2020 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Oil Level Switch: Removal

CAUTION: If the engine oil is spilt over the engine, exhaust pipe or the under cover, completely wipe it off to avoid emission of smoke or causing a fire.
  1. Remove the striker assembly front hood, Refer to EXTERIOR BODY PANELS>FRONT HOOD>DISASSEMBLY .
  2. Fully open the panel COMPL front hood. Refer to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>STAY ASSEMBLY FRONT HOOD .
  3. Disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor, Refer to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
  4. Remove the collector cover. Refer to INTAKE (INDUCTION (H4DO)>COLLECTOR COVER>REMOVAL .
  5. Remove the air intake duct. Refer to INTAKE (INDUCTION) (H4DO)>AIR INTAKE DUCT>REMOVAL .
  6. Remove the clip from the air intake boot, and loosen the clamp.
    G13223823Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Remove the air intake boot, and place it aside so that it does not interfere with the work.
    CAUTION: Be careful not to pull out the PCV hose.
    G13223824Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Remove the TCM. Refer to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580)>TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM)>REMOVAL .
  9. Turn the transmission harness clockwise till the bolt hole can be seen as shown in the figure, and tighten the bolt to temporarily lock the harness.
    G11253157Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  10. Drain the engine oil. Refer to LUBRICATION (H4DO)>ENGINE OIL>REPLACEMENT .
  11. Remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to EXHAUST (H4DO)>FRONT EXHAUST PIPE>REMOVAL .
  12. Remove the nuts which secure the engine mounting to the crossmember COMPL front.
    G11253160Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  13. Remove the electric power steering gearbox. Refer to POWER ASSISTED SYSTEM (POWER STEERING)>ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GEARBOX>REMOVAL .
  14. Remove the front drive shaft LH. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT/DRIVE SHAFT/AXLE>FRONT DRIVE SHAFT>REMOVAL .
  15. Attach the ST1 and ST2.

    Preparation tool: 

    ST1: BOLT (18363AA050)

    ST2: HANGER (18360AA040)

    Tightening torque: 

    43 N.m (4.4 kgf-m, 31.7 ft-lb)

    G13224824Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  16. Lift up the engine with a lifting device and wire ropes.
    CAUTION: When lifting up the engine, pay attention to the clearance of each part and be careful not to lift the engine too much, in order to prevent damaging the vehicle.
    G13591174Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  17. Remove the engine mounting LH.
    G11253671Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  18. Disconnect the connector and remove the clips.
    G13224827Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  19. Remove the clip to remove the oil level switch.
    G13224828Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.