2006–2008 Subaru Forester

2006-2008 Subaru Forester — Oil and Filter Change

🔧 Easy 30–60 minutes

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

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Total Cost

$0.00

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
5W-30 engine oil (about 4.2 quarts)	—	—	Amazon
Spin-on engine oil filter (EJ25 bottom-mount application)	—	—	Amazon
Oil drain plug crush washer	—	—	Amazon

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Warm the engine and secure the car

Start the engine and let it idle for 2 to 3 minutes so the oil warms and flows out faster, then shut it off. Park on level pavement, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. The 2006-2008 Forester has enough ground clearance that many owners can reach the drain plug without lifting, but use ramps or jack stands if you need more room. Warm, not hot, oil drains quickly without burning you.

Remove the under-engine splash shield if equipped

Look under the front of the engine for the plastic splash shield held on by trim clips and Phillips screws. Pop the clips with a trim tool and remove the screws so the shield drops down, exposing the oil drain plug and the spin-on oil filter on the underside of the EJ25. Keep the clips in a cup because they are easy to lose. You have access when both the drain plug and filter are visible.

Position the drain pan and remove the drain plug

Slide the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug, positioning it slightly toward the rear because the oil shoots out at an angle at first. Break the drain plug loose with a socket wrench, then finish removing it by hand so it does not drop into the pan. Let the oil drain fully, which takes several minutes on the EJ25. The plug is out when oil flows in a steady thin stream and then slows to drips.

Reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer

Wipe the drain plug and the pan mating surface clean, then fit a new crush washer onto the plug with its flat side toward the pan. Thread the plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading the aluminum pan, then snug it firmly with the wrench; do not over-tighten. A fresh crush washer is what actually seals the plug, so reusing the old one risks a slow drip. The plug is done when it is snug and the washer is compressed.

Remove the old oil filter from under the engine

On the 2006-2008 Forester the EJ25 uses a bottom-mount spin-on filter on the underside of the engine, reached from below. Loosen it with an oil filter wrench, turning counterclockwise, and be ready with the drain pan because the filter holds oil that will spill. Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the filter; if it stuck to the engine block, peel it off, because a doubled gasket will blow out under pressure. The mount is clean when no old gasket or sludge remains.

Install the new oil filter

Put a film of fresh engine oil on the new filter's rubber gasket with your fingertip so it seals and comes off easily next time. Spin the filter onto the mount by hand until the gasket just touches, then tighten it another two-thirds to three-quarters of a turn, hand-tight only. Never use the filter wrench to install it, because over-tightening crushes the gasket and can crack the mount. The filter is correct when it is snug by hand and the gasket is evenly seated.

Refill with 5W-30 engine oil

Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine, set a funnel in the filler neck, and pour in about 4.2 quarts of 5W-30 engine oil, which is the specified grade and capacity for the 2.5L EJ25 in this Forester. Pour slowly to avoid an airlock in the funnel. Replace the fill cap and wipe up any drips. The fill is complete when the cap is back on tight.

Start the engine and check for leaks

Start the engine and let it run for 30 to 60 seconds while you watch the drain plug and filter areas for any drips. The oil pressure light should go out within a few seconds; if it stays on, shut the engine off immediately and recheck the filter and drain plug. Shut the engine off and wait two minutes for oil to settle. No leaks and a normal oil light mean the mechanical work is done.

Check the dipstick level and top off

Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it again to read the level. Add small amounts of 5W-30 until the level sits at the upper mark; the EJ25 typically takes close to 4.2 quarts with a new filter, sometimes a touch more. Reinstall the splash shield and its clips. The job is finished when the level reads correctly and the shield is secure.

Recycle the used oil and reset the reminder

Pour the used oil from the drain pan into a sealed container and take it, along with the old filter, to an auto parts store or recycling center; never pour it down a drain or into the trash. Reset the oil change reminder if your Forester has one. Record the date and mileage so the next change is on schedule.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Reusing the old crush washer on the drain plug, which causes a slow oil drip.
• Leaving the old filter gasket stuck to the block, creating a doubled gasket that blows out under pressure.
• Over-tightening the new spin-on filter with a wrench instead of hand-tightening.
• Overfilling past the dipstick marks, which can cause foaming and oil seal leaks on the EJ25.
• Losing the splash shield clips and driving without the shield, which exposes the filter to road debris.

Tools You'll Need

Socket wrench and socket for the drain plug Oil filter wrench Oil drain pan (at least 5-quart capacity) Funnel Trim tool set and Phillips screwdriver (for splash shield) New crush washer for the drain plug Floor jack and jack stands or ramps (if more clearance is needed) Shop rags Gloves and safety glasses

⚠️ Safety First!

• Let the engine cool to warm, not hot, before draining; scalding oil causes serious burns.
• Wear safety glasses when working under the car; oil and debris can drip into your eyes.
• Always support the car on jack stands or ramps, never on the jack alone, if you lift it.
• Used engine oil is hazardous; contain spills and recycle it, never dump it.