Subaru Forester

1997-2005 of release

Repair and operation of the car


Subaru Forester
+ Subaru Forester cars
+ Maintenance instruction
- Routine maintenance
   Schedule of routine maintenance of the Subaru Forester cars
   General information
   General information about settings and adjustments
   Check of levels of liquids
   Check of a condition of tires and pressure of their rating
   Check of level of the RKPP gearbox oil
   Check of the ATF level and liquid of forward differential of automatic transmission
   Check of level of liquid of the power steering
   Replacement of motive oil and oil filter
   Check, service and charging of the rechargeable battery
   Check of a condition of components of the cooling system
   Check of a state and replacement of the hoses located in a motive compartment
   Check of a state and replacement of brushes of screen wipers
   Rotation of wheels
   Check of a condition of components of a suspension bracket and steering drive
   Greasing of components of the chassis
   Check of a condition of components of system of production of the fulfilled gases
   Check of level of lubricant in the transfer case of all-wheel drive models
   Check of level of lubricant of back differential
   Check of a condition of seat belts
   Check and adjustment of turns and composition of mix of idling
   Check of a condition of protective covers of power shafts
   Check and replacement of the valve of system of the operated ventilation of a case (PCV) (at the corresponding complete set of the car)
   Replacement of the filtering air cleaner element
   Check of a state, adjustment of effort of a tension and replacement of driving belts
   Check of a condition of components of a power supply system
   Check of the brake system
   Adjustment of pedals of a foot brake and coupling
   Check of a state and replacement of spark plugs
   Check of a state and replacement of components of system of ignition
   Service of the cooling system (depletion, washing and filling)
   Replacement of ATF of automatic transmission
   Replacement of the RKPP gearbox oil
   Replacement of lubricant of the transfer case (all-wheel drive models)
   Differential lubricant replacement
   Check of a condition of components of system of catching of fuel evaporations
   Check of serviceability of a condition of components of system of recirculation of the fulfilled gases (EGR)
+ Engine
+ Cooling systems, heating
+ Power supply system and release
+ Engine electric equipment
+ Control systems of the engine
+ Gear shifting box
+ Coupling, transmission line
+ Brake system
+ Suspension bracket and steering
+ Body
+ Onboard electric equipment


Check of a condition of components of the cooling system

Check of a condition of components of the cooling system (each 12 000 km of a run or time in 6 months)

The wide range of engine failures is connected with violation of functioning of the cooling system. On the models equipped with AT, this system provides also ATF cooling, supporting by that optimum conditions for work of transmission.

Check of a condition of components of the cooling system has to be made after full cooling of the power unit (not less than in three hours after an engine stop).

Do not uncover a jellied mouth of a radiator at the hot engine at all!

Uncover a radiator / a broad tank for what at first turn it to the first emphasis to the left. If the hissing indicating excessive pressure in system is heard wait for its termination, then press a cover a palm down and continue to turn before liberation to the left. Carefully wash out a cover clear water from within and outside. Also wash out jellied mouths of a radiator and a broad tank. From the cleared surfaces all traces of corrosion have to be completely removed. The cooling liquid which is in system has to be rather transparent. If liquid is painted in color of a rust, the system has to be washed out and filled with fresh mix (see the Section Service of the Cooling System (depletion, washing and filling)). If the level of liquid does not reach top, add in a radiator a little more mix of the required structure (see the Section Check of Levels of Liquids).

Attentively examine the top and lower radiator hoses, and also the hoses of system of heating of salon having smaller diameter and located between the power unit and a partition of a motive compartment.

Examples of typical defects of radiator hoses

Check hoses on all their length and in case of identification of cracks, swellings and signs of aging of material you make replacement of defective components.





The softening of rubber testifies to the beginning of its destruction as a result of aging.







Too hard tightening of a collar for the purpose of more reliable fixing on an union/branch pipe of the hardened hose does not promote the leak termination, and only leads to hose material destruction.








Check all hoses for existence of swellings and traces of infiltration of oil at end faces. Cracks and small breaks in rubber come to light when tightening a hose easier.


It is usually simpler to make out small cracks when tightening a hose. Regardless of a state it is necessary to change hoses approximately time in two years.

Check reliability of fastening of all hoses on the unions / branch pipes. Leak of cooling liquid is usually shown in the form of potek of rusty or white color on the surfaces surrounding their source. If hoses are fixed on unions/branch pipes by collars of the twisted type, the last will be reasonable to be replaced more reliable worm or screw.

By blowing off, or by means of a soft brush, remove with compressed air from gaps between radiator heat exchanger plates old leaves, remains of insects and other garbage. Try not to damage soft plates of the heat exchanger and not to cut fingers about their keen edges.

Every second check, and also at the first signs of violation of functioning of the cooling system you make check of a cover of a radiator pressure. If near at hand there is no suitable equipment, ask for the help on car repair shop.