Parts for your 2009 Subaru Forester-Egr valve

2009 Subaru Forester EGR valve — what’s fitted, what’s not, and what to service

For the 2009 Subaru Forester (SH series), whether there’s an EGR valve depends on the engine. The common 2.5‑litre petrol (EJ253) and the turbo petrol (EJ255) do not use an external EGR valve. The 2.0‑litre turbo‑diesel (EE20) does use an electronically controlled EGR valve with an EGR cooler.

Technical sources referenced to reach this call include the Subaru Forester 2009 (SH) Workshop Manual — Engine (EJ/EE) Emission Control sections, the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue for SH models, and Subaru’s Technical Information System (STIS). In the EJ253/EJ255 documentation and parts listings there’s no EGR valve assembly shown, while the EE20 diesel sections clearly show the EGR valve and cooler as part of the emissions system.

Why no EGR on the 2.5 petrol? Subaru leans on precise fuel/ignition control, active valve timing/lift, and the three‑way catalytic converter to manage NOx. Those strategies make an external EGR valve unnecessary on the EJ253/EJ255 of this era. If someone’s under the bonnet of a petrol SH Forester hunting an EGR, they won’t find one — don’t mix it up with the separate secondary‑air system fitted to some petrol Subarus for cold‑start emissions.

For owners of the 2009 Forester 2.0D (EE20), the EGR valve is a key emissions component. It meters a portion of exhaust back into the intake to lower combustion temperatures and cut NOx. On the EE20 it’s ECU‑controlled and paired with an EGR cooler, working alongside the DPF. Over time, soot and a bit of oil mist can gum up the valve and passages, leading to rough idle, flat spots, smoke, poor economy, or fault codes like P0400–P0409. As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect and, if needed, clean the EGR every 40–60,000 km — earlier for lots of city driving or short trips. Use intake/EGR‑safe cleaner, replace gaskets, and be ready to top up/bleed coolant if the cooler is removed. A scan tool helps command the valve and clear codes