Subaru Forester

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2002 Subaru Forester

2002 Subaru Forester questions and answers

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Q: I have a 2002 Subaru Forester and the ABS vibrates my steering wheel and the break pedal too. What is wrong?
This has been happening for several months now. My brakes pads do not need to be replaced according to dealer, but they are "glazed" which they said was not a safety issue.

A: Are you sure it's the ABS?..When the ABS activates, it is normal for the brake pedal to drop/ vibrate due to the pulses from the fluid pump, but it should only be active on slippery surfaces, or other low-traction situations. A vibration in the steering wheel during normal braking is usually caused by warped front brake rotors.The rotor warpage, as well as the glazing of the front brake pads is likely caused by, of all things, the rear drum brakes being out of adjustment. If they are not doing their share of the work, it transfers that load to the already maxed out front disc brakes, causing them to overheat. The excess heat actually melts the first few thousandths of material on the brake pad, causing the glazed effect. Neither the warpage, pad glazing, or the rear adjustment is a serious defect (read: easily repaired), but it is somewhat a safety issue, as it causes poor steering control while braking, and significantly longer stopping distances. P.S.: It might be worthwhile to get a second opinion from an independent shop.. in my experience, while Subaru dealers are better than most, they aren't infallible.

Q: What do I need to do to install a fuel cut-off switch in a 2002 Subaru Forester?
My son's car and house keys were recently stolen. We have re-keyed the house, but re-keying the car is pricie. My son wants to install a device that will shut off the fuel, making the car inoperable if it is stolen.

A: Have an auto electric shop install a hidden toggle on/off switch on the hot side of the ignition in a spot chosen by your son. No juice from the ignition key on being turned and car will not start.

Q: how do I change the headlight bulb in my 2002 Subaru Forester?
I can't disconnect the electrical connector from the lightbulb itself. How does one do this?

A: Did you get the bulb to come out of the headlamp housing? There is a little piece of metal holding down the bulb that looks like a twisted paper clip...press on the raised end to release the clip and you will be able to pull the bulb out. While it would be easier to get at if you disconnected the electrical connector, this is not really necessary. Try pinching really hard on the connector to release it as it will not release if you only pull on it.

Q: I have a 2002 Subaru Forester, I just want to find out does rust proofing really work?
If so how often should i do it? some says once a year others once every two years? anyways its gonna be winter soon i just dont know if ill be needing it?

A: Yes they come rust proofed from the factory. Yours is 5 model years old now. I would suggest getting it rustproofed maybe next year, Go somewhere reputable, and have it done/checked once a year. It's amazing how fast cars rust when the original protection wears down. So you can keep your forester looking good. I have seen cars that have been taken care of and cars that have been let go. The difference is big.

Q: Does anyone have a 2002 Subaru Forester?
if so, do you like it? if not, what do you not like about it? i found a used one for a great price and i'm trying to decide if i want to buy it, but would appreciate feedback if possible. thanks in advance!

A: yea its ok

Q: I'm thinking of buying a 2002 Subaru Forester. Any opinions? Is it a good reliable car?


A: Oh yes. Just about ANY Subaru you get is going to be good. Just make sure you have the paper-work that shows that the over camshaft timing belts have been replaced when they were supposed to be(should be around 45-60,000 miles if memory serves me for this car model), the tires are good(a penny shouldn't have more than half of Abe's face showing when put between the treads), and the original owners manual and spare tire and e-jack and tire iron are there. Trust me, you can NEVER go wrong with fully independent suspension and all-wheel drive. Ever.

Q: What is the tire Preasure of a 2002 subaru forester? stock 15inch wheels.?


A: 32-35 psi also check your driverside door on the edge of the door, there should be the specs on there

Q: Until recently I had a 2002 Subaru Forester and oil change errors were a nightmare!?
Dealership is 50 miles away...not practical every time I just need an oil change. When car was only six months old, Wal-Mart drained the transmission fluid thinking it was the oil. Wal-Mart ended-up issuing a $6,000 check for a new transmission. For the past 2 1/2 years I have been taking it to an indepent mechanic for oil changes and everything has gone OK until recently. This place has an excellent reputation. Every time I went in for an oil change, I told the Wal-Mart story again, just to be safe. Even so, they apparently had someone new or a different person than usual change my oil. I took it to a transmission guy who told me that the front differential fluid was completely drained. There was no leak, it had been drained......transmission ruined again. If anyone else has had this nightmare with a Subaru, please let me know. The transmission guy told me that differential and transmission are connected and that probably the whole transmission would have to be replaced, although he could not do it....would have to be taken to the dealership. At any rate, is there anyone with a Subaru who has had a problem with the wrong fluid being drained during an oil change? I have been told that the drain plugs on Subaru are very confusing because they are not labeled and it is impossible to tell which is which.

A: There is no relation between a "drained" front differential and a bad transmission. Two totally unrelated items.

Q: Help with subaru forester alarm code/immobilser?
I just bought a 2002 Subaru Forester a month ago and am really pleased with it. However I have just taken the immobilser out of the washing machine as I left it in my jeans pocket and now it is not working. I do not have the code to disable the alarm. Please help. Any suggestions would be much appreciated urgently. Where would I get the code? How would I get the immobilser to work again? I can't get in touch with the dealer this week as they are closed

A: Your RKE/Alarm (fob) widget is DOA, buy a new one for about 60 bucks. Actually, buy two and have them programmed, then put one away in a desk drawer for the next time you lose or break the widget (fob) If you set the alarm when you left your car and the alarm light is flashing, your only choice is to have it towed to a dealer, because a security system is only good if its not easy to get around, and the dealer is the only one with access to the security codes and code readers. FYI- the remote keyless/alarm transmitter (fob) is different from the imobilizer. The imobilizer (transponder) is in the head of a special key on some later vehicles and does not require a battery to allow the vehicle to start. The fob is to open/lock doors and set the alarm, the imobilizer key prevents the vehicle from starting. When you visit your dealer have him run the VIN to see if your car is equipted with an imobilizer (starter lockout), most likely not if its 2002

Q: Subaru Forester 2002 noise turning?
After I start the car and turn 90 degrees to the left (sharp left) I hear at the end a "thumping" noise, "clank", "clank" ...It is not reproducible all the time. I am afraid if I go to the mechanic will replace something and wont' cure it... I would like to know more what could it be... Ideas or suggestions of what to do? David

A: it could be the cv joint. if it makes a popping noise when you are turning and moving forward at the same time. the cv joint has a rubber boot to keep dirt out and grease in. if the boot is worn, the grease will leak out and the joint will dry out and cause problems. just a thought. might be worth checking into.

Q: How many miles per gallon should I be getting in my Subaru Forester?
It is a 2002 Forester Sport, 2 litre petrol engine.

A: All Subys are thirsty cars. The boxer designed motor is inherintly thirsty. your lucky to get 25mpg...............

Q: 2002 Subaru Forestor, Stereo works but there is no sound.
My stereo was working fine, then i parked it for 15 mins. restarted my car and there was no sound. Radio, cd and tape all seems to work but i dont hear any type of sound. Its an 2002 Subaru Forester base edition. My commute to work is 55 miles up and down. I need this stereo working. Any help would be great. Thanks a TON in advance. i dont know where is AMP or ground wire, iam totally new to this. i added nothing to it. Its as subaru manufactured. i guess i shall take it to mechanic. thought i could do it by myself but i dont understand the terminolgy

A: Sounds like it could be as simple as a lose connection at the back of the head unit or a stripped wire causing your speakers not to get power. If you have an upgraded system, maybe the amplifier needs a new fuse or to be reset. Check your fuse box as well. Maybe if you post more info on the radio type/options we can be of more assistance to you.

Q: 2002 Subaru Forrester L 76,647 miles - asking price $8990?
looks good, drives well, no major dents but a significant scrape area in front of and a little over the drivers side rear wheel area - similar to a garage scrape but looks more significant - the rims of the tire were scraped also - everything else looks good for the year and mileage Assuming the mechanics inspection is good - What would be your final offer? KBB Vehicle Condition: Fair Good Excellent Retail Excellent: 11,810 Private Party: 7,940 8,800 9,480 Trade-in: 5,730 6,695 7,275 Edmunds 2002 Subaru Forester L AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) Trade-In - Private Party - Dealer Retail $6,627 - $7,836 - $8,969 Certified Used Vehicle N/A NadaGuides Clean Trade-In Clean Retail Value $7,600 - $9,425

A: $8k depending on the severity of the scrape

Q: subaru forester - rear passenger door is getting stiff?
I have a slightly quirky 2002 forester. The rear passenger door is getting stiff - it requires actual effort to open and close. There is no visible body damage to the outer or inner part of the door. Has anyone had actual experience with the problem? There are no obvious spots to inject with WD-40.

A: Lubricate the hinges and guide rod that goes in the middle. White grease works well.

Q: Driver headlight bulb didn't look burnt out when I replaced it last week, now the new one isn't working- why?
Subaru Forester 2002 Driver side headlight not working, passenger headlight is fine- wiring issue? Also- my clock is no longer working

A: Did the new one ever work? If so and it just quit working, you may have touched the bulb, causing it to fail prematurely. Halogen bulbs cannot come in contact with the oils on our skin or they will fail. If it never worked then you probably have a wiring problem or did not install it properly.