Subaru Forester 1997-2002

The Subaru Forester, spanning from 1997 to 2002, marked the introduction of a compact crossover SUV into Subaru's lineup. It combined an SUV's ruggedness with a sedan's driving dynamics, creating a versatile and capable vehicle for various road conditions. The first-generation Forester featured a distinctive boxy design with a high roofline, providing ample headroom and a spacious interior.

The Forester was built on Subaru's all-wheel-drive platform and delivered excellent traction and stability. While it wasn't designed for extreme off-roading, it easily handled gravel roads and inclement weather. Its compact size and nimble handling made it a practical choice for urban commuting, yet it retained the versatility to venture off the beaten path when needed. With comfortable seating, good visibility, and an emphasis on safety, the first-generation Subaru Forester set the stage for the model's continued success in the SUV market.

Subaru Forester specification, engine oil capacity, spark plug gap, safety rating, fuel consumption, transmission, and light bulb sizes.

Chassis

• Type:
  • SF

Engine 2.5L 4-Cylinder  DOHC

• Recommended Oil viscosity: 5W-30
• Recommended Engine Oil: API
• Drain Plug Torque: 33FT-LBS
• Oil capacity: 4.5 qt

Spark Plug Gap

• 2.5L 4-Cylinder: 0.044”

Fuel

• Capacity: 16.9 US gal (64 liters, 14.1 Imp gal)

AT differential gear oil

• Capacity: 1.3 US qt (1.2 liters, 1.1 Imp qt)

Rear differential gear oil

• Capacity: 
  • Brighton, L (AT): 0.9 US qt (0.9 liter, 0.8 Imp qt)
  • Others: 0.8 US qt (0.8 liter, 0.7 Imp qt)

Transmission oil (MT)

• Capacity: 3.7 US qt (3.5 liters, 3.1 Imp qt)

Transmission fluid (AT)

• Capacity: 9.8 US qt (9.3 liters, 8.2 Imp qt)

Power steering fluid

• Capacity: 0.7 US qt (0.7 liters, 0.6 Imp qt)

Engine coolant

• Capacity: 
  • 2.5 liter MT: 7.2 US qt (6.8 liters, 6.0 Imp qt)
  • 2.5 liter AT: 7.1 US qt (6.7 liters, 5.9 Imp qt)
  • 3.0 liter: 8.4 US qt (7.9 liters, 7.0 Imp qt)

Powertrain

Engine

• 2.0 L EJ20 DOHC H4
• 2.0 L EJ20T DOHC turbo H4
• 2.5 L EJ25D DOHC H4 (1997-1998)
• 2.5 L EJ251 SOHC (1998-2002)

Transmission

• 5-speed manual
• 4-speed automatic

Fuel Consumption

Front Lights

• Front Fog Light Bulb: 9006
• Front Sidemarker Light Bulb: 1157NA
• Front Turn Signal Light Bulb: 1157NA
• High Beam and Low Beam Headlight Bulb: 9003

Rear Lights

• Back Up Light Bulb: 921
• Brake Light Bulb:
  • 7443-SCK
  • 7443
• Center High Mount Stop Light Bulb: 912
• License Plate Light Bulb: 168
• Parking Light Bulb: 1157NA
• Rear Turn Signal Light Bulb: 7440NA
• Tail Light Bulb:
  • 7443-SCK
  • 168, 744

Interior Lights

• Dome Light Bulb: DE3175
• Luggage Compartment Light Bulb: DE3175
• Map Light Bulb: DE3175