🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Forester Model Generation: SF Series (First Generation) Model Years Covered: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Codes Chassis Codes: SF5, SF9 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Crossover SUV Usp During Era: All-wheel drive standard, practical wagon-like utility, raised ground clearance. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra. Key Features Subaru Trademark Features: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD), Boxer engine. Value Proposition: Reliable, capable, and practical SUV offering superior all-weather traction and utility for its class. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Bumper-to-bumper repair and maintenance Target Audience: Professional technicians and DIY mechanics Page Count Estimated Pages: Highly comprehensive, exact page count not specified but indicative of a full OEM service manual. Manual Type Manual Format Type: OEM Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management, automatic transmission, manual transmission. Chassis: Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, brake system (including ABS), wheels and tires. Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body sealing, rust prevention. Electrical And Electronics: Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, ECU diagnostics, SRS (airbag) system. Procedures Included Maintenance Tasks: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement. Repair Procedures: Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator), transmission repair, brake component replacement (rotors, pads, calipers), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings), exhaust system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement. Diagnostic Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, OBD-II codes and their meanings, fault finding procedures for all major systems. Rebuilding And Overhaul: Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul procedures, differential service. Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications. Diagnostic Capability: Advanced, enabling in-depth diagnosis of electrical and mechanical issues using factory diagnostic tools and procedures. Illustrations And Diagrams Visual Aids: Includes detailed diagrams, step-by-step illustrations, and comprehensive wiring schematics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital File Type: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Text-searchable PDF for quick access to information. Print Quality Print Capability: Printable pages for workshop use. Binding Type Binding Description: N/A (Digital download format) Paper Type Paper Quality Equivalent: N/A (Digital download format) Compatibility Operating Systems: Compatible with Windows (95-98-ME-XP-7), macOS, and Linux. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Usdm: EJ253 (2.5L SOHC) Engine Type: 2.5 Liter Naturally Aspirated SOHC EJ-Series Boxer-4 Performance Horsepower Usdm: 165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year/spec) Torque Usdm: 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by year/spec) Engine Features Engine Layout: Horizontally opposed (Boxer) Bore X Stroke: 99.5 mm x 79.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.7:1 Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management ECU Type: Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission Type: 4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission Features AWD System Type: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with viscous coupling center differential. AWD Operation Manual: Full-time AWD with viscous coupling center differential for automatic torque distribution. AWD Operation Automatic: Full-time AWD with electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch for variable torque distribution. Fluid Specs Manual Transmission Fluid Type: GL-5 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 recommended) Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: Subaru ATF HP (Genuine Subaru Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON specification fluid. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4,405 mm (173.4 in) Width: 1,735 mm (68.3 in) Height: 1,590 mm (62.6 in) Wheelbase: 2,500 mm (98.4 in) Ground Clearance: 195 mm (7.7 in) Weights Curb Weight Manual: Approx. 1,420 kg (3,130 lbs) Curb Weight Automatic: Approx. 1,450 kg (3,195 lbs) Cargo Cargo Volume Seats Up: Approx. 0.88 m³ (31.1 cu ft) Cargo Volume Seats Down: Approx. 1.84 m³ (65.0 cu ft) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating: 4 stars (driver), 4 stars (passenger) - based on availability of data for this model year. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Traction Control: Not standard on all models, often integrated with AWD system on later variants or specific trims. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags not typically standard. Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants. Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system not present in this generation; relies on seatbelt installation. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player and 4 speakers (upgradable to 6 speakers on some trims). Cassette player also common. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims, typically not integrated with modern features. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims. ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking...