🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Model Generation:

Second Generation (SG)

Production Years Covered:

2005-2006

Chassis Code:

SG5, SG9

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV/Crossover

Key Selling Points:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard), Practicality, Versatility, Subaru's reputation for reliability and safety

Primary Competitors:

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

Signature Features:

Standard Symmetrical AWD, Boxer Engine configuration, High Ground Clearance for its class, Spacious Interior for its size

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical and Electrical Systems, Bodywork, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnosis

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Emission Control System

Transmission Systems:

Manual Transmission (5-speed), Automatic Transmission (4-speed) - including hydraulics, control systems, and drive axles

Drivetrain Systems:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System (Symmetrical AWD), Differentials (Front, Rear), Driveshafts, CV Joints

Suspension Steering:

Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link Suspension, Power Steering System (Hydraulic), Steering Column, Wheel Alignment Specifications

Brake Systems:

Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), Brake Control Module, Hydraulic Lines, Parking Brake

Electrical Systems:

12V Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Lighting System (Headlights, Taillights, Interior), Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM), Immobilizer System

Climate Control HVAC:

Air Conditioning System, Heater Core, Blower Motor, Controls, Refrigerant System

Body Panels:

Body Repair, Sheet Metal Replacement, Door Mechanisms, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Fenders, Glass Replacement

Interior Components:

Seating Systems, Dashboard, Trim Panels, Audio System, Airbag System (SRS)

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil and Filter Change, Air Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Differential Fluid Change, Transmission Fluid Change, Power Steering Fluid Change, Fuel Filter Replacement, Wiper Blade Replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) Scans, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation, Component Testing, Circuit Testing, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides

Repair Procedures:

Engine Overhaul/Rebuild, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement (Pads, Rotors, Calipers), Suspension Component Replacement (Shocks, Struts, Bushings), Steering Component Repair/Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, HVAC System Repair, Body Panel Repair and Replacement

Troubleshooting Guides:

Detailed troubleshooting trees for common and uncommon issues across all major systems

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans with searchable text

Print Readability:

Designed for clear printing of all diagrams and text

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (PDF Format)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (PDF Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Base Model:

EJ253 (2.5L Naturally Aspirated)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four (Boxer)

Displacement:

2457 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Horsepower Hp Est:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Lb-Ft Est:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Turbo Model:

EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged - XT models)

Horsepower Hp Turbo Est:

210-230 hp (depending on trim)

Torque Lb-Ft Turbo Est:

235-250 lb-ft (depending on trim)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane for Turbo)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (with Sportshift on some models)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard on all models)

Automatic Transmission Control:

Electronic control with adaptive learning

📐 Dimensions

Length Inches:

179.5

Width Inches:

69.7

Height Inches:

66.1

Wheelbase Inches:

103.0

Ground Clearance Inches:

8.1

Curb Weight Lbs Est:

3100-3500 (depending on trim and transmission)

Cargo Volume Cubic Feet Est:

31.4 (behind rear seats), 67.7 (with rear seats folded)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (Second Generation)

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:

Good (2005-2006 models)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System)

Ebd:

Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)

Traction Control:

Standard

Electronic Stability Control:

Available on select trims

Airbags Standard:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags

Airbags Optional:

Side Curtain Airbags, Front Side Airbags (often optional or part of packages)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker AM/FM/CD player with cassette (on some trims). Steering wheel audio controls available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system available on select premium trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions) - Check Owner's Manual for exact recommendation based on driving style.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement Na:

Every 100,000 miles (NGK Iridium)

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 miles (severe conditions) / 60,000 miles (normal conditions) - Check Owner's Manual for specific recommendation.

Differential Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles

Engine Oil Type Na:

SAE 5W-30, API Certified (SJ, SL, or SM)

Engine Oil Type Turbo:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, API Certified (SJ, SL, or SM) - High performance synthetic recommended for turbo models.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent long-life ethylene glycol coolant

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) or Dexron III equivalent

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

Subaru Manual Transmission Oil API GL-5 75W-90

Differential Fluid Type:

Subaru Differential Oil API GL-5 75W-90

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than in earlier generations, some 2.5L naturally aspirated engines (EJ253) can still experience head gasket leaks. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures and replacement instructions.

Catalytic Converter:

Early models can experience catalytic converter failure, often indicated by check engine lights and poor performance. This manual will cover related diagnostic codes and replacement.

Wheel Bearings:

Front wheel bearings can wear out prematurely, causing humming or grinding noises. The manual provides replacement procedures.

Rear Differential Leaks:

Seals on the rear differential can develop leaks. The manual covers inspection and seal replacement.

Climate Control Actuators:

HVAC mode door actuators can fail, leading to improper air direction. The manual details troubleshooting and replacement of these components.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Legacy:

Forester draws on Subaru's history of building rugged, all-wheel-drive vehicles, building upon the AWD technology pioneered in the Subaru Leone and Legacy models.

First Generation Launch:

The first generation Subaru Forester debuted in 1997 (as a 1998 model year) in Japan, with North American introduction in 1997 for the 1998 model year.

Second Generation Launch:

The second generation (SG) was introduced for the 2003 model year and received a significant facelift for the 2005 model year, which is covered by this manual.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Gunma, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ii Hs Top Safety Pick:

The Subaru Forester typically performed well in IIHS safety tests during this period, often earning 'Good' ratings.

Consumer Reports:

Often rated well by Consumer Reports for reliability and safety, though specific year ratings may vary.

Canadian டுகள் Top Picks:

Frequently recognized for its value and AWD capability in Canadian automotive publications.