2004 SUBARU FORESTER oil type

AC-21
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATER, VENTILATOR AND A/C)
General Description
5. O-RING CONNECTIONS
 Use new O-rings.
 In order to keep the O-rings free of lint which will
cause a refrigerant gas leak, perform operations
without gloves and shop cloths.
 Apply the compressor oil to the O-rings to avoid
sticking, then install them.
 Use a torque wrench to tighten the O-ring fittings:
Over-tightening will damage the O-ring and tube
end distortion.
 If the operation is interrupted before completing a
pipe connection, recap the tubes, components, and
fittings with a plug or tape to prevent foreign mat-
ters from entering.
 Visually check the surfaces and mating surfaces
of O-rings, threads, and connecting points. If a fail-
ure is found, replace the applicable parts.
 Install the O-rings at right angle to the tube
beards. Use compressor oil specified in the service man-
ual to lubricate the O-rings.
Apply the oil to the top and sides of the O-rings be-
fore installation.
Apply compressor oil to the bead of tube.
 After tightening, use a clean cloth to remove ex-
cess compressor oil from the connections and any
oil which may have run on the vehicle body or other
parts.
 If any leakage is suspected after tightening, do
not retighten the connections, disconnect the con-
nections, remove the O-rings, and check the O-
rings, threads, and connections.
D: PREPARATION TOOL
CAUTION:
When working on vehicles with the HFC-134a
system, only use HFC-134a specified tools and
parts. Do not mix with CFC-12 tools and parts. If
HFC-134a and CFC-12 refrigerant or compres-
sor oil is mixed, poor lubrication will result and
the compressor itself may be destroyed.
In order to help prevent mixing HFC-134a and
CFC-12 parts and liquid, the tool and screw
type and the type of service valves used are dif-
ferent. The gas leak detectors for the HFC-134a
and CFC-12 systems must also not be inter-
changed.(A) Seal
(A) O-ring
(B) OK
(C) NG
(D) Bead
(A)
AC-00008
AC-00009
(D) (B)
(C)
(C)
(A)
HFC-134a CFC-12
Tool & screw type Millimeter size Inch size
Valve type Quick joint type Screw-in type
AC-00010

AB-12
AIRBAG SYSTEM
Inspection Locations After a Collision
3. Inspection Locations After a
Collision
A: REPLACEMENT
When airbag system is deployed, replace the fol-
lowing parts.
1. FRONT COLLISION
1) Driver’s airbag module
2) Passenger’s airbag module
3) Driver’s seat belt (pretensioner, lap seat belt pre-
tensioner)
4) Passenger’s seat belt (pretensioner)
5) Airbag control module
6) Front sub-sensor
7) Roll connector
2. SIDE COLLISION
1) Airbag control module
2) Side airbag module (operating side seat bag)
3) Side airbag sensor (operating side)
3. INSPECTION OF OTHER PARTS
Check for the following parts, replace the damaged
parts with new ones.
1) Steering wheel and steering shaft
Check the steering wheel and steering shaft for
mounting condition and deflection of axial and radi-
al direction. Check the steering shaft for deflection
of axial direction with tilt lever released. (After a col-
lision, absorbing part of steering shaft may inflate.)
2) Check the direct type connector of driver’s air-
bag module, pretensioner, etc. for damage, and
also check each harness for pinch and connector
damage. If damage is found, replace the harness
as a unit.
B: INSPECTION
If the vehicle is involved in a collision on any side,
even if it is a slight collision, be sure to check the
following system parts.
1. DRIVER’S AIRBAG MODULE
1) Check for the following, and replace damaged
parts with new ones.
 Airbag module is cracked or deformed.
 Harness and/or connector is cracked, deformed
or open. Lead wire is exposed.
 The module surface is fouled with grease, oil,
water or cleaning solvent.
2) When installing a new driver’s airbag module,
check the following. If necessary, install a new air-
bag module and steering wheel.
 The steering wheel is in the way, making it diffi-
cult to install the airbag module. The clearance between the driver’s airbag mod-
ule and steering wheel is not constant.
 The steering wheel deformation in axial and radi-
al directions exceed limits.
Specifications:
Height deflection A
Less than 6 mm (0.24 in)
O.D. deflection L
Less than 17 mm (0.67 in)
2. PASSENGER’S AIRBAG MODULE
Check for the following, and replace damaged
parts with new ones.
 Airbag module is cracked or deformed.
 Harness and/or connector is cracked, deformed
or open. Lead wire is exposed.
 Mounting bracket is cracked or deformed.
3. SIDE AIRBAG MODULE
Check for the following, and replace damaged
parts with new ones.
 Front seat is damaged or deformed.
 Harness and/or connector is cracked, deformed
or open.
 Lead wire is exposed.
4. AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE
Check for the following, and replace damaged
parts with new ones.
 Control module is cracked or deformed.
 Mounting bracket is cracked or deformed.
 Connector is scratched or deformed.
 Airbag is deployed.
 Side airbag is deployed.
AB-00028
L
A

LI-2
LIGHTING SYSTEM
General Description
1. General Description
A: SPECIFICATION
B: PRECAUTIONS
 Before removing and installing parts, always disconnect the battery ground cable. When replacing audio,
control module, and other parts provided with memory functions, record memory contents before disconnect-
ing the battery ground cable. Otherwise, the memory will be erased.
 Reassemble in reverse order of disassembly, unless otherwise indicated.
 Adjust parts to the given specifications.
 Connect the connectors and hoses securely during reassembly.
 After reassembly, make sure functional parts operate smoothly.
WARNING:
 Airbag system wiring harness is routed near electrical parts and switches. All airbag system wiring
harnesses and connectors are yellow. Do not use electric test equipment on these circuits.
 Be careful not to damage the airbag system wiring harness when servicing electrical parts and
switches.
C: PREPARATION TOOL
1. GENERAL TOOL
Headlight12 V — 55 W/60 W
Front turn signal light 12 V — 21 W
Clearance light12 V — 5 W
Side marker light12 V — 5 W
Front fog light12 V — 55 W
Rear combination lightTail/Stop light 12 V — 5/21 W
Turn signal light 12 V — 21 W
Back-up light 12 V — 16 W
License plate light12 V — 5 W
High-mounted stop lightStandard type 12 V — 13 W
Rear spoiler built-in type 12 V — 1.2 W
Room light12 V — 8 W
Spot light12 V — 8 W
Luggage room light12 V — 5 W
TOOL NAME REMARKS
Circuit tester Used for measuring resistance and voltage.

IDI-2
INSTRUMENTATION/DRIVER INFO
General Description
1. General Description
A: SPECIFICATION
B: CAUTION
 Be careful not to damage meters and instrument panel.
 Be careful not to damage meter glasses.
 Make sure that electrical connector is connected securely.
 After installation, make sure that each meter operates normally.
 Use gloves to avoid damage and getting fingerprints on the glass surface and meter surfaces.
 Do not apply excessive force to the printed circuit.
 Do not drop or otherwise apply impact.
C: PREPARATION TOOL
1. GENERAL TOOL
Combination meterSpeedometer Electric pulse type
Temperature gauge Cross coil type
Fuel gauge Cross coil type
Tachometer Electric pulse type
Turn signal indicator light 14 V — 2 W
Charge indicator light 14 V — 1.4 W
Oil pressure indicator light LED
ABS warning light 14 V — 1.4 W
Malfunction indicator light LED
HI-beam indicator light 14 V — 2 W
Door open warning light LED
Seat belt warning light LED
Brake fluid and parking brake warning
light14 V — 2 W
FWD indicator light LED
AIRBAG warning light LED
Meter illumination light 14 V — 3.4 W, 14 V — 2 W
AT OIL TEMP. warning light LED
LO indicator light LED
HOLD indicator light LED
Immobilizer indicator light LED
Rear differential oil temperature warn-
ing light14 V — 2 W
Cruise indicator light 14 V — 1.4 W
Rear fog light indicator light 14 V — 2 W
POWER indicator light 14 V — 1.4 W
Low fuel warning light LED
AT select lever position indicator light 14 V — 100 mA
LCD back light 14 V — 1.4 W
TOOL NAME REMARKS
Circuit tester Used for measuring resistance and voltage.

SPC-4
SPECIFICATION
Forester
F: SUSPENSION
G: BRAKE
★: RHD model
H: TIRE
I: CAPACITY
★1: With oil pump★2: MT model with oil cooler Included★3: Model with ATF warmer Front Macpherson strut type, Independent, Coil spring
Rear Dual-link type, Independent, Coil spring
Model 2.0 L Non-turbo, 2.5 L Non-turbo
2.0 L Turbo, 2.5 L Non-turbo
★, 2.5 L Non-turbo
Service brake system Dual circuit hydraulic with vacuum suspended power unit
Front Ventilated disc brake
Rear Drum brake Disc brake
Parking brake Mechanical on rear brakes
Rim size 15×6J 16×6 1/2J
Tire size 205/70 R15 95H 215/60 R16 95V, P215/60 R16 94H
Type Steel belted radial, Tubeless
Model 2.0 L Non-turbo 2.0 L Turbo 2.5 L Non-turbo 2.5 L Turbo
Tr a n s m i s s i o n 5 M T 4 AT 5 M T 4 AT 5 M T 4 AT 5 M T 4 AT
Fuel tank2 (US gal, Imp gal) 60 (15.9, 13.2)
Engine oil
(When
replacing)2 (US qt, Imp qt) Approx. 4.0 (4.2, 3.5)
Tr a n s m i s -
sion gear oil2 (US qt, Imp qt)4.0
(4.2, 3.5)—3.5
(3.7, 3.1),
3.9
(4.1, 3.4)
★1
—4.0
(4.2, 3.5)—3.5
(3.7, 3.1)—
AT F2 (US qt, Imp qt) —8.4
(8.9, 7.4)—9.3
(9.8, 8.2)—9.3
(9.8, 8.2)—9.3
(9.8, 8.2)
Front differ-
ential gear
oil2 (US qt, Imp qt) —1.2
(1.3, 1.1)—1.2
(1.3, 1.1)—1.2
(1.3, 1.1)—1.2
(1.3, 1.1)
Rear differ-
ential gear
oil2 (US qt, Imp qt) 0.8 (0.8, 0.6)
Pow er
steering
fluid2 (US qt, Imp qt) 0.7 (0.7, 0.6)
Engine
coolant2 (US qt, Imp qt)6.6
(7.0, 5.8)6.5
(6.9, 5.7),
6.9
(7.3, 6.1)
★3
7.4
(7.8, 6.5)7.3
(7.7, 6.4)
★2
6.9
(7.3, 6.1)6.8
(7.2, 6.0)7.4
(7.8, 6.5)7.3
(7.7, 6.4)

PI-8
PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION
Pre-delivery Inspection
11.OPERATION CHECK OF HOOD LOCK
RELEASE SYSTEM
Operate the hood release knob and check that the
hood is unlocked normally.
Operate the lever (A) and check that the hood is
opened normally. Then support the hood with hood
stay.
12.BATTERY
Check the battery terminals to make sure that no
rust or corrosions due to fluid leaks are found.
Check that the battery caps are securely tightened.
13.BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid amount. If the amount is in-
sufficient, carry out a brake line test to identify
brake fluid leaks and check the brake operation. Af-
ter that, refill the brake fluid tank with the specified
type of fluid.
14.ENGINE OIL
Check the engine oil amount. If the amount is insuf-
ficient, check that no leaks are found. Then, add
the necessary amount of the specified engine oil.
PI-00071
PI-00082
(A)
(A) Cap
(B) Upper level
(C) Lower level
(A) Engine oil level gauge
(B) Engine oil filler cap
(C) Notch mark
(D) Upper level
(E) Lower level
(F) Approx. 12 (1.1 US qt, 0.9 Imp qt)
PI-00012
(A)
(B)
(C)
PM-00181
(A)(B)
(D)
(E) (F)(C)

PM-21
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Engine Coolant
12.Engine Coolant
A: REPLACEMENT
1. REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE COOLANT
WARNING:
The radiator is of the pressurized type. Do not
attempt to open the radiator cap immediately
after the engine has been stopped.
1) Lift-up the vehicle.
2) Remove the under cover.
3) Place a container under drain pipe.
4) Loosen and remove the drain cock to drain en-
gine coolant into container.
5) For quick draining, open the radiator cap.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to spill coolant on the floor.
6) Drain the coolant from reservoir tank.
7) Tighten the radiator drain cock securely after
draining coolant.
8) Slowly pour the engine coolant from radiator fill-
er port to neck of filler, then pour into reservoir tank
up to “FULL” level.
Coolant capacity (fill up to “FULL” level)
2.0 L Non-turbo AT model:
Approx. 6.52 (6.9 US qt, 5.7 Imp qt)
2.0 L Non-turbo MT model:
Approx. 6.62 (7.0 US qt, 5.8 Imp qt)
2.0 L Non-turbo model with ATF warmer:
Approx. 6.92 (7.3 US qt, 6.1 Imp qt)
2.0 L 2.5 L Turbo AT and MT with oil cooler
model:
Approx. 7.32 (7.7 US qt, 6.4 Imp qt)
2.0 L 2.5 L Turbo MT without oil cooler model:
Approx. 7.42 (7.8 US qt, 6.5 Imp qt)
2.5 L AT model:
Approx. 6.82 (7.2 US qt, 6.0 Imp qt)
2.5 L MT model:
Approx. 6.92 (7.3 US qt, 6.1 Imp qt)NOTE:
The SUBARU Genuine Coolant containing anti-
freeze and anti-rust agents is especially made for
SUBARU engine, which has an aluminum crank-
case. Always use SUBARU Genuine Coolant,
since other coolant may cause corrosion.
9) Securely install the radiator cap.
10) Run the engine for more than 5 minutes at
2,000 to 3,000 rpm. (Run the engine until radiator
becomes hot in order to purge the air trapped in
cooling system.)
11) Stop the engine and wait until coolant temper-
ature lowers. Then open the radiator cap to check
coolant level and add coolant up to radiator filler
neck. Next, add coolant into reservoir tank up to
“FULL” level.
12) After adding coolant, securely install the radia-
tor and reservoir tank caps.
CO-00009

PM-26
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE SERVICE
ATF
16.ATF
A: INSPECTION
CAUTION:
The level of ATF varies with fluid temperature.
Pay attention to the fluid temperature when
checking ATF level.
1) Raise the ATF temperature by driving a distance
of 5 to 10 km (3 to 6 miles). Otherwise, idle the en-
gine to raise ATF temperature to 70 — 80°C (158
— 176°F) on Subaru Select Monitor. 4AT(H4SO)-18, READ CURRENT DATA, OPERA-
TION, Subaru Select Monitor.>
2) Make sure the vehicle is level.
3) After selecting all positions (P, R, N, D, 3, 2, 1),
set the select lever in “P” range. Measure the ATF
level with the engine idling for one or two minutes.
4) Make sure that ATF level is above the center of
upper and lower level.
NOTE:
When the transmission is hot, the level should be
above the center of upper and lower marks, and
when it is cold, the level should be found below the
center of these two marks.
5) If the ATF level is below the center between up-
per and lower marks, add the recommended ATF
until the ATF level is found above the center be-
tween upper and lower marks.
CAUTION:
 Use care not to exceed the upper limit level.
 Remember that the addition of ATF to the up-
per limit mark when the transmission is cold
will result in overfilling of ATF, causing a trans-
mission failure.
6) Check ATF level after raising ATF temperature
to 70 — 80°C (158 — 176°F) by running the vehicle
or by idling the engine again.7) Check the ATF for leaks.
Check for leaks in the transmission. If there are
leaks, it is necessary to repair or replace gasket, oil
seals, plugs or other parts.
B: REPLACEMENT
1. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
1) Drain the ATF by removing drain plug.
NOTE:
Before starting work, cool off ATF well.
2) Replace the gasket with a new one, and then
tighten the specified torque.
Tightening torque:
25 N·m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.1 ft-lb)
3) Fill ATF up to the middle of the “COLD” side on
level gauge by using the gauge hole.
Recommended fluid:
Dexron III type automatic transmission fluid
Fluid capacity:
Fill the same amount drained from ATF drain
plug hole.
(A) Level gauge
(B) Check position when “HOT”
(C) Upper level
(D) Lower level
(E) Check position when “COLD”
PI-00105
COLD
LFHOT LF
(A)
(C)
(D)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(B)(A) Front differential drain plug
(B) ATF drain plug
PM-00032
(B)
(A)