๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Forester Years Covered: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Codes Chassis Codes: SF Series (1997-2002) ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Crossover SUV Target Audience: Individuals seeking a versatile, AWD-capable vehicle for various conditions, often appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra (early models) Key Features All Wheel Drive: Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system providing enhanced traction and stability in various conditions. Practicality: Spacious interior, good cargo capacity, and a reputation for reliability and durability. Off Road Capability: Higher ground clearance compared to many competitors, making it suitable for light off-road use. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Mechanical Coverage: All mechanical repairs and maintenance A-Z Electrical Coverage: All electrical system repairs and diagnostics A-Z Body And Chassis Coverage: Bodywork, chassis, suspension, and interior repairs Page Count Estimated Page Count: Refer to specific product listing for exact count; typically 1500+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printable digital format (e.g., PDF) ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine overhaul, diagnosis, performance tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system Transmission: Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed) overhaul, diagnosis, service, fluid specifications Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (on some models), ABS system, hydraulic system, parking brake Suspension And Steering: Front independent suspension (strut type), rear independent suspension (multi-link), power steering system, wheel alignment specifications Electrical System: Starter, alternator, battery, lighting system, ignition system, fuel injection system, body control modules, wiring diagrams Climate Control: Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation Body: Exterior panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, bumpers Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups Repair: Engine component repair/replacement, transmission repair, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, circuit testing Technical Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, timing procedures, electrical resistance values Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Format Details: Digital (likely PDF), allowing for selective printing of pages or sections Print Quality Image Quality: High-quality, with detailed pictures and diagrams for clarity Binding Type Binding: N/A (digital format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (digital format) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code And Type: EJ251 (2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Boxer 4-Cylinder) Displacement: 2457 cc (2.5 Liters) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm (varies slightly by year/trim) Torque: Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by year/trim) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management ECU Type: Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities (OBD-II compliant) Cooling System Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent) Lubrication System Oil Type And Viscosity: API SG or SH certified, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (consult manual for specific climate conditions) ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission (Type: TZ, TY) Optional Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Type: 4EAT) Features AWD System Integration: Seamless integration with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for all transmission options. Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf Type: Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent recommended (check manual for exact specification) Manual Transmission Fluid Mtf Type: GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil recommended (check manual for exact specification) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4415 mm (173.8 inches) Width: Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 inches) Height: Approx. 1655 mm (65.2 inches) Wheelbase: Approx. 2630 mm (103.5 inches) Ground Clearance: Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1400-1500 kg), depending on trim and transmission ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Refer to NHTSA archives for specific model year ratings. Likely received good ratings for its class and era. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models, standard on higher trims. Traction Control: Optional traction control system available on some models. Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags standard. Side airbags not commonly available for this generation. Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory single-CD or cassette player with AM/FM radio. Aftermarket head unit installation is common. Speakers: Typically 4 to 6 speakers depending on trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Connectivity Aux Input: Not typically equipped with auxiliary input. Aftermarket solutions required. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil And Filter Change: Recommended every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months for severe driving, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for normal driving (consult manual for specifics). Air Filter Replacement: Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Spark Plug Replacement:...
Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm (varies slightly by year/trim)
Torque:
Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by year/trim)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities (OBD-II compliant)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent)
Lubrication System
Oil Type And Viscosity:
API SG or SH certified, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (consult manual for specific climate conditions)
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Type: TZ, TY)
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Type: 4EAT)
Features
AWD System Integration:
Seamless integration with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for all transmission options.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Atf Type:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent recommended (check manual for exact specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid
Mtf Type:
GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil recommended (check manual for exact specification)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4415 mm (173.8 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1655 mm (65.2 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2630 mm (103.5 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1400-1500 kg), depending on trim and transmission
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Refer to NHTSA archives for specific model year ratings. Likely received good ratings for its class and era.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most models, standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Optional traction control system available on some models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Side airbags not commonly available for this generation.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory single-CD or cassette player with AM/FM radio. Aftermarket head unit installation is common.
Speakers:
Typically 4 to 6 speakers depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Not typically equipped with auxiliary input. Aftermarket solutions required.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change:
Recommended every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months for severe driving, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for normal driving (consult manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical component. Recommended replacement every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON II/III ATF.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters).
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less common on the EJ251 compared to later EJ25 models, head gasket leaks can still occur. Early detection is key.
Rear Main Seal:
Potential for oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.
Suspension Wear:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to steering looseness and alignment issues.
A C Compressor:
Air conditioning compressors can fail over time, requiring replacement.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Legacy:
Subaru's history is rooted in rally racing and all-wheel-drive technology, influencing the Forester's AWD standard.
Model Evolution
First Generation:
The Subaru Forester debuted in 1997 (as a 1998 model year in North America), establishing the niche of a car-based SUV/crossover with standard AWD.
Sf Series Design:
The SF series Forester was characterized by its wagon-like body with raised ride height and SUV-like styling cues.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Japan (Gunma Prefecture).
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver:
Subaru Forester was frequently named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list during its production run for its overall value and capability.
Consumer Reports:
Generally received good reliability ratings from Consumer Reports for its class during this period.