🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

XT / XT6

Year:

1989

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Category:

Compact Sports Coupe / AWD Specialty Vehicle

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information, classic car collectors

Competitors Era:

Toyota Celica, Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Probe

Design Philosophy:

Aerodynamic, futuristic, driver-focused cockpit, advanced AWD system

Unique Selling Points:

Boxer engine configuration, Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, distinctive 'push-button' 4WD engagement (on select models), advanced independent suspension

Benefit To Owner:

Enables DIY maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs, saving money and extending vehicle life. Provides critical technical data for professional mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options Covered:

1.8L EA82 (turbocharged and naturally aspirated), 2.7L ER27 (flat-six)

Transmission Options Covered:

4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual

Drivetrain Options Covered:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Subaru's Full-Time 4-Wheel Drive System (4WD)

Estimated Page Count:

1200+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Disassembly, inspection, assembly, lubrication, cooling, exhaust

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (SPI, MPI), ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, diagnostics

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, repair and adjustment

Transmission Automatic:

Hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body, repair and adjustment

Drivetrain 4Wd:

Center differential, viscous coupling unit, front and rear differentials, operation and service

Suspension:

Front struts, rear struts, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column, adjustments

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), service and bleeding

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, instrumentation, wiring diagrams

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, panels, doors, windows, interior trim, sound deadening, underbody coating

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant handling

Body Electronics:

Power windows, power door locks, mirrors, wipers, cruise control

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication points

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine and other systems

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures

Adjustment:

Torque specifications, valve adjustments, clutch adjustments, parking brake adjustments

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Resolution:

High (suitable for digital display and printing)

Format Type:

Digital (PDF)

Material Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EA82

Engine Type 1:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder, SOHC or DOHC (turbocharged variants)

Displacement 1:

1.8 Liters (1781 cc)

Horsepower 1:

94 hp @ 5600 rpm (NA), 135 hp @ 6000 rpm (Turbocharged)

Torque 1:

101 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (NA), 145 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Turbocharged)

Bore X Stroke 1:

85.0 mm x 78.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

8.7:1 (NA), 7.7:1 (Turbocharged)

Engine Code 2:

ER27

Engine Type 2:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 6-cylinder, SOHC

Displacement 2:

2.7 Liters (2673 cc)

Horsepower 2:

150 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque 2:

177 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Bore X Stroke 2:

87.0 mm x 74.3 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

9.5:1

Fuel Delivery 1:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Single Point (SPI) for NA EA82, Multi-Point (MPI) for Turbo EA82 and ER27

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Pump Pressure:

Refer to manual for specific pressure values (typically 30-45 PSI range)

🔧 Transmission

Type 1:

4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic

Type 2:

5-Speed Manual

AWD Engagement:

Full-Time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential

Automatic Modes:

Sport/Normal modes (on some automatic transmissions)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Extra-Gears Oil or equivalent (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 is common)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 173.2 inches

Width:

Approx. 66.5 inches

Height:

Approx. 51.4 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 97.0 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600 - 3000 lbs (depending on model and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle placard

Trunk Volume:

Refer to specific model data; coupe design limits cargo space

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

No specific ratings available from NHTSA for this era and model; consult contemporary automotive reviews.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive enhances traction and stability

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 2-point rear seatbelts

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones

Child Seat Anchors:

Not standard; typically requires aftermarket solutions

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems. Limited to basic functions by modern standards.

Cruise Control:

Optional electronic cruise control system

Power Windows:

Standard on most models, optional on base trims

Power Mirrors:

Standard on most models

Air Conditioning:

Standard

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (CRITICAL for boxer engines; refer to manual for exact interval and procedure)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.2 US quarts (4.0L) with filter for EA82, 5.2 US quarts (4.9L) with filter for ER27 (check manual for exact capacity)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher (check manual for seasonal recommendations)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Subaru Coolant or a universal equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Head Gaskets:

While less common on boxer engines than inline 4-cylinders, aging gaskets can still fail, particularly if maintenance is neglected. The manual details inspection and replacement.

Engine Oil Leaks:

Common from valve cover gaskets and crankshaft seals due to age and heat cycles. Manual provides torque specs and seal replacement procedures.

Turbocharger Failures:

Can occur due to oil starvation or contamination. Regular oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down are crucial. Manual details turbo inspection and replacement.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings, ball joints, and struts can wear over time, leading to noise and poor handling. Manual provides specifications for replacement and alignment.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring, corrosion, and failing sensors can cause intermittent issues. Comprehensive wiring diagrams in the manual are essential for diagnosis.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Foundation:

Founded in 1953, known for pioneering all-wheel-drive technology in passenger cars.

Xt Generation:

First generation XT debuted in 1985 as the successor to the Subaru XT (Alpha) coupe. The 1989 model represents the later years of this generation, featuring refinements and the introduction of the XT6.

Xt6 Introduction:

The XT6 variant, featuring the larger 2.7L flat-six engine, was introduced for the 1988 model year.

Manufacturing Plant:

Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan

Production Years Xt:

1985-1991

Production Years Xt6:

1988-1991

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

While not a primary award winner, the Subaru XT was often praised for its unique styling, AWD capability, and sporty handling in its segment.

Technology Acclaim:

Subaru's consistent innovation in AWD technology is a recognized strength of the brand.