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Oil change Guide2020 Subaru Forester

Complete DIY repair guide with step-by-step instructions. Find exact parts on Amazon for your vehicle.

Difficulty

Easy

Time

20-30 minutes

Parts Needed

2 items

DIY Savings

$100-400+

2020 Subaru Forester — What You Need to Know

  • EJ25 boxer engine: drain plug is on the PASSENGER side of the oil pan due to horizontal engine orientation
  • Filter is also on the passenger side — have a rag ready as oil spills when removing
  • EJ25 is prone to head gasket issues — check coolant level and look for milky oil after oil changes
  • Subaru recommends 5W-30 — do not use 0W-20 which can cause EJ25 oil consumption
Torque Specs

Drain plug: 33 ft-lbs (17mm)

Safety Warnings

  • Allow engine to cool before starting
  • Properly dispose of used oil at recycling center
  • Do not overtighten drain plug

Tools Required

Socket wrench set
Oil filter wrench
Drain pan
Funnel
Jack and jack stands

Parts Needed

Engine Oil5W-30 full synthetic recommended for EJ25 — 4.2 quarts with filter
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Oil Filter
OEM 15208-AA170Subaru SOA634012 / Fram PH10060
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Basic Procedure Overview

  1. 1Locate 17mm drain plug on passenger side of oil pan (boxer engine orientation)
  2. 2Drain and replace plug with new crush washer
  3. 3Replace oil filter on passenger side — expect some oil spill, have rags ready
  4. 4Add 4 quarts, start and check, top to full mark
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About Oil change on Subaru Forester

Performing a oil change on your 2020 Subaru Forester is a common maintenance task that most DIY mechanics can handle with basic tools. By doing this repair yourself, you can save $100-400 compared to dealership or shop prices.

The Subaru Forester has been in production for many years, and oil change procedures are well-documented. Always refer to your owner's manual for vehicle-specific information and torque specifications.

Where to Buy Parts

We recommend purchasing parts through Amazon for fast Prime shipping, competitive prices, and easy returns. All part links include your vehicle fitment information for accurate results.

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