🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Forester Model Generation: Third Generation (SH) Model Years: 2008-2012 Codes Chassis Codes: SH5, SH9 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Crossover SUV Target Audience: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking all-weather capability and practicality. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5. Key Features All Wheel Drive: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system across all trims, a defining Subaru characteristic. Ground Clearance: Class-leading ground clearance (8.1 inches or 206 mm), enhancing off-road and adverse weather capability. Practicality: Spacious interior, versatile cargo area, high seating position. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Markets: North America, Europe, Asia, Australia Vehicle Variants Covered: All gasoline engine and drivetrain configurations for the specified model years. Page Count Estimated Pages: 2500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Downloadable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (EJ253, EJ255, EJ257), transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain, exhaust system. Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear), wheels, tires, chassis structure. Electrical: Engine Control Module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting, audio, power accessories, diagnostic systems, wiring diagrams. Body And Interior: Body panels, interior trim, seats, climate control, safety restraint systems (airbags), glass, doors, locks, and latches. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement. Repair And Overhaul: Engine disassembly/reassembly, transmission repair, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack overhaul, fuel system component repair. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, component testing, electrical circuit diagnosis, fuel system diagnostics. Special Tools And Jigs: Identification and usage of Subaru-specific tools required for various repair procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format Details: High-resolution PDF, searchable text, printable pages. Print Quality Quality: Factory original quality, clear diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: Not Applicable (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 2 5I: EJ253 (2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated) Engine Code 2 5Gt 2 5Xt: EJ255/EJ257 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer) Performance 2 5I Horsepower 2 5I: 170 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque 2 5I: 170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Performance Turbo Horsepower Turbo: 224 hp (2.5GT) to 263 hp (2.5XT) @ 5200-5600 rpm Torque Turbo: 236 lb-ft (2.5GT) to 247 lb-ft (2.5XT) @ 2800-4000 rpm Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane (2.5i), 91 Octane Premium (2.5GT/2.5XT) Cooling System Coolant Type: Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission 2 5I: 5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT) Optional Transmission 2 5I: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT) Standard Turbo Transmission Turbo: 5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT) (2.5XT), 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT) (2.5GT) Features AWD System: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Viscous Coupling Center Differential (Manual) or Electronically Controlled Multi-Plate Transfer Clutch (Automatic). Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: Subaru Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90 (Part No. K0306N0023) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Subaru ATF HP (Part No. K0816Y0000) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 179.5 inches (4560 mm) Width: 70.1 inches (1780 mm) Height: 65.4 inches (1660 mm) Wheelbase: 103.0 inches (2615 mm) Ground Clearance: 8.1 inches (206 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume Seats Up: 31.1 cubic feet (881 liters) Cargo Volume Seats Down: 68.3 cubic feet (1934 liters) Weights Curb Weight Min: 3310 lbs (1501 kg) (2.5i Manual) Curb Weight Max: 3616 lbs (1640 kg) (2.5XT Automatic) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact: 5 Stars IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes (for most years in this generation) Active Features Traction Control: Standard Electronic Stability Control: Standard (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC) Anti Lock Brakes: Standard (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Front, front side-impact, front and rear side-curtain airbags standard. Seatbelts: 3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Available AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack. Higher trims may include Rockford Fosgate premium audio. Navigation: Optional factory-installed navigation system on higher trim levels. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Rearview Camera: Available on some models as part of option packages. Connectivity Bluetooth: Available as an option or integrated into higher-trim infotainment systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months, whichever comes first, under severe driving conditions; 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months under normal driving 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 annually. Spark Plugs: Replace at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium type. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Capacity: 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) for 2.5L (EJ253), 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) for 2.5L Turbo...