Subaru Forester 2003 Service Guide
Maintenance and service
Maintenance schedule ................................ 11-3
Maintenance precautions ........................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment ................................................... 11-4
When you do checking or servicing in the
engine compartment while the engine is
running ............................................................. 11-5
Engine hood ................................................. 11-5
Engine compartment overview .................. 11-8
Engine oil ..................................................... 11-9
Checking the oil level ..................................... 11-9
Changing the oil and oil filter ........................ 11-10
Recommended grade and viscosity .............. 11-12
Recommended grade and viscosity under
severe driving conditions .............................. 11-14
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-14
Cooling system ............................................ 11-14
Cooling fan, hose and connections .............. 11-15
Engine coolant ................................................ 11-15
Air cleaner element ..................................... 11-19
Replacing the air cleaner element ................. 11-19
Spark plugs .................................................. 11-20
Recommended spark plugs ........................... 11-21
Drive belts .................................................... 11-21
Manual transmission oil .............................. 11-22
Checking the oil level ..................................... 11-22
Recommended grade and viscosity .............. 11-23
Automatic transmission fluid ..................... 11-24
Checking the fluid level .................................. 11-24
Recommended fluid ....................................... 11-25
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) ..... 11-26
Checking the oil level ..................................... 11-26
Recommended grade and viscosity ............. 11-26
Rear differential gear oil .............................. 11-27
Checking the gear oil level ............................ 11-27
Recommended grade and viscosity ............. 11-28
Power steering fluid ..................................... 11-29
Checking the fluid level .................................. 11-29
Recommended fluid ....................................... 11-30
Brake fluid .................................................... 11-30
Checking the fluid level .................................. 11-30
Recommended brake fluid ............................. 11-31
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) ........................... 11-31
Checking the fluid level .................................. 11-31
Recommended clutch fluid ............................ 11-32
Brake booster ............................................... 11-32
Brake pedal ................................................... 11-33
Checking the brake pedal free play .............. 11-33
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance . 11-33
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) .......................... 11-34
Checking the clutch function ........................ 11-34
Checking the clutch pedal free play ............. 11-34
Hill holder (MT vehicles — if equipped) ..... 11-35
Replacement of brake pad and lining ........ 11-35
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings .. 11-36
Parking brake stroke ................................... 11-37
Tires and wheels .......................................... 11-37
Types of tires .................................................. 11-37
11
11-1
Maintenance and service
Tire inspection ................................................. 11-38
Tire pressures and wear ................................. 11-38
Wheel balance .................................................. 11-41
Wear indicators ................................................ 11-41
Tire rotation ...................................................... 11-42
Tire replacement .............................................. 11-43
Wheel replacement .......................................... 11-43
Aluminum wheels (If equipped) ................. 11-44
Windshield washer fluid ............................. 11-45
Replacement of windshield wiper blades . 11-46
Battery .......................................................... 11-49
Fuses ............................................................ 11-50
Main fuse ...................................................... 11-53
Installation of accessories ......................... 11-53
Replacing bulbs ........................................... 11-54
Headlight .......................................................... 11-55
Front turn signal, side marker light and
parking lights ................................................... 11-57
Front fog light .................................................. 11-61
Rear combination lights .................................. 11-61
License plate light ........................................... 11-62
Dome light, map light and cargo area light ... 11-63
High mount stop light ..................................... 11-64
11-2
Maintenanceand service
Maintenance schedule
Maintenance and service
Maintenance precautions
The scheduled maintenance items required to be serviced at regular intervals are shown in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet”.
For details of your maintenance schedule, read the
separate “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
When maintenance and service are required, it is recommended that all work be done by an authorized
SUBARU dealer.
If you perform maintenance and service by yourself,
you should familiarize yourself with the information
provided in this section on general maintenance and
service for your SUBARU.
Incorrect or incomplete service could cause improper
or unsafe vehicle operation. Any problems caused by
improper maintenance and service performed by you
are not eligible for warranty coverage.
y Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehicle must
NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel dynamometer or similar apparatus. Attempting to
do so will result in transmission damage and in
uncontrolled vehicle movement and may cause
an accident or injuries to persons nearby.
y Always select a safe area when performing
maintenance on your vehicle.
y Always be very careful to avoid injury when
working on the vehicle. Remember that some of
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11-3
Maintenance and service
the materials in the vehicle may be hazardous if
improperly used or handled, for example, battery acid.
y Your vehicle should only be serviced by persons fully competent to do so. Serious personal injury may result to persons not experienced
in servicing vehicles.
y Always use the proper tools and make certain
that they are well maintained.
y Never get under the vehicle supported only
by a jack. Always use a safety stands to support the vehicle.
y Never keep the engine running in a poorly
ventilated area, such as a garage or other
closed areas.
y Do not smoke or allow open flames around
the fuel or battery. This will cause a fire.
y Because the fuel system is under pressure,
replacement of the fuel filter should be performed only by your SUBARU dealer.
y Wear adequate eye protection to guard
against getting oil or fluids in your eyes. If
something does get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water.
y Do not tamper with the wiring of the SRS airbag system or seatbelt pretensioner system, or
attempt to take its connectors apart, as that
may activate the system or it can render it inoperative. The wiring and connectors of these
systems are yellow for easy identification. NEVER use a circuit tester for these wiring.
If your SRS airbag or seatbelt pretensioner
needs service, consult your nearest SUBARU
dealer.
Before checking or servicing in the en-
gine compartment
y Always stop the engine and set the parking
brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from moving.
y Always let the engine cool down. Engine
parts become very hot when the engine is running and remain hot for some time after the engine is stopped.
y Do not spill engine oil, engine coolant, brake
fluid or any other fluid on hot engine components. This may cause a fire.
y Always remove the key from the ignition
switch. When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position, the cooling fan may operate suddenly
11-4
Maintenance and service
even when the engine is stopped.
When you do checking or servicing in
the engine compartment while the engine is running
A running engine can be dangerous. Keep your
fingers, hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from the cooling fan, belts and any other moving engine parts. Removing rings, watches and
ties is advisable.
Engine hood
0
HSB014BA
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release knob under the instrument
panel.
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11-5
Maintenance and service
HSB015BA
2. Release the secondary hood release located under
the front grille by moving the lever toward the left.
11-6
HSB016BA
Lift up the hood, release the hood prop from its retainer and put the end of the hood prop into the slot in the
hood.
To close the hood:
1. Lift the hood slightly and remove the hood prop
from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its retainer.
2. Lower the hood until it approaches about 12 in. (30
cm) from the closed position and let it drop.
After closing the hood, be sure the hood is securely
locked.
If this does not close the hood, release it from a slightly
higher position. Do not push the hood forcibly to close
it. It could deform the metal.
Always check that the hood is properly locked
before you start driving. If it is not, it might fly
open while the vehicle is moving and block
your view, which may cause an accident and
serious bodily injury.
Maintenance and service
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11-7
Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview
1
3
2
1) Manual transmission oil level
gauge (MT) (page 11-22) or Differential gear oil level gauge
4
5
7
6
(AT) (page 11-26)
2) Air cleaner element (page 11-
19)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-
31)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-24)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-
30)
6) Windshield washer tank (page
11-45)
7) Fuse box (page 11-50)
8) Battery (page 11-49)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page
11-14)
10) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-
9)
HSB017BB
8910111213
12) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-29)
11-8
Engine oil
Checking the oil level
Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
Maintenance and service
4
1
2
3
HSB019BB
1) Notch
2) Upper level
3) Lower level
4) Front of vehicle
HSB018BA
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it
again.
3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly inserted until it
stops with the graphic symbol “ ” on its top appearing as shown in the illustration.
4. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on
it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring the level
up to the upper level.
y Use only engine oil with the recommended
grade and viscosity.
y Be careful not to spill engine oil when adding
it. If oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause
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11-9
Maintenance and service
a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire.
If you check the oil level just after stopping the engine,
wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan before checking the level.
Just after driving or while the engine is warm, the engine oil level reading may be in a range between the
upper level and the notch mark. This is caused by thermal expansion of the engine oil.
To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add any
additional oil above the upper level when the engine is
cold.
Changing the oil and oil filter
Change the oil and oil filter according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance
Booklet”.
The engine oil and oil filter must be changed more frequently than listed in the maintenance schedule when
driving on dusty roads, when short trips are frequently
made, when towing a trailer, or when driving in extremely cold whether.
gine.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
HSB025BA
4. Open the access cover by removing the six clips
and turning the access cover counterclockwise. The
drain plug and oil filter will be exposed.
1. Warm up the engine by letting the engine idle for
about 10 minutes to ease draining the engine oil.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the en-
11-10
1
HSB020BB
1) Drain plug
5. Drain out the engine oil by removing the drain plug
while the engine is still warm. The used oil should be
drained into an appropriate container and disposed of
properly.
Be careful not to burn yourself with hot engine
oil.
Maintenance and service
washer after the oil has completely drained out.
1
HSB020CB
1) Oil filter
7. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
8. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a thin coat of
engine oil to the seal.
9. Clean the rubber seal seating area of the lower
crank case and install the oil filter by hand turning. Be
careful not to twist or damage the seal.
10.Tighten it approximately two-thirds of a turn after
the seal makes contact with the lower crank case.
6. Wipe the seating surface of the drain plug with a
clean cloth and tighten it securely with a new sealing
Never over tighten the oil filter because that can
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11-11
Maintenance and service
result in an oil leak.
11.Close the access cover by turning it clockwise and
reinstall the six clips in their original positions.
12.Pour engine oil through the filler neck.
Oil quantity (guideline):
4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)
The oil quantity indicated above is only a guideline.
The necessary quantity of oil depends on the quantity
of oil that has been drained. The quantity of drained oil
differs slightly depending on the temperature of the oil
and the time the oil is left flowing out. After pouring oil
into the engine, therefore, you must use the dipstick to
confirm that the level is correct.
13.Start the engine and make sure that no oil leaks appear around the filter’s rubber seal.
14.Run the engine until it reaches the normal operating temperature. Then stop the engine and wait a few
minutes to allow the oil drain back. Check the oil level
again and if necessary, add more engine oil.
Recommended grade and viscosity
Oil grade:
API classification SL or SJ with the words “ENERGY CONSERVING” (if you cannot obtain the oil
with the SL or SJ grade, you may use SH or SG
grade oil.) or the new API certification mark (Starburst mark) displayed on the container.
1
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P
A
2
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N
E
R
G
3
API Service label
1) Indicates the oil quality by API designations
2) Indicates the SAE oil viscosity grade
3) Indicates that the oil has fuel saving capabilities
Y
V
R
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S
E
C
SAE
5W−30
C
N
O
S
E
E
S
R
L
V
G
N
I
HSB022BB
11-12
E
M
A
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Maintenance and service
O
L
E
R
T
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P
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C
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M
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S
T
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E
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
-20
06020 80 10040
5W-30*
C
E
R
T
F
I
New API Certification Mark (Starburst Mark)
In choosing an oil, you want the proper quality and viscosity, as well as one that will add to fuel economy.
The following table lists the recommended viscosities
and applicable temperatures.
When adding oil, different brands may be used together as long as they are the same API classification and
SAE viscosity as those recommended by SUBARU.
D
E
I
HSB023AA
10W-30, 10W-40
HSB024BA
SAE viscosity number and applicable temperature
*: 5W-30 is preferred.
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects fuel economy.
Oils of lower viscosity provide better fuel economy.
However, in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine.
Use only engine oil with the recommended
grade and viscosity.
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11-13
Maintenance and service
Recommended grade and viscosity
under severe driving conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very
high temperatures, or used for heavy-duty applications such as towing a trailer, use of oil with the following grade and viscosities is recommended.
API classification SL or SJ:
SAE viscosity No.:
30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50
Synthetic oil
You can use synthetic engine oil that meets the same
requirements given for conventional engine oil. When
using synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same classification, viscosity and grade shown in this owner’s
manual, and must follow the oil and filter changing intervals shown in the maintenance schedule.
Cooling system
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is removed.
The cooling system has been filled at the factory with a high quality, corrosion-inhibiting,
year-around coolant which provides protection
againstfreezingdownto–33° F(–36° C). For
adding, use genuine SUBARU coolant or an
equivalent: a mixture of 50% soft water and 50%
ethylene-glycol basis coolant. Use of improper
coolants may result in corrosion in the cooling
system. It is important to maintain protection
against freezing and corrosion, even if freezing
temperatures are not expected. Never mix different kinds of coolant.
11-14
Maintenance and service
Cooling fan, hose and connections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling fan which is
thermostatically controlled to operate when the engine
coolant reaches a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate even when
the engine coolant temperature gauge exceeds the
normal operating range, the cooling fan circuit may be
defective. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling system
checked by your SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there may
be a leak in the engine cooling system. It is recommended that the cooling system and connections be
checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
Engine coolant
T Checking the coolant level
1
2
HSB018CB
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the “LOW” level
mark, add coolant up to the “FULL” level mark. If the
reserve tank is empty, remove the radiator cap and refill as required.
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11-15
Maintenance and service
1
1) Rubber gaskets
coolant may damage the paint surface.
T Changing the coolant
HSB026BB
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the radiator, reinstall the caps and check that the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap are in the proper position.
y Be careful not to spill engine coolant when
adding it. If coolant touches the exhaust pipe, it
may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire.
y Do not splash the engine coolant over painted parts. The alcohol contained in the engine
11-16
1
1) Drain plug
HSB027BB
Change the engine coolant using the following procedures according to the maintenance schedule.
1. Remove the under cover.
2. Place a proper container under the drain plug and
loosen the drain plug.
3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the coolant from
the radiator. Then drain the coolant from the reserve
tank. Tighten the drain plug securely.
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is removed.
4. Install the under cover.
1
Maintenance and service
5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill to the radiator filler
neck. Do not pour the coolant too quickly, as this may
lead to insufficient air bleeding and trapped air in the
system.
Guideline of coolant quantity (including coolant in reservoir
tank):
MT. 7.3 US qt (6.9 liters, 6.1 Imp qt)
AT. 7.2 US qt (6.8 liters, 6.0 Imp qt)
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
1
2
2
HSB018CB
HSB028BB
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir tank’s
“FULL” level mark.
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11-17
Maintenance and service
y Be careful not to spill engine coolant when
adding it. If coolant touches the exhaust pipe, it
may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire.
y Do not splash the engine coolant over painted parts. The alcohol contained in the engine
coolant may damage the paint surface.
1
ator cap is correctly in place.
8. Start and run the engine for more than five minutes
at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the coolant cools
down (122 to 140° F[50to60° C]). If there is any loss
of coolant, add coolant to the radiator’s filler neck and
to the reserve tank’s “FULL” level.
10.Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap back on and
tighten firmly.
HSB026BB
1) Rubber gaskets
7. Put the radiator cap back on and tighten firmly. At
this time, make sure that the rubber gasket in the radi-
11-18
Air cleaner element
The air cleaner element functions as a filter screen.
When the element is perforated or removed, engine
wear will be excessive and engine life shortened.
The air cleaner element is a viscous type. It is unnecessary to clean or wash the element.
Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner
element removed. The air cleaner element not
only filters intake air but also stops flames if the
engine backfires. If the air cleaner element is
not installed when the engine backfires, you
could be burned.
Replacing the air cleaner element
Maintenance and service
0
1
HSB030BB
1) Bolt
1. Remove the bolt securing the rear air cleaner element case.
2. Unsnap the three clamps holding the rear air cleaner element case.
Replace the air cleaner element according to the
maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Under extremely dusty conditions, replace it more frequently. It is recommended that you
always use genuine SUBARU parts.
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11-19
Maintenance and service
Spark plugs
1
HSB031BB
1) Air cleaner element
3. Separate the rear air cleaner element case from
the front cleaner element case and remove the air
cleaner element.
4. Clean the inside of the front and rear air cleaner element cases with a damp cloth and install a new air
cleaner element.
5. Insert the four projections on the rear air cleaner element case into the slits on the front air cleaner element case and snap the three clamps on the rear air
cleaner element case and then tighten the bolt.
11-20
HSB032BA
It may be difficult to replace the spark plugs. It is recommended that you have the spark plugs replaced by
your SUBARU dealer.
The spark plugs should be replaced according to the
maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
y When disconnecting the spark plug cables,
always grasp the spark plug cap, not the ca-
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