🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Forester Year: 2004 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: A premium compact SUV known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, practicality, and robust engineering, appealing to those seeking adventure and reliability. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape. Key Features AWD Emphasis: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides superior traction and stability in various driving conditions, a key differentiator. Practicality: Spacious interior for its class, excellent cargo capacity, and a versatile wagon-like body style. Safety: Reputation for safety, often earning high crash test ratings. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of naturally aspirated and turbocharged EJ25 SOHC and DOHC engines. Fuel Emissions: Fuel injection systems, evaporative emission control (EVAP), catalytic converters, and exhaust systems. Transmission: Service and repair of 4-speed automatic (4EAT) and 5-speed manual transmissions, including clutch service, differential servicing. Suspension: Front and rear suspension diagnosis, alignment, component replacement (struts, control arms, bushings). Brakes: Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake fluid specifications. Steering: Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, rack and pinion assembly. Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for ECUs, sensors, lighting, audio systems, power accessories, starter, alternator. HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation, diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement. Body: Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim removal, corrosion prevention. Procedures Included Maintenance: Recommended maintenance schedules, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, component testing procedures. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including torque specifications and assembly procedures. Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, module testing. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF document, suitable for printing individual pages. Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for on-the-go referencing or creating a physical copy of specific sections. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: EJ25 Engine Type: 2.5L Flat-4 (Boxer) SOHC & DOHC Displacement: 2457 cc (149.9 cu in) Performance Horsepower: 165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (Naturally Aspirated); 210 hp @ 5,600 rpm (Turbocharged GT model) Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (Naturally Aspirated); 235 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (Turbocharged GT model) Fuel System Induction: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended (91 octane for GT model) Engine Management ECU: ECU-controlled ignition and fuel injection timing, with knock sensor feedback. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 4-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (4EAT) Features AWD Integration: Direct coupling to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, with viscous coupling center differential in manual and torque-split AWD in automatic. Fluid Specifications Automatic Fluid: Subaru ATF-HP Manual Fluid: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 177.0 inches Width: 69.7 inches Height: 63.0 inches Wheelbase: 103.0 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3,200 - 3,350 lbs (depending on trim and drivetrain) Cargo Cargo Volume: Approx. 32.0 cu ft (rear seats up), 67.7 cu ft (rear seats folded) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (Driver & Passenger) NHTSA Side Impact: 5-Star (Front & Rear Passengers) IIHS Frontal Offset: Good Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags. Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all seating positions. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD stereo with optional premium audio and subwoofer. May include steering wheel audio controls on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Connectivity Aux Input: Rarely standard on base models, but some aftermarket integrations or dealer options may exist. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions), or 7,500 miles/6 months (normal driving). Air Filter: Replace every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Spark Plugs: Replace every 60,000 miles (platinum-tipped). Coolant Flush: Initial replacement at 30,000 miles or 24 months, then every 15,000 miles or 12 months thereafter. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30. Check manual for specific turbocharger recommendations. Coolant: Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based with Subaru anti-corrosion additives). Brake Fluid: DOT 3 Known Issues Head Gaskets: While less prevalent than in earlier generations, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will cover diagnostic and repair procedures. Oil Consumption: Some EJ25 engines may exhibit minor oil consumption, which is normal within certain parameters. The manual details checks and potential causes. Drive...
A premium compact SUV known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, practicality, and robust engineering, appealing to those seeking adventure and reliability.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape.
Key Features
AWD Emphasis:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides superior traction and stability in various driving conditions, a key differentiator.
Practicality:
Spacious interior for its class, excellent cargo capacity, and a versatile wagon-like body style.
Safety:
Reputation for safety, often earning high crash test ratings.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of naturally aspirated and turbocharged EJ25 SOHC and DOHC engines.
Fuel Emissions:
Fuel injection systems, evaporative emission control (EVAP), catalytic converters, and exhaust systems.
Transmission:
Service and repair of 4-speed automatic (4EAT) and 5-speed manual transmissions, including clutch service, differential servicing.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension diagnosis, alignment, component replacement (struts, control arms, bushings).
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, brake fluid specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, rack and pinion assembly.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for ECUs, sensors, lighting, audio systems, power accessories, starter, alternator.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation, diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Body:
Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim removal, corrosion prevention.
Direct coupling to the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, with viscous coupling center differential in manual and torque-split AWD in automatic.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP
Manual Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
177.0 inches
Width:
69.7 inches
Height:
63.0 inches
Wheelbase:
103.0 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,200 - 3,350 lbs (depending on trim and drivetrain)
Cargo
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 32.0 cu ft (rear seats up), 67.7 cu ft (rear seats folded)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver & Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front & Rear Passengers)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all seating positions.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD stereo with optional premium audio and subwoofer. May include steering wheel audio controls on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Rarely standard on base models, but some aftermarket integrations or dealer options may exist.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions), or 7,500 miles/6 months (normal driving).
Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (platinum-tipped).
Coolant Flush:
Initial replacement at 30,000 miles or 24 months, then every 15,000 miles or 12 months thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30. Check manual for specific turbocharger recommendations.
Coolant:
Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based with Subaru anti-corrosion additives).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than in earlier generations, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will cover diagnostic and repair procedures.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ25 engines may exhibit minor oil consumption, which is normal within certain parameters. The manual details checks and potential causes.
Drive Shaft Boots:
Front axle boots are a common wear item and prone to splitting, leading to grease loss and potential CV joint damage.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Legacy:
The Forester originated as a more upright, wagon-like variant of the Subaru Legacy, focusing on enhanced utility and AWD capability.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation (SG) 2003-2008. The 2004 model represents an early iteration of this generation, featuring a significant redesign from the first generation.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver:
Frequently named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list in previous generations, highlighting its capability and value.
Ratings
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The Subaru Forester has consistently received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA across its generations.
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