Where is the Subaru Forester thermostat located?
The thermostat in most Subaru Forester models sits inside the thermostat housing at the end of the upper radiator hose, where the hose meets the engine block. This housing is typically on the engine side near the water pump.
Understanding the thermostat location across Forester generations
The exact position of the thermostat can vary by year and engine type. Below are the common configurations you’ll encounter on Forester generations.
- EJ-series engines (older Foresters, roughly up to the early 2010s): The thermostat is inside the thermostat housing at the end of the upper radiator hose, on the front/top of the engine. Access is usually from the top or, in some models, through the wheel well.
- FB/FA-series engines (modern Foresters from the mid-2010s onward): The thermostat is typically embedded in the water outlet housing on the engine side, near the cylinder head, with the upper radiator hose connecting to the housing.
Note that variations exist by model year and trim, and some configurations place the housing around the timing belt area or behind intake components. When in doubt, consult the owner's manual or a factory service manual for your exact VIN.
How to locate yours on your specific Forester
To identify the thermostat location on your vehicle, follow these practical steps:
- Start with visual inspection: locate the large upper radiator hose and trace it to the engine; the connection point is the thermostat housing.
- Check for a metal or plastic housing with a single or multiple small cooling lines and a removable cap or sensor; this is often the thermostat housing.
- If you cannot easily spot the housing, consult a parts diagram or the service manual for your year/model, which will mark the thermostat's exact location on the engine diagram. VIN-specific diagrams help ensure accuracy.
Having a clear map of where the thermostat sits in your Forester helps during maintenance, such as thermostat replacement or cooling system diagnostics.
What to know before you begin
When working around the thermostat, remember to let the engine cool before opening cooling system components to avoid burns. If you’re replacing the thermostat, it’s prudent to replace the gasket and inspect the cooling hoses for wear. Have the coolant drained and refilled following the service manual's specifications.
Summary
The thermostat in a Subaru Forester is located in the thermostat housing connected to the engine, typically at the end of the upper radiator hose. Depending on the engine family (EJ vs. FB/FA) and year, this housing may sit at the front/top of the engine or be embedded in the water outlet housing near the cylinder head. Always verify using a factory diagram for your exact year and VIN.
