🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Forester Year: 2007 Model Code: SG5 (non-turbo), SG9 (turbocharged XT models) Market: Global (specific engine variants may vary by region) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Crossover SUV. The 2007 Forester solidified Subaru's reputation for providing practical, capable, and all-weather-friendly utility vehicles with a distinct driving character. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape. The Forester differentiated itself with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and the availability of a turbocharged engine in its XT variants. Key Features Value Proposition: The 2007 Forester is known for its excellent visibility, comfortable ride, spacious interior for its class, and the confidence provided by its standard AWD system. The XT models offer spirited performance. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered: Body, Airbag System, Communication System, Cruise Control, Entertainment, Exterior Panels, Exterior/Interior Trim, Glass/Mirrors, HVAC, Immobilizer, Instrumentation, Lighting, Occupant Detection, Seat Belts, Seats, Security/Locks, Sunroof, Wipers/Washers, ABS, Brakes, Differentials, Drive Shaft, Front Suspension, Parking Brake, Power Steering, Rear Suspension, Transfer Case, VDC, Wheels/Tires, Engine (H4DOTC & H4SO variants), Cooling, Emission Control, Exhaust, Fuel Injection, Ignition, Intake, Lubrication, Mechanical, Speed Control, Starting/Charging, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Clutch, Control Systems, Wiring Diagrams, TSBs Electrical Systems: Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including lighting, instrumentation, communication system, security and locks, and the wiring harness. Detailed wiring diagrams are provided for comprehensive diagnosis. Body Structure: Includes information on body structure, collision repair, exterior panel replacement, welding procedures, and glass replacement. Essential for body shop professionals and advanced DIYers. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (typical workshop manuals for this era are 1000+ pages) Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Comprehensive coverage of both naturally aspirated (H4SO) and turbocharged (H4DOTC) Subaru Boxer engines, including detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, and specifications for cooling, emission control, exhaust, fuel injection, ignition, intake, lubrication, and starting/charging systems. Covers manual (5MT) and automatic (4AT) transmissions, clutch systems, transfer case, and differentials. Chassis And Suspension: Detailed coverage of the chassis, including front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, brakes (including ABS and parking brake), differentials, drive shaft, and transfer case. Covers wheel and tire specifications and service. Procedures Included Diagnostic And Repair: Includes detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, step-by-step repair instructions for component replacement and overhaul, troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues, and specifications for torque values, clearances, and fluid levels. Body And Interior: Comprehensive instructions for body panels, exterior and interior trim, glass and mirrors, sunroof operation and repair, seat belts, seats, and the entire HVAC system (including automatic climate control diagnostics). Includes airbag system diagnostics and repair. Technical Depth Scope: Advanced; covers everything from routine maintenance and fluid changes to complex engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake system repairs, electrical system diagnostics (including wiring diagrams), and bodywork. Engine Rebuild: Provides specifications and procedures for complete engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly, including piston ring installation, bearing clearances, valve seat grinding, and timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific engine sub-variants, though many 2.5L Subaru engines of this era use a timing chain or are interference engines requiring careful timing belt service). The manual details the specific timing system for the H4DOTC and H4SO variants. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution PDF, typically featuring searchable text and clear, legible diagrams. Allows for easy navigation and printing of specific sections. Compatibility Operating Systems: Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac operating systems. Requires Adobe PDF Reader for access. Content Type Additional Resources: Includes Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and wiring diagrams, providing crucial updates and comprehensive electrical schematics for accurate diagnosis and repair. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Naturally Aspirated: 2.5L H4 Boxer (H4SO). Engine code EJ253. Power output typically around 173 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Performance Turbocharged: 2.5L H4 DOTC Boxer (H4DOTC - Turbocharged). Engine code EJ255. Power output typically around 224 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 226 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm (XT models). Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI). Sequential electronic fuel injection for precise fuel delivery. Construction Block Material: Aluminum Alloy (block and heads) Cooling System: Pressurized liquid cooling system with an engine-driven water pump and thermostat. Coolant capacity: approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters). Lubrication Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) for 2.5L engines. Oil type: SAE 5W-30 API certified synthetic or synthetic blend recommended. Filter part number examples: Subaru 15208AA031, Purolator PL14459, Wix 57712. Mechanical Engine Type: Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder. Ignition System: Distributorless ignition system (DOHC/SOHC) with coil-on-plug technology for improved efficiency and emissions. Manual covers ignition coil and spark plug replacement procedures. Emission Control Systems: Features catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR system (on some models), and secondary air injection system...
Global (specific engine variants may vary by region)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV. The 2007 Forester solidified Subaru's reputation for providing practical, capable, and all-weather-friendly utility vehicles with a distinct driving character.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape. The Forester differentiated itself with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and the availability of a turbocharged engine in its XT variants.
Key Features
Value Proposition:
The 2007 Forester is known for its excellent visibility, comfortable ride, spacious interior for its class, and the confidence provided by its standard AWD system. The XT models offer spirited performance.
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including lighting, instrumentation, communication system, security and locks, and the wiring harness. Detailed wiring diagrams are provided for comprehensive diagnosis.
Body Structure:
Includes information on body structure, collision repair, exterior panel replacement, welding procedures, and glass replacement. Essential for body shop professionals and advanced DIYers.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical workshop manuals for this era are 1000+ pages)
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
File Format:
PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Comprehensive coverage of both naturally aspirated (H4SO) and turbocharged (H4DOTC) Subaru Boxer engines, including detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, and specifications for cooling, emission control, exhaust, fuel injection, ignition, intake, lubrication, and starting/charging systems. Covers manual (5MT) and automatic (4AT) transmissions, clutch systems, transfer case, and differentials.
Chassis And Suspension:
Detailed coverage of the chassis, including front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, brakes (including ABS and parking brake), differentials, drive shaft, and transfer case. Covers wheel and tire specifications and service.
Procedures Included
Diagnostic And Repair:
Includes detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, step-by-step repair instructions for component replacement and overhaul, troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues, and specifications for torque values, clearances, and fluid levels.
Body And Interior:
Comprehensive instructions for body panels, exterior and interior trim, glass and mirrors, sunroof operation and repair, seat belts, seats, and the entire HVAC system (including automatic climate control diagnostics). Includes airbag system diagnostics and repair.
Technical Depth
Scope:
Advanced; covers everything from routine maintenance and fluid changes to complex engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake system repairs, electrical system diagnostics (including wiring diagrams), and bodywork.
Engine Rebuild:
Provides specifications and procedures for complete engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly, including piston ring installation, bearing clearances, valve seat grinding, and timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific engine sub-variants, though many 2.5L Subaru engines of this era use a timing chain or are interference engines requiring careful timing belt service). The manual details the specific timing system for the H4DOTC and H4SO variants.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Quality:
High-resolution PDF, typically featuring searchable text and clear, legible diagrams. Allows for easy navigation and printing of specific sections.
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac operating systems. Requires Adobe PDF Reader for access.
Content Type
Additional Resources:
Includes Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and wiring diagrams, providing crucial updates and comprehensive electrical schematics for accurate diagnosis and repair.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Naturally Aspirated:
2.5L H4 Boxer (H4SO). Engine code EJ253. Power output typically around 173 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 166 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Performance
Turbocharged:
2.5L H4 DOTC Boxer (H4DOTC - Turbocharged). Engine code EJ255. Power output typically around 224 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 226 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm (XT models).
Pressurized liquid cooling system with an engine-driven water pump and thermostat. Coolant capacity: approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters).
Lubrication
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) for 2.5L engines. Oil type: SAE 5W-30 API certified synthetic or synthetic blend recommended. Filter part number examples: Subaru 15208AA031, Purolator PL14459, Wix 57712.
Mechanical
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder.
Ignition
System:
Distributorless ignition system (DOHC/SOHC) with coil-on-plug technology for improved efficiency and emissions. Manual covers ignition coil and spark plug replacement procedures.
Emission Control
Systems:
Features catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR system (on some models), and secondary air injection system (on turbo models) to meet emissions standards. Manual covers diagnosis and repair of emission control components.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (5MT). Typically paired with a dry single-plate clutch. Transmission fluid: Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent GL-5 75W-90). Capacity: approx. 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters).
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4AT) with electronically controlled torque converter lock-up. Subaru ATF-HP recommended fluid. Capacity: approx. 3.5 quarts (3.3 liters) for a drain and fill.
Features
AWD System:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system across all trims. Manual transmission models typically feature a viscous-coupling limited-slip center differential, while automatic transmission models use an electronically controlled active torque split AWD system.
Control Systems
Electronic Modules:
Covers Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), and ABS/VDC control units. Includes diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams for these systems.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 179.5 inches (4,560 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.1 inches (1,780 mm)
Height:
Approximately 65.7 inches (1,670 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approx. 3,175 lbs (1,440 kg) for manual base models to 3,527 lbs (1,600 kg) for XT automatic models.
Cargo
Volume:
Approx. 38.7 cubic feet (1,096 liters) behind the rear seats; 73.7 cubic feet (2,087 liters) with rear seats folded.
Wheelbase
Wheelbase Length:
Approximately 103.1 inches (2,619 mm)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star driver and front passenger
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models with side airbags)
Active Features
Braking System:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Ventilated front discs, solid rear discs. Front brake rotor size: approx. 11.6 inches (295 mm), Rear: 10.8 inches (275 mm).
Stability Control:
Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) on most trims, which integrates ABS, traction control, and stability control functions.
Passive Features
Airbag System:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, and available curtain side-impact airbags. Occupant detection system for front passenger airbag activation.
Seat Belt System:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, front seat pretensioners and load limiters, height-adjustable front shoulder belts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems may include subwoofer and amplifier. Auxiliary input jack often present. Manual covers entertainment system diagnostics and component replacement.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system. Manual includes diagnostics and repair procedures for the cruise control system.
Connectivity
Immobilizer System:
Factory-installed engine immobilizer for anti-theft. Manual details immobilizer system function, diagnostics, and key programming procedures.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months for severe driving conditions, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for normal conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations based on engine oil type.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Coolant:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 10 years, then every 52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 5 years thereafter. Use Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Use NGK Iridium spark plugs (e.g., PFR6G). Manual provides gapping specifications and replacement procedure.
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or DEXRON-III/MERCON ATF. Capacity: approx. 1 liter.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Subaru Extra-S or equivalent).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent.
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as in earlier generations, Subaru Boxer engines from this era can be susceptible to head gasket leaks. The manual provides procedures for diagnosis and replacement.
Turbo Oil Lines:
On XT models, the oil feed lines to the turbocharger can become clogged or deteriorate, leading to turbo failure. Regular oil changes are crucial. Manual covers turbocharger inspection and replacement.
Suspension Components:
Wear on bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links can occur over time, especially with higher mileage. Manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Identity:
Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation), has a long history of producing horizontally-opposed ('boxer') engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, known for their durability and capability in diverse weather conditions.
Model Evolution
Forester Generations:
The 2007 Forester represents the second generation (SG) of the model, which debuted for the 2003 model year. This generation saw styling updates, improved powertrains, and enhanced safety features compared to the first generation.
Generation Updates:
The SG generation (2003-2008) offered updated styling, improved interior materials, and the introduction of the turbocharged XT models, significantly enhancing performance in the Forester lineup.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Often received 'Good' ratings from IIHS in crash tests for its generation, contributing to its reputation for safety.