approx. for XT)

Cargo Volume:

Approx. 330 - 1,900 liters with rear seats folded.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:

5-Star (for 2003/2004 models)

NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:

5-Star (for 2003/2004 models)

IIHS Frontal Offset Score:

Good (for 2003/2004 models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., with subwoofer).

Display:

Basic digital or analog displays for climate control and radio.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

All Wheel Drive System:

Symmetrical AWD is a core technology feature, enhancing driving dynamics and safety.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Typical:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (check manual for specific conditions).

Air Filter Replacement Typical:

Every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Typical:

Every 15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement Typical:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type).

Timing Belt Replacement Typical:

No timing belt; uses a timing chain for the EJ series engines (verify for specific engine).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30, API SL or SM certified (check manual for exact specification).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 U.S. quarts (4.3 L) with filter change (approx.)

Coolant Type:

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

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-90

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON compatible fluid (check manual for exact specification).

Differential Fluid:

GL-5 Gear Oil 75W-90

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF.

Head Gasket Failure:

While less common on EJ253/EJ255 than older Subaru engines, head gasket leaks can still occur due to overheating or age.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Can develop oil leaks from the rear main seal between the engine and transmission.

Catalytic Converter Issues:

Can become clogged or fail over time, impacting performance and emissions.

Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifting:

Can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting or slipping if fluid is old or internal components are worn.

Cv Axle Boots:

Torn CV axle boots can lead to damage to the CV joints, requiring replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

Japan

Brand Specialty:

Known for horizontally-opposed engines and All-Wheel Drive systems.

First Generation Start:

1997

Second Generation Start:

2003

Second Generation End:

2008

Second Gen Key Changes:

Larger platform, improved styling, introduction of the turbocharged XT model, enhanced safety features.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Gunma Prefecture)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Awards General:

Forester models of this era were generally well-regarded for their all-weather capability and utility, often appearing on 'best' lists for their segment.

IIHS Top Safety Pick Context:

The Forester consistently earned high safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA for its structural integrity and occupant protection.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability for this generation was generally considered average to good, with specific model years and engine types having minor variations.