2017 Forester XT Spark Plug Change and 60k Mile Service

[@scottobrien963]

Great DIY!! Did mine yesterday. Definitely took a minute to get the right combo of extensions. I bought the socket, extensions and plugs you recommended. Did drivers side first then passenger. My plugs looked similar to yours, 60k. Thanks again!! Need more M2c content!!

[@dogsbyfire]

This video proves that Uncle Chuck is The Man! Thanks. Getting ready to swap the plugs on my own XT, and this video will make it a lot more fun.

[@calgarytek]

Pre-gapped spark plugs never have the correct gap. You're the last step in QC, so you want to verify the gap and adjust. Make sure you avoid touching the electrodes and gap it using using a feeler guage/gap tool.

[@KrGsMrNKusinagi0]

yea mine literally had 0 gap at all i had to set them all

[@leemoore8154]

FYI, the service manual wants you to take out a couple clips and go up through the wheel well to loosen the hose clamp holding the air box in place. I cannot understand how that seemed like a better solution to Subaru than to just rotate the clamp 180 degrees.

[@halnogaies1256]

I have an 09 forester NA and i have been changing the plugs for a long time. I highly recommend you guide the plug into the engine with a plastic tube and turn it in instead of inserting it with the socket.

[@itdsntmattr6729]

Thanks for mentioning there may be different spark plug sizes as the 2.0 and 2.5 are not the same part number. Great video btw!

[@jgzero18]

My 17 forester AC had to be recharged too. I got a letter from Subaru about them extending the warranty on the AC’s. It’s a common issue apparently.

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Cool, next time mine needs filling i'm gonna take it in and see how it goes!

[@jtwu8931]

Bro, thanks for the DIY video. You can’t get a real torque value from the kinked extension/wobbly thing at an angle. For spark plugs the general rule of thumb is seat the washers and then 1/4 to 1/2 turn to crush it against the valve cover. Thx.

[@danwells3758]

You skipped over the Recommended brake fluid replacement; what are your thoughts on that?

[@johnkerfont8066]

If your forester is similar to the 07 legacy gt, undoing the 2 motor mount nuts underneath and jacking up the engine a bit will give you more room. Something to think about for next time.

[@Mike_44]

Most tedious, painful service to perform in these engines. You made it look easy. Great job!

[@jerryclleung]

I had a 17- 2.5 Premium 6spd, was slower than my 99 Camry. Burned 3 quarts of oil, before the 5k mile interval. My first oil change burned 1 quart already, and was getting progressively worse. Got my oil consumption test done just below 30k miles, and got my new engine put in. Gotta say this car should have been like this from the get go. Runs and sounds amazing now, hopefully it doesn't burn anymore oil. Dealer said this engine is entirely new and redesigned and none has ever had an issue. "Keeping my fingers crossed". I gotta say this car is so easy to work on! Another reason why I bought it!

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Dang hope your latest engine is better luck!

[@jerryclleung]

@@TWRX_Chuck Yes, thank you Chuck! I hope so too, sounds great, continues to pull hard, even past 3k 3.5k, unlike the old one rev'd out at like 2.5k. Did an oil change at 500 miles, glad I did that! Metal shaving stuck on the oil cap like termite tracks. Gotta wait till the 2nd oil change to find out, dealer put 6 quarts, so I put back 6 quarts.

[@aaronmatulevich454]

Did you sell your 17? I have the manual now. I am religiously checking the oil.

[@jerryclleung]

@@aaronmatulevich454 yes I ended up selling it. The new engine was still burning oil after all and just got tired of it. I later even found out why I was getting a severe pain in my right buttock for the longest time. I spent a day helping my sister run errands, she asked me if I was getting pain in my right buttock? I was like YES how do you know? She replied because she was getting it on her left buttock. She said it was because of the transmission tunnel in the car causing an angle/off setting of your leg. That gave me an even bigger reason to get rid of it, was never truly comfortable to me. I sold it to Carvana for a good price, but I had a ton of mods on it. Whoever buys it will surely be lucky! Good luck with yours buddy! BTW, if you’re in the north east I still have aftermarket parts (new) for the Forester if you’re interested. Hella horn, heated side mirror w/puddle light, mid skid plate, rear diff skid plate, rock sliders

[@YouLilJerk]

Driver side back one I cannot get the coilpack out, let alone the right combo of extensions to it. The front one and both on passenger side were a breeze with the airbox out and did in 20 mins.

[@stephengelinas4155]

You sounded like a pro until I heard you describe the spark plug parts as this and that metal thing,lol.Great job though,especially camera angles.Still not sure if I am confident enough to tackle this task.Thanks

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Def not a pro 😂

[@boxer_rumbler5946]

There was a replacement issued for 17 Foresters. I know my 2.5i A/C took a shit last year, Subaru recharged it then and replaced it this year.

[@KABUCHWA.]

have you done another service to this 2017 XT 3 yrs later? kindly post the video..

[@Mike-ji8ez]

Why would the manufacturers make the plugs so darn hard to get to?

[@richardepstein3494]

for the dealers profit!!

[@Maddog165]

It’s just the nature of the beast with the Subaru boxer engine. If you don’t want to deal with the difficulty of spark plug change on these engines, buy something that has an inline 4 cylinder engine. All 4 plugs will be on top the cylinder head, but it still might require some disassembly if it has plastic engine covers and or hassle with the rear plug being far back in the engine bay and covered by the firewall. It’s a thing that happens when vehicles are over engineered and lots of stuff in the way to get at a seemingly easy maintenance job.

[@therealchickentender]

Still have mine as well, same year, Premium package. We bought it at the end of the model year just before 2018s were rolling into dealership at a great deal. Had and used it for my contract work for about a year, then we moved and contract work slowed down a ton, then COVID hit and even my wife was working from home. As a result I've got just shy of 17k on the thing and every dealership we go into (we're looking for an Impreza for her) wants my car. :D

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Hey Chuck, your AC leak is likely from the condenser. Happened to me earlier this year, and apparently it's a common enough problem on the SJ Foresters that Subaru just started a warranty extension for that repair. If you take a look through the front grille you'll probably see dark spots on the condenser from the oil in the refrigerant (that's how I knew mine was failing).

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Thanks for the tip I'll take a look tomorrow. Hopefully subaru will cover ours as well!

[@snowmen6666]

Same thing here. They refill the coolant twice and I think they finally replace the condenser the third time.

[@tlipsey77]

Literally took mine to the dealer for this today and they stripped/broke the bolts to the condenser and radiator. Driving a loaner now for the next two weeks. Also to have a dealer do the plugs it's $315 from the quote today.

[@therealchickentender]

Full on warranty replacement now a recall. I just happened to take mine to the dealer finally for the pass-side airbag sensor replacement and he noted this had just come in ... which was weird cuz I'd not seen it come up anywhere, but did a bit of forum digging and found all the condenser stories. Must've reached a critical mass with dealer warranty work one-offs becoming so numerous that Subaru issued the call. Anyhow - mine wasn't having any probs (cuz I've only got 17k on my 17 :) ) but it's swapped now.

[@seragram]

@@snowmen6666 how much was it?

[@alastairjhunter3666]

I noticed you didn’t mention the oil. I’m on my second 2.0xt. I always change the oil every 5,000km with the Subaru SN 5w-30 oil and Subaru oil filter. Someone once said they changes the oil because it’s cheap. The Subaru oil isn’t cheap and it’s VERY important to use the Subaru oil. I know of at least two Forester owners locally who haven’t used the Subaru oil and they’ve ended up having to get new engines. Also it’s important to change the engine belt and tensioner every 100,000km (60k miles). When you fit a new belt you MUST change the tensioner as well (the tensioner bearing starts to go, which is usually what damages the belt). When that belt goes it’s a new engine! It’s strongly advised the belt and tensioner are Subaru parts. Most aftermarket parts are very poor quality and with the 2.0xt being a high performance engine you’d be making a huge gamble with what is an engine critical component.

[@hahahahah8396]

Thank you so much wish I saw this before I went to the dealer I paid 790 for the service omg!

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Guess I was a little late!

[@misztal2112]

Yeah they absolutely gouge you for this service. I live in Canada and they want $1200+. No thanks, I'll buy them for $40 on Amazon and do it myself.

[@kmcygm]

they want 450 here for spark plugs. crazy. i've never done car work but i'm willing to learn and try it. spark plugs can't be that hard (or dirty like a oil change).

[@nick.doubleu]

Just knocked this out in my ‘16 XT - thanks for the demo!

[@bk3540]

Thanks for vid, there should be a recall on the ac, there was on our 17 xt. Made a hugh difference in cooling and the way the car runs with ac on.

[@turtle1723]

I know Subaru says 60k for plugs but those NGK are good for 100k. I'm opting to do front/rear diff this year and plugs at 75k.

[@MrJamesstennett]

Good video. I am also going to swap out the coil packs too while I am down there.

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Nice probably worth the extra cost to just have to not do it again 😂

[@FreedomLover170]

Thanks for taking the time to help us Forester people out. This job over all doesn't seem so bad but I get why the dealership would charge 300 plus dollars for this service. Battery on our 17 forester just went bad last month and I had a leaking ac condenser replaced under warranty but other than that its been good 👍.

[@TWRX_Chuck]

No prob man, good to hear yours is doing well. Maybe I should take mine in for them to checkout the AC issue? How many miles was on yours for the warranty fix?

[@FreedomLover170]

@@TWRX_Chuck 40k it wasn't working at all

[@amw2822]

The AC also stopped working on our 18 FXT one day during the summer (of course), took it in and they replaced the compressor, condenser, and charged it up all under warranty. A month later I got a notice in the mail saying the warranty is being extended to 10/100k on all AC parts.

[@TWRX_Chuck]

@@amw2822 Nice! When mine starts to have issues again I'll bring it in, thanks for the tip!

[@dannyw7662]

According to amazon the socket that you posted does not fit 2017 subaru's

[@76.2.7]

So I don’t need the new top coils I can just buy new sparks and will get same service?

[@aaronmatulevich454]

This video was extremely helpful, thank you.

[@madjanx]

Super helpful. Also didn't know you were into Obsessed Garage! Thanks again.

[@HackSparrow8]

Yeah, how is it going? About to purchase a 2017 Forrester 2.0XT Premium through the family. It has about 15k miles and very lightly used. I don't know the prior service history, any recommendations or thoughts for things to check / service off the bat? Thanks, interesting videos!

[@justdoit7091]

That nm moments? Subaru 2.5 19-21

[@CoryDarling-b5z]

At 12:55 on your video the metal thingy on the spark plug is call an electrode. Other than that it is a good video.

[@jdlamb1690]

60k Svc cost me $1030, today, ‘21 Forester. I sweated heavily changing the battery, so…dealer has my $. Still love my Forester though!

[@valentineleamy9842]

check the ac o rings for the ac systems if you seeing sweats .

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Thanks for the tip!

[@BlueRidgeJ79]

Thanks...I'll be doing mine shortly. Just can't see paying the dealer $600, even though it looks like a little bit of a pain.

[@mattheviewer]

Good info, thanks! The '14 and '17 Forester XT's I owned were peppy and good snow/town cars but had very sooty tailpipes/oil fill chamber (used tier 1 gas, subaru oils) and around 20K miles either wore its left side valves out ('14) or cracked all 4 spark plugs ('17). Am hoping the FA 2.4L in new Outback will prove more reliable than first gen FA 2.0 !

[@rangely108]

I bought the spark plugs from your link, but they didn't match what I had in my Forester. Did you put replace yours with a different spark plug?

[@pradogxld4d]

Great video Chuck 👍

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Thanks 👍

[@egx161]

Using a long 1/4” ratchet is also helpful. Thanks

[@thegonzalezfamily7407]

Hello what the torque spec on plugs ?

[@razziade]

I just had my spark plugs changed at the dealership and parts and labor was $650!! About $150 for 4 spark plugs and almost $500 for labor! Next time, i'm doing it myself. My wife loves the dealerships. Why is labor so expensive? I don't get it. I have a 2019 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5L.

[@arturod.1144]

No idle relearn after disconnecting and connecting the battery? I have a 2017 non-turbo Forester and was thinking of doing this job myself.

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Nope fired right up without issue

[@dburnett3257]

Do yourself and your car a favor and change to Mobil1 Extended Performance oil. You can extend your oil change interval to 10,000 miles. I've put 165,000 to 285,000 on eight cars in my lifetime with no oil-related issues and Mobil1 gives me 10-15% better gas mileage than conventional oil. The 5-quart container at WalMart is $28. My engineer brother did this with a 1970 Nova. He put 200,000 miles on the car, then mic'd the rods, cam, etc and found virtually NO wear. The valve covers were also basically clean - no sludge build up in the corners, etc.

[@babs4586]

Are there boots on the plugs that need to replaced as well?

[@nickrothermel1933]

Can you do a video on CVT fluid change?

[@LAAO369]

This is the last boxer engine vehicle I’m ever going to buy.

[@punasurf4697]

Didn't catch it but did you use anti-seize on your plugs?

[@bajwamar]

Do you have a car starter on your Forester? if Yes, which one?

[@carlmeyer6840]

My 2017 Forester only has 17,000 miles on it. Do I need to replace the spark plugs due to age or mileage???

[@dancassidy7471]

Mileage

[@francisvu2196]

Hi there. I just got a 2020 FXT with only 18K miles. Was wondering if you had any issues with your CVT yet? Also with the CVT, are the FXT models 2016-2018 covered with the extended 100K miles warranty for the CVT? I know the 2014-2015 models were ... not sure about 2016-2018 FXT years. Any info you have is helpful. Thank you.

[@MrSleepProductionsInc]

A 2020 Forester XT?

[@willecutlip]

Anything need to be reset due to the battery being disconnected while replacing the plugs? Radio security code?

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Nope, wife didn't even notice. No radio station problems etc 😂

[@MrSleepProductionsInc]

The electric windows will have to be reprogrammed. I forget exactly how to do it but something like go to each door and push closed on each window switch for 15 seconds and same with push open on each window switch for 15 seconds. Please look up and verify that info.

[@charlesgurney2076]

This procedure Costs $ 550 at my local dealership.

[@jf6466]

Yakkk... mine wanted 640!

[@jtwu8931]

And they need to lift the engine? Total BS.

[@dalecesafsky4506]

Why plugs so soon?Should be good for 100000 miles.

[@michaelski8343]

Watched your video and I have a question. Are you a professional automotive correspondent? ;-) Excellent editing, camera work and audio. Appreciated the "backyard mechanic" tips - torque on plugs being somewhat lighter than expected for those without a torque wrench (I have one). Well done.

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Ha, thanks man, and no I'm just a dude in a garage with a GoPro 😂

[@scottobrien963]

Have you had any oil leaks? I look to have a leak from possibly my rear engine seal 🧐 I’m still under powertrain warranty.

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Nope no leaks yet

[@scottobrien963]

@@TWRX_Chuck CVT oil pump seal leaking. Replaced under warranty 👍

[@hunterrocker]

Здравствуйте, подскажите пожалуйста, как отличить оригинальные свечи от подделки?

[@TWRX_Chuck]

yes?

[@AM-kc3xg]

Did you do the CVT at 60K too?

[@Honestandtruth007]

Very well explained and Great job 👍👍

[@Maddog165]

The correct term for the “wobbly socket extension” is a “universal socket extension”. Lol

[@DS-yu4kr]

I just got an estimate from Subaru $960 for a 2016 Forster 60k maintenance. Holy💩

[@YourHobbyDad]

Hey man, what is your peak boost? Mine is like 16 but seeing some other forester xt reach like 21psi 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MrSleepProductionsInc]

Mine was 22 psi when new. After 25,000 miles is was only getting to 17psi. Just had the valves cleaned at 28,000 do to cold start misfires and boost is up to 18.5 psi.

[@cobol370]

New Forester owner... how do you document service you perform yourself (for warranty purposes)?

[@TWRX_Chuck]

So I keep a record in a spreadsheet of date, mileage, type of filter/fluid/ other parts. Typically keep the receipt as well. I've never had a warranty claim that required turning over that info yet but I'm hoping with that much thoroughness it'll be fine. Last resort youtube video shows me doing it 😂.

[@therealchickentender]

If you go on MySubaru.com (if you have an account set up) they have an online service history specific to your VIN. I enter all my work there and note PNs etc, dates, mileage. It's actually nicely put together, and there's a check-box you can make to specifically flag if the service entry you're making is scheduled maintenance one or not.

[@louielorenzo8226]

Very nice! good seeing the FXT again!

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Thanks for sticking around!

[@louielorenzo8226]

@@TWRX_Chuck you FXT videos were the ones I watched before making my decision to get an XT as well. Got the same color! (IG: quartzbluepearl)

[@misztal2112]

12:50 electrode

[@TWRX_Chuck]

I looked it up after... Should have looked it up before 😂

[@DronieUp]

Nice one! Felt like I got charged an arm and leg from the dealer! Can I ask if you run a vac (with soft brush) over the intercooler?

[@TWRX_Chuck]

I have never run a vac over it, i usually just pull leaves and debris out by hand, but soft brush vac sounds like a nice idea!

[@Honestandtruth007]

This is going to be All day Work for me...😔😢

[@Zlodziej00]

How about torque wrench? Do you have part number?

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Yeah one sec, will add to the description!

[@TWRX_Chuck]

They don't sell the one I have anymore, but this one is cheap and has the range of torque settings to work for this job. amzn.to/3kPVbrb

[@sn0rlax55]

@@TWRX_Chuck I was actually able to pick one up last week. The link you posted still works and it was in stock (checked just now and it still is). Actually picked up all the parts you listed minus the wobble extension (luckily they had the pack with the additional extensions available). Replacing my sparkplugs was coming up and I was hoping you made a video since we got our FXTs a few months apart, have been following you ever since.

[@davekevinvalenzuela1724]

Good video Men.. I appreciate..

[@BGP369]

"recharge AC" is actually a scam - it is closed loop, so if your system is low pressure it means there is a leak. Pay to get the leak fixed, not to refill a broken system.

[@valentineleamy9842]

great tutorial

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Thanks!

[@ned-l9s]

That's not a little bit mechanical inclined 😅

[@lisaamante5384]

Las Vegas, NV - Thanks so much!!

[@jkxss]

Another VA person! I'm planning on doing this tomorrow on my 2016 Forester (non-turbo)! I watched another video before yours (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rISWe62fnrumiKs) and had planned on taking out the metal bracket at 15:48 with the clips, but I'll try using the universal joint to try and avoid doing that since the factory service manual doesn't mention those torques in the spark plug section. I suppose I could go poking around to find it, but I would rather not touch anything that I don't have to... I'll let you know if it ends up working! The spark plugs are 17.5 N-m (12.9 ft lbs), but the ignition coil boot bolts (10 mm) are 8.5 N-m or (6.3 ft lbs)

[@TWRX_Chuck]

Hope you got it done!

[@jkxss]

@@TWRX_Chuck actually doing it right now and the driver side (furthest from wiper reservoir) was a pain in the ass due to the wall (no clearance). Will do passenger side tomorrow.

[@TWRX_Chuck]

@@jkxss good luck! I think passenger was easier 👍

[@jkxss]

@@TWRX_Chuck thanks! I suddenly want a flex head torque wrench lol. Need to get shallow six-point 10 mm 1/4" sockets for sure (only have deep ones rn). Do you know if the nova Subaru group is still around? I saw it on Facebook (saw you posted a link somewhere) and liked the page, but it looks inactive. Idk if it's more for sti/modded Subarus and not my stock Forester lol. I'm more curious about if local groups do maintenance together or something

[@travelfrog888]

Thank you. I have zero patience. Your camera shots are so off, I have zero patience. What a waste of my time!

[@RaceGerman]

MOAR BMW content please!

[@TWRX_Chuck]

They were in the background what more do you want!

[@samkitty5894]

This is why I refuse to buy Subaru.

[@halffast7799]

Changing spark plugs under 100K is a total waste of money. Even NGK, THE MAKER OF THE PLUGS, recommends 100K spark plug change.

[@NguyenHoang-jw8yu]

Terrible design. Toyotas are much easier to replace spark plugs. My next car will be a toy one.

[@ChikoChe-gh3lw]

What was the torque spec BossMan??