Oil & Filter Change 2003 Subaru Forester XS 2.5L 4 Cyl.

Subaru Forester Model Years - 2003, 2004, 2005

1. Getting Started - Prepare for the repair

2. Open the Hood - How to pop the hood and prop it open

3. Find Oil Drain - Locate the oil drain plug underneath the vehicle

Car Displayed: 2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. info

4. Drain Oil - Set up the workspace, drain oil and replace plug

5. Find Oil Filter - Locate the oil filter

Car Displayed: 2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. info

6. Remove Filter - Position drain pan and remove the oil filter

7. Replace Filter - Add oil to the new oil filter and insert it

8. Remove Oil Cap - Take off the oil fill cap

Car Displayed: 2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. info

9. Add Oil - Determine the correct oil type and add oil

10. Replace Cap - Put the oil fill cap back on the engine

Car Displayed: 2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. info

11. Leak Inspection - Start vehicle and visually inspect for leaks

12. Remove Dipstick - Locate, remove and wipe oil dipstick

Car Displayed: 2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. info

13. Read Oil Level - Reinsert dipstick, remove and then read oil level

Car Displayed: 2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. info

14. Clean Up Tips - How to best clean spills and deal with used oil

15. More Info. - Additional information on oil changes

Author

Hans Angermeier is an ASE certified Maintenance and Light Repair Technician and has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road. Over the past 10 years, Hans has been focused on building CarCareKiosk, which is visited by millions of drivers each month.

Share on   Share on Twitter   Share on Facebook
Parts & Tools
We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate
Video Description

Learn how to change the oil and oil filter in your 2003 Subaru Forester with this free video. What type of oil is required in a Forester? You can use synthetic oil in any modern vehicle. Many vehicles will require the use of 100% synthetic oil, others allow synthetic blend, which is a mix of synthetic and conventional oil, and conventional oil too. The synthetic oil vs conventional oil debate has many proponents on both sides. Synthetic oil will not break down over time and tends to have longer change intervals, so if you want to have more time between oil changes, then synthetic oil is a good choice. Conventional oil works well for drivers who change their oil regularly and if it is approved for your Forester. The owners manual will indicate if your 2003 Forester takes 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30 or 10W-30. This video shows the location of the oil drain plug, oil filter, oil fill cap and dipstick in addition to the steps needed to change the oil and filter in your Forester. For most Subarus, you can wrap an old belt around the oil filter and unscrew it by hand. If you can't do this, see our parts page to find a Subaru Forester oil filter wrench. If your Forester is too low to the ground to access your drain plug and oil filter, be sure to use jack stands and safe jacking procedures before getting under your Forester.

We recommend wearing safety glasses whenever you are working under your Forester. You never know what could be dripping down from the engine, battery acid, engine coolant, brake fluid, etc. All of these fluids are harmful to your eyes and skin so it is important to protect yourself.

  • Advance Auto coupon for
    20% off entire order: KIOSK20
2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. Fuse (Engine) Replace

If you have an electrical component that doesn't work, try replacing the fuse first

2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. Hoses Fix Leaks

The best way to fix leaking hoses is to replace them, but if you don't have time, a stop leak product might work for you

2006 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. Check Engine Light Diagnose

A check engine light can be cleared with a simple fix or it could be a major problem - find out now!

2011 Subaru Forester X 2.5L 4 Cyl. Air Conditioner Recharge Freon

If your car blows hot air when your air conditioner is turned on, try recharging the freon first