Subaru Forester 2007 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 .................................................................. 11-4
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-4
Engine compartment overview ......................... 11-6
Non-turbo models ................................................... 11-6
Turbo models .......................................................... 11-7
Engine oil ............................................................ 11-8
Checking the oil level ............................................. 11-8
Changing the oil and oil filter ................................ 11-8
Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-10
Recommended grade and viscosity under
severe driving conditions .................................... 11-11
Synthetic oil ............................................................ 11-11
Cooling system .................................................. 11-11
Cooling fan, hose and connections ...................... 11-12
Engine coolant ........................................................ 11-12
Air cleaner element ............................................ 11-15
Replacing the air cleaner element ......................... 11-15
Spark plugs ......................................................... 11-17
Recommended spark plugs ................................... 11-17
Drive belts ........................................................... 11-18
Manual transmission oil .................................... 11-18
Checking the oil level ............................................. 11-18
Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-19
Automatic transmission fluid ............................ 11-20
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-20
Recommended fluid ............................................... 11-21
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) ............ 11-21
Checking the oil level ............................................. 11-21
Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-22
Rear differential gear oil .................................... 11-22
Checking the gear oil level .................................... 11-22
Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-23
Power steering fluid ........................................... 11-23
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-23
Recommended fluid ............................................... 11-24
Brake fluid ........................................................... 11-25
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ..................................... 11-25
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) .................................. 11-26
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid .................................... 11-26
Brake booster ..................................................... 11-27
Brake pedal ......................................................... 11-27
Checking the brake pedal free play ...................... 11-27
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ......... 11-27
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) ................................ 11-28
Checking the clutch function ................................ 11-28
Checking the clutch pedal free play ..................... 11-28
Hill holder (MT vehicles – if equipped) ............. 11-28
11
Maintenance and service
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............... 11-29
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ......... 11-29
Parking brake stroke .......................................... 11-30
Tires and wheels ................................................ 11-30
Types of tires .......................................................... 11-30
Tire inspection ........................................................ 11-30
Tire pressures and wear ........................................ 11-31
Wheel balance ........................................................ 11-32
Wear indicators ....................................................... 11-33
Tire rotation direction mark ................................... 11-33
Tire rotation ............................................................. 11-33
Tire replacement ..................................................... 11-34
Wheel replacement ................................................. 11-35
Aluminum wheels (if equipped) ........................ 11-35
Windshield washer fluid .................................... 11-35
Replacement of wiper blades ............................ 11-37
Windshield wiper blades ........................................ 11-37
Rear window wiper blade ....................................... 11-38
Battery ................................................................. 11-40
Fuses ................................................................... 11-41
Main fuse ............................................................. 11-42
Installation of accessories ................................ 11-43
Replacing bulbs .................................................. 11-44
Headlights (Canada-spec. 2.5XT) .......................... 11-45
Headlights (Except Canada-spec. 2.5XT) ............. 11-46
Rear combination lights ......................................... 11-47
License plate light .................................................. 11-48
Dome light and map light ....................................... 11-48
High mount stop light ............................................ 11-49
Maintenance and service
11-3
Maintenance schedule
Maintenance and service
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”.
Maintenance precautions
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 ve-
hicle 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 in-
jury when working on the vehicle.
Remember that some of the materials in the vehicle may be hazardous if improperly used or handled,
for example, battery acid.
y Your vehicle should only be ser-
viced 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 sup-
ported 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.
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CONTINUED
–
11-4
Maintenance and service
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 engine compartment
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
even when the engine is stopped.
When you do checking or ser-
vicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running
Engine hood
0
B00002
To open the hood:
1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the
windshield, return them to their original
positions.
2. Pull the hood release knob under the
instrument panel.
y Always stop the engine and set
the parking brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from moving.
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.
200747
3. Release the secondary hood release
located under the front grille by moving
the lever toward the left.
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 approximately 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
11-5
200748
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.
11-6
Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview
Non-turbo models
12 3456
1) Air cleaner element (page 11-15)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge
(MT) (page 11-18) or Differential gear
oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-21)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level
gauge (page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
6) Fuse box (page 11-41)
7) Battery (page 11-40)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-35)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-
11)
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
11) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-11)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page
11-23)
13
12
7891011
B00357
Maintenance and service
11-7
Turbo models
123456
1) Air cleaner element (page 11-15)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge
(MT) (page 11-18) or Differential gear
oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-21)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level
gauge (page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
6) Fuse box (page 11-41)
7) Battery (page 11-40)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-35)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-
11)
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
11) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-11)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page
11-23)
13
12
7891011
B00358
11-8
Maintenance and service
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.
B00359
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.
1
2
3
B00418
1) Notch
2) Upper level
3) Lower level
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 rec-
ommended grade and viscosity.
y Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If engine oil gets on the exhaust pipe,
be sure to wipe it off.
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 weather.
1. Warm up the engine by letting the engine idle for approximately 10 minutes to
ease draining the engine oil.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
Maintenance and service
11-9
B00392
4. Open the access cover by removing
the eight clips and turning the access cover counterclockwise. The drain plug will be
exposed.
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.
6. Wipe the seating surface of the drain
plug with a clean cloth and tighten it securely with a new sealing washer after the
oil has completely drained out.
the bottom of engine and install the oil filter by hand turning. Be careful not to twist
or damage the seal.
10.Tighten the oil filter by the amount indi-
cated in the following table after the seal
makes contact with the bottom of engine.
Oil filter color Part number
Black 15208AA100 1 rotation
White 15208AA09A
Amount of
rotation
2/3 – 3/4
rotation
y Never over tighten the oil filter be-
cause that can result in an oil leak.
y Thoroughly wipe off any engine
oil that has spilled over the exhaust pipe and/or under-cover. If
left unremoved, the oil could
catch fire.
B00404
5. Drain out the engine oil by removing
B00405
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
11.Close the access cover by turning it
clockwise and reinstall the eight 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)
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CONTINUED
–
11-10
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.
Maintenance and service
Recommended grade and
viscosity
Oil grade:
ILSAC GF-4, which can be identified
with the ILSAC certification mark
(Starburst mark)
or API classification SM with the
words “ENERGY CONSERVING”
1
V
I
R
C
E
S
I
P
A
2
E
S
M
SAE
5W-30
E
N
E
R
G
Y
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
C
O
N
S
E
G
N
I
V
R
B00446 B00014
ILSAC 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.
These recommended oil grades can be
identified by looking for either or both of
the following marks displayed on the oil
container.
Maintenance and service
11-11
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
-20 0 6020 80 10040
5W-30*
10W-30, 10W-40
B00549
SAE viscosity number and applicable
temperature
*: 5W-30 is recommended.
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.
Recommended grade and
viscosity under severe driving conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in ar-
eas 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 SM (or SL):
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
against freezing down to –33qF
(–36qC). For adding, use genuine
SUBARU coolant or an equivalent: a
mixture of 50% soft water (or clear
and drinkable water) and 50% phosphate or non-amine type 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.
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CONTINUED
–
11-12
Maintenance and service
Cooling fan, hose and con-
nections
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
FULL
LOW
2
600442
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.
B00018
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 cool-
ant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.
y Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
Maintenance and service
11-13
T Changing the coolant
B00019
Always add genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner whenever the coolant is
replaced.
Change the engine coolant and add genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner
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.
2
B00360
Non-turbo models
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
1
2
B00394
Turbo models
1
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill up to
just below the filler neck, allowing enough
room to add genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner in the radiator. Add genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner until the coolant level reaches the filler neck.
Do not pour the coolant too quickly, as this
may lead to insufficient air bleeding and
trapped air in the system.
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CONTINUED
–
11-14
Maintenance and service
Guideline of coolant quantity (including coolant in reservoir tank):
Non-turbo models:
MT. 7.3 US qt (6.9 liters, 6.1 Imp qt)
AT. 7.2 US qt (6.8 liters, 6.0 Imp qt)
Turbo models:
MT. 7.8 US qt (7.4 liters, 6.5 Imp qt)
AT. 7.7 US qt (7.3 liters, 6.4 Imp qt)
1
FULL
LOW
2
600442
y Be careful not to spill engine cool-
ant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.
y Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
five minutes at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the coolant cools down (122 to 140qF [50 to
60qC]). 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.
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir
tank’s “FULL” level mark.
B00018
7. Put the radiator cap back on and tighten firmly. At this time, make sure that the
rubber gasket in the radiator cap is correctly in place.
8. Start and run the engine for more than
Maintenance and service
11-15
Air cleaner 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.
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 has a viscous
type and a dry type.
Be sure to use the appropriate type of air
cleaner element, which depends on the
vehicle type.
If there is the embossed requirement "Use
of genuine dry air cleaner element is required" on the air cleaner case cover,
which is shown in the following figure, use
the dry type air cleaner element.
For vehicles without the requirement on
the air cleaner case cover, use the viscous type air cleaner element.
1
B00548
1) Embossed requirement
Replacing the air cleaner ele-
ment
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.
T Non-turbo models
B00361
1. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air
cleaner case cover.
B00362
2. Push the air cleaner case cover in the
direction of the arrow shown in the draw-
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CONTINUED
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