🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2012-2013

Chassis Code:

SJ Series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Key Selling Points:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard, excellent visibility, practical interior, good safety ratings, versatile cargo space.

Competitors:

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

Platform:

Subaru SG platform evolution.

SUV Heritage:

Builds upon Subaru's long history of producing capable AWD vehicles.

📋 Manual Details

Markets Covered:

Global (primarily North America, Europe, Australia)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain, exhaust system, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system.

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, power accessories, battery, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, infotainment, safety systems (SRS).

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, interior trim, structural components.

Maintenance:

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

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system diagnostics.

Repair:

Engine repair (head gasket, timing belt/chain, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.

Disassembly Reassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for major component removal and installation.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printable:

Printable pages for convenient workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

Binding:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Downloadable PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 2.5L:

EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine Layout 2.5L:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder

Displacement 2.5L:

2.5 Liters (2498 cc)

Horsepower 2.5L:

170 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2.5L:

174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

Engine Code 2.4L Turbo (Limited Markets):

EJ205/EJ255 variant (less common for this year range in some regions, but potentially covered)

Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for optimal performance)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Spark Plugs:

NGK SILFR6A (Iridium)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on all trims.

At AWD Coupling:

Viscous coupling center differential (for automatic)

Mt AWD Coupling:

Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential (for manual)

Manual Fluid:

GL-5 Gear Oil, 75W-90 (API classification), Subaru Extra-S recommended.

Automatic Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) Fluid, or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid (verify specific subtype in manual).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4560 mm (179.5 in)

Width:

Approx. 1780 mm (70.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2630 mm (103.5 in)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 34.4 cu ft (974 L)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 70.7 cu ft (2002 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1520-1610 kg (3350-3550 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Typically 2400 lbs (1088 kg) with proper towing package.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for models equipped with optional EyeSight, though EyeSight was not widely available in early SJ generation).

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for most configurations).

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and stability.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System

Ebd:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution

Esc:

Electronic Stability Control (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear).

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit Options:

Standard CD player with auxiliary input, optional touchscreen infotainment with navigation (Harman Kardon audio systems available).

Bluetooth Connectivity:

Available on higher trim levels for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Eyesight Availability:

EyeSight driver assistance system (adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning) was introduced later in the SH generation and was less common on 2012-2013 models, more prevalent on the subsequent SJ generation.

Rear View Camera:

Optional on some trims, standard on others.

Usb Port:

Available on higher trim levels for device charging and media playback.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months for severe driving, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for normal driving (refer to manual for specific conditions).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.

Cabin Air Filter:

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

Spark Plugs Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for Iridium spark plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed or recommended by manual (often around 60,000 miles).

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed or recommended by manual (often around 60,000 miles).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.

Engine Oil Capacity W Filter:

Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) for 2.5L engine.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy and cold starts), 5W-30 also acceptable per manual.

Head Gasket Leaks:

While less prevalent than in earlier generations, some 2.5L naturally aspirated engines can still experience head gasket issues over time. Regular cooling system maintenance is crucial.

Valve Stem Seals:

Some early models in this generation might exhibit oil consumption due to worn valve stem seals, leading to blue smoke on startup.

Automatic Transmission Performance:

Infrequent reports of slipping or delayed engagement in the 4-speed automatic, often linked to fluid degradation or valve body issues. Regular fluid changes are key.

Rear Diff Fluid Change:

Crucial to maintain the rear differential fluid for longevity, often overlooked in basic maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru AWD Legacy:

Subaru has been synonymous with All-Wheel Drive since the Subaru Leone in the 1970s, establishing a strong reputation for traction and safety in adverse conditions.

Forester Introduction:

The Forester debuted in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV, blending the attributes of a passenger car with the versatility of an SUV.

Sj Generation Launch:

The second generation (SG) was produced from 2002-2008, followed by the SH generation (2008-2013). The 2012-2013 models represent the later part of the SH generation, with minor updates before the SJ generation arrived for 2014.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Gunma Plant, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2012-2013 Subaru Forester consistently earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for its strong crash test performance.

Kbb Best Resale Value:

Subaru vehicles, including the Forester, are often recognized for strong resale value.