🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Forester

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

SG Series

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2004 Subaru Forester is positioned as a compact SUV renowned for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, capable handling, and practical versatility, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a reliable all-weather vehicle.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Nissan Xterra. The Forester's AWD system was a key differentiator against front-wheel-drive biased competitors.

Distinguishing Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, distinctive wagon-like SUV styling, raised ground clearance, Boxer engine design for a lower center of gravity, good visibility, and practical interior space.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes (ABS included), chassis, body, electrical systems (including wiring diagrams), climate control, airbags, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting, and repair.

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed coverage including disassembly, inspection, machining, and reassembly of engine components such as pistons, rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, cylinder heads, engine block, and timing components.

Engine Management:

Comprehensive diagnostics and repair procedures for the Engine Control Module (ECM), sensors (e.g., MAF, MAP, O2, Crankshaft Position, Camshaft Position), actuators (e.g., fuel injectors, ignition coils), emission control systems (EVAP, EGR), and troubleshooting of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Fuel System:

Service and repair of fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, and EVAP canister.

Transmission:

Detailed repair and maintenance for both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions, including clutch service, gear train overhaul, torque converter replacement, valve body diagnostics, and transmission fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Service and repair of front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, and propeller shafts. Includes information on AWD system maintenance.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, sway bars, bushings, and wheel bearings. Alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system repair, including pump, steering rack, tie rod ends, and power steering fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service, including disc brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line repair, brake fluid specifications, and ABS system diagnostics and repair.

Electrical Systems:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, fuse box locations and functions, relay functions, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, sunroof, starter, alternator, and battery service.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, chassis lubrication, and rust prevention.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, power steering fluid changes, lubrication points, and belt inspections/replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, and bodywork.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides and flowcharts.

Diagnostics:

Detailed instructions on using diagnostic scan tools, interpreting DTCs, and performing specific diagnostic tests for engine, transmission, ABS, and airbag systems.

Depth:

Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance and routine repairs to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printability. May include interactive diagrams.

Image Quality:

High Quality Photos, Illustrations, and Diagrams as advertised, crucial for accurate visual guidance.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format; implies easy navigation and access.

Paper Quality:

Not applicable for digital format; clarity and resolution of digital images are key.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ253

Engine Type:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated SOHC Boxer 4-Cylinder

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque:

166 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters) with specific coolant type required (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant).

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.8 quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Lock-up Torque Converter and Electronic Control)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential. Automatic transmission models may have electronically controlled variable transfer clutch (VTD).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (Subaru specifies their own brand).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent Dexron III compatible fluid.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.8 inches (4,465 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1,770 mm)

Height:

63.0 inches (1,600 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches (2,619 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.7 inches (196 mm)

Curb Weight:

3,219 - 3,395 lbs (1,460 - 1,539 kg) depending on transmission and trim.

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

31.3 cubic feet (886 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

63.0 cubic feet (1,784 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Passenger:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Passenger:

4 Stars

IIHS Front Crash:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, available front side-impact airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional premium audio system. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems are available, depending on trim. The manual covers diagnosis and repair of HVAC components.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available remote keyless entry and security system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months for synthetic oil, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Although this era Forester uses a timing *chain* for the DOHC models, the SOHC EJ253 engine uses a timing *belt*. Replacement is typically recommended every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III compatible ATF or specific Subaru power steering fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than on earlier EJ25 engines, some EJ253 engines can still experience head gasket leaks, particularly around the coolant passages. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Exhaust Leaks:

Cracked exhaust manifolds or leaks at manifold gaskets can occur, often leading to a ticking noise on startup. The manual covers diagnosis and repair.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Some owners report occasional hesitation or rough shifting in the automatic transmission, often related to fluid condition or valve body issues, which the manual will help diagnose.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing vehicles known for their engineering, particularly their horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, often associated with rally racing and outdoor adventure.

Generation Info:

The 2004 model year marks the second generation (SG chassis) of the Subaru Forester, which debuted for the 2003 model year. This generation saw a redesign with a more rounded exterior, improved interior quality, and enhanced refinement compared to the first generation.

Production Years:

2003-2008 (for the second generation).

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards History:

While specific awards for the 2004 model year are not as widely publicized as some newer vehicles, Subaru Foresters consistently receive positive reviews for their all-weather capability, safety, and practicality, often being recognized by publications like Consumer Reports for reliability and owner satisfaction.