2010 Subaru Forester Oil Change
Complete guide to 2010 Subaru Forester oil change. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Oil Change is one of the most common repairs for 2010 Subaru Forester. This repair involves replacing the damaged maintenance component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 30-45 min and requires easy skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement maintenance part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Check the fault code
Firstly, you will need an On Board Diagnostics (OBD) scanner to verify the fault code P0026. Follow your scanners instructions to verify the fault. My scanner advised me that I had a Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance (Bank1) Fault.
I recommend doing some web searches of the fault code to get an understanding of what the fault affects and also other possible causes. If you are satisfied that the fault is being caused by solenoid or switch then proceed with this guide.
Step 2: Remove Air Intake Chamber
Disconnect the Negative (Black) Terminal of the battery.
Remove the Air Intake Chamber by removing the two mounting bolts. Loosen the three air hose clamps and remove air hose section. Disconnect the three vacuum hoses and lift the chamber out of the engine compartment.
Step 3: Disconnect electrical connector bracket
If required, undo the screw and loosen bracket to provide access to the switch and solenoid ( I didn't need to)
The bracket and electrical connector is located directly under the section of air intake hose removed in the previous step.
Step 4: Disconnect solenoid and Oil switch plugs
Disconnect the electrical plugs from the solenoid and oil pressure switch.
Step 5: Remove Oil Pressure Switch
Use a size 24 socket with extension bar to remove the Oil Pressure Switch.
Step 6: Remove Solenoid
The bolt is located under the solenoid out of view. Use a size 10 socket to undo the bolt. Then remove the solenoid. You may need to use some force or multi grips to remove the solenoid.
Step 7: Install new Oil Pressure Switch & Solenoid
Apply liquid gasket to the Oil Pressure Switch threads. If you have a torque wrench, torque the switch to 17 Nm (12.5 ft-lb). The switch goes in tight, and it is easy to under torque it which I’m guessing would cause oil leaks.
There is a small rubber gasket on the solenoid which needs to be oiled before Installed. Install the solenoid and tighten the size 10 bolt.
Step 8: Reinstall All Components
Reinstall the electrical plug bracket, solenoid and oil switch plugs and air Intake Chamber and associated parts.
Step 9: Clear the Fault code
Make sure the battery is reconnected. The fault code will stay latched unless you clear the fault using an obd scanner. Clear the fault.
*when you clear the fault you will also be clearing vehicle performance data. The vehicle might be slightly more difficult to start and may idol rough until it automatically retunes it self.
Hopefully this guide fixed your problem at a fraction of the cost of paying someone else to do it.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Easy | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $21-$45)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($35-$75)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your 2010 Subaru Forester instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 5798 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new 2010 Subaru Forester generates 5800 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 2 kg of CO₂. That's a 100% reduction in carbon emissions!
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