General Information: Diagnosis Subaru Forester SH

INSPECTION

Inspections to be carried out before and after maintenance are included.

DIAGNOSIS

Tables showing a step-by-step process make it easy to conduct diagnosis.

ROAD TEST

Always conduct road tests in accordance with traffic rules and regulations to avoid bodily injury and interrupting traffic.

GENERAL SCAN TOOL

Using general scan tools will greatly improve the efficiency of repairing engine electronic controls. Subaru Select Monitor can be used to diagnose the engine, VDC, air conditioner and other electronically controlled parts.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Remove the oil level gauge and wipe it clean.
3. Reinsert the oil level gauge all the way. Be sure that the oil level gauge is correctly inserted and properly orientated.
4. Remove the level gauge again and record the oil level. If the engine oil level is below "L" line, add oil to bring the level up to "F" line.
5. Start the engine and warm it up for a time.
6. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan before checking the level.

Note. Just after driving or while the engine is still warm, engine oil level shows in the range between "F" line and cutout portion. This is caused by thermal expansion of engine oil. As the oil level gauge is used for daily maintenance, the "F" line and "L" line is set assuming that the engine is cold.

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1. Remove the clips (A) fastening the under cover service hole and turn the service hole cover in the direction indicated by the arrow. (Turbo model)
2. Remove the oil filter using the ST. ST 18332AA000 OIL FILTER WRENCH (Outer diameter: 68 mm (2.68 in) for oil filter) CAUTION: If any engine oil is spilled on the exhaust pipe, wipe off completely to prevent fires or emission of smoke. Non-turbo model Turbo model
3. Clean the oil filter installation surface on cylinder block.
4. Obtain a new engine oil filter and apply a thin coat of engine oil to the seal rubber.
5. Install the oil filter by turning it by hand, being careful not to damage seal rubber.
6. Further tighten the oil filter (approx. one rotation) after the seal rubber of the oil filter comes in contact with the cylinder block. When using a torque wrench, tighten to 14 N.m (1.4 kgf-m, 10.3 ft-lb). CAUTION: Be careful not to tighten excessively, or oil may leak.
7. After installing the oil filter, run the engine and make sure that no oil is leaking around seal rubber. NOTE: The filter element and filter case are permanently jointed, therefore, interior cleaning is not necessary.
8. Return the service hole cover to its original position. (Turbo model)
9. Check the engine oil level. Refer to «INSPECTION»(ref-325297-S32730756322009071800000) , Engine Oil.

Scheme 19

1. Disconnect the battery cable, and then remove the battery and battery carrier.
2. Remove the air cleaner lower case.
3. Disconnect the spark plug cord.
4. Remove the spark plug with a plug-wrench.
5. Install a new spark plug. Recommended spark plug: Refer to «ELECTRICAL»(ref-325297-S40284272392009071800000) , Forester.
6. Tighten the spark plug lightly with hand, and then secure with a plug-wrench to the specified torque.

Tightening torque

21 N.m (2.1 kgf-m, 15.5 ft-lb)

Note. Be sure to place the gasket between the cylinder head and spark plug. If the torque wrench is not available, tighten the spark plug until gasket contacts cylinder head, then tighten further 1/4 to 1/2 turns.

Note. The rear belt does not require tension adjustment because it is a stretch-type belt.

Check the pipes and for rust around the pipe, damage to the hose, and for looseness of the band. If faulty parts are found, repair or replace them.

1. Non-turbo model Refer to «FUEL DELIVERY AND EVAPORATION LINES»(ref-325305-S19046617362009071800000) .
2. Turbo model Refer to «FUEL DELIVERY, RETURN AND EVAPORATION LINES»(ref-325306-S01069301672009071800000) .

If the filter is clogged, or if the replacement interval has been reached, replace it.

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1. Disconnect the ground cable from the battery.
2. Remove the air intake duct (rear).
3. Disconnect the connector from the mass air flow and intake air temperature sensor.
4. Remove the clips on the upper side of the air cleaner case.
5. Separate the intake duct boot from the air cleaner case. (Non-turbo model)
6. Pull the air cleaner case (rear) towards the back of the vehicle and remove the element.
7. Check that there is no foreign matter on the clean side and install in the reverse order of removal. CAUTION: Be sure to use SUBARU genuine air cleaner element depending on the engine type when replacing the air cleaner elements. Otherwise engine performance may be damaged.

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1. To check the radiator for leakage, fill it with engine coolant, and attach the radiator cap tester (A) to the filler neck, and apply pressure. Pressure: Non-turbo model 157 kPa (1.6 kg/cm 2 , 23 psi) Turbo model 122 kPa (1.2 kg/cm 2 , 18 psi) Check the following points: Leak from radiator Hose joints and other connections for leakage CAUTION: For Turbo model, inspection must be carried out at the side of coolant filler tank, not at the side of radiator. Be particularly careful not to deform the filler neck of radiator when installing and removing the tester and after testing. When performing this check, be sure to keep the engine stationary and fill radiator with coolant. Wipe off check points before applying pressure. Use care not to spill coolant when detaching tester from radiator. Do not remove the radiator cap. (Turbo model) Non-turbo model Turbo model
2. Check the radiator cap valve open pressure using radiator cap tester. Raise the pressure until the needle of gauge stops and see if the pressure can be retained for five to six seconds. The radiator cap is normal if a pressure above the limit value has been maintained for this period. If the valve opened at the service limit or less, replace the radiator cap. CAUTION: Rust or dirt on the cap may prevent valve from functioning normally: be sure to clean the cap before testing. Non-turbo model radiator side and turbo model coolant filler tank side Specification: 93 - 123 kPa (0.95 - 1.25 kg/cm 2 , 14 - 18 psi) Service limit: 83 kPa (0.85 kg/cm 2 , 12 psi) Radiator side on turbo models Specification: 122 - 152 kPa (1.24 - 1.55 kg/cm 2 , 18 - 22 psi) Service limit: 112 kPa (1.14 kg/cm 2 , 16 psi)
3. Start the engine, and then inspect that it does not overheat or it is cooled excessively. If it overheats or it is cooled excessively, check the cooling system. Refer to «INSPECTION»(ref-325303-S27793573832009071800000) , Water Pump. Refer to «INSPECTION»(ref-325303-S07532195062009071800000) , Thermostat. Refer to «RADIATOR»(ref-325303-S21607502462009071800000) . Refer to «RADIATOR CAP»(ref-325303-S32501300932009071800000) .
4. Check the radiator fan operates using Subaru Select Monitor, when the coolant temperature exceeds 95°C (203°F). If it does not operate, check the radiator fan system. Refer to «RADIATOR FAN SYSTEM»(ref-325303-S15277723222009071800000) .

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1. Raise the ATF temperature by driving a distance of 5 - 10 km (3 - 6 miles). Otherwise, idle the engine to raise ATF temperature to 70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F) on Subaru Select Monitor. Refer to «OPERATION»(ref-325308-S02243302352009071800000) , Read Current Data.
2. Make sure the vehicle is level.
3. After selecting all positions (P, R, N, D), set the select lever in "P" range. Idle the engine for 1 or 2 minutes, and measure the ATF level.
4. Make sure that ATF level is between the upper level and lower level on the "HOT" side.
5. If the ATF level is below the mid level between upper and lower marks, add the recommended ATF until the fluid level is above mid level. CAUTION: Be careful not to exceed the upper level. Do not fill up to the upper level on the "HOT" side when the ATF temperature is less than 70°C (158°F) as overfilling can cause problems.
6. Check the ATF level after raising ATF temperature to 70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F) by driving the vehicle another 5 - 10 km (3 - 6 miles) or by idling the engine again.
7. Check that there are no ATF leaks. If there are leaks, it is necessary to repair or replace gaskets, oil seals, plugs or other parts.

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1. Lift up the vehicle.
2. Remove the drain plug to drain the automatic transmission fluid (ATF). CAUTION: If any ATF is spilt on the exhaust pipe, wipe it off completely with a clean cloth. NOTE: Before starting work, allow the ATF to cool completely.
3. Check the condition of the drained ATF. Refer to «CONDITION CHECK»(ref-325309-S25597735782009071800000) , Automatic Transmission Fluid.
4. Replace the gasket with new part, and then tighten the drain plug to specified torque. Tightening torque: 25 N.m (2.5 kgf-m, 18.4 ft-lb)
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Pour ATF from the oil charge pipe. Recommended fluid: Refer to «FLUID»(ref-325297-S20074697792009071800000) , RECOMMENDED MATERIALS, Recommended Materials. Fluid capacity: Refill with the same amount of ATF drained from the ATF drain hole .
7. Check the level and leaks of the ATF. Refer to «INSPECTION»(ref-325297-S03464621602009071800000) , Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Scheme 30

1. Check that the brake fluid level remains between MIN and MAX. If out of the specified range, refill or drain fluid. If the fluid level becomes close to MIN, check the brake pad for wear and refill fluid.
2. Check the fluid for discoloration. If the fluid color has excessively changed, drain the fluid and refill with new fluid.

1. Measure the brake disc rotor inside diameter. If the disc is scored or worn, replace the brake disc rotor. Disc rotor inside diameter: Standard: 190 mm (7.48 in) Service limit: 191 mm (7.52 in)
2. Measure the lining thickness. If it exceeds the limit, replace the brake shoes.

Lining thickness

Standard

2.8 mm (0.11 in)

Service limit

1.5 mm (0.059 in)