🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Generation:

First Generation (GC/GF/GM)

Years Covered:

1993-1996

👋 Introduction

Description:

The Subaru Impreza, launched in 1993, quickly established itself as a capable and versatile compact car, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (on most variants) and practical design. It competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mitsubishi Lancer.

Comparison:

Distinguished by its AWD offering, a significant advantage in adverse weather conditions, and a reputation for robust mechanicals inherited from Subaru's rally heritage. While some competitors offered more refined interiors or higher horsepower in certain trims, the Impreza's AWD and build quality were strong selling points.

Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (on most models), boxer engine configuration, practical hatchback and sedan body styles, and a durable chassis.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

All gasoline engine variants for the specified years.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmissions.

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

Chassis And Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, chassis components.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, accessories, ignition, starting, charging.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, steering.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, parking brake, ABS (where applicable).

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components and operation.

Total Pages:

Estimated 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of engine components: cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing belt/chain.

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement, system diagnostics.

Engine Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing adjustments.

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications and bleeding procedures.

Engine Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pressure specifications, fluid change intervals.

Emission Control System:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR valve, EVAP system diagnosis and repair.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox disassembly, gear inspection, shift linkage adjustment.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, transmission fluid change, seal replacement.

Transfer Case AWD:

Center differential, viscous coupling (if applicable), fluid specifications.

Axles And Differentials:

Front and rear CV joints, driveshafts, differential overhaul.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column, alignment procedures.

Brake System Hydraulic:

Master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, bleeding procedures.

Brake System Parking:

Parking brake cable adjustment, mechanism repair.

ABS System:

ABS control module, wheel speed sensors, hydraulic modulator, diagnostic codes.

Front Suspension:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bar.

Rear Suspension:

Multi-link or trailing arm setup, dampers, springs, alignment specifications.

Body And Frame:

Body panel replacement, rust repair, structural integrity checks.

Exterior Trim And Accessories:

Bumpers, grilles, mirrors, spoilers, door handles.

Interior Trim And Upholstery:

Door panels, dashboard, seats, headliner, carpet replacement.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, bulb replacement.

Instrument Panel And Gauges:

Speedometer, tachometer, warning lights, gauge cluster repair.

Audio And Infotainment:

Radio, speakers, antenna system.

Climate Control System:

A/C compressor, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant type.

Wiring Harnesses:

Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

ECU And Sensors:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor testing (MAP, TPS, O2, Crankshaft Position).

Basic Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, timing belt service.

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement, transmission seal replacement, gearbox overhaul.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake line repair, caliper rebuilding, ABS bleeding.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Strut replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic tools to diagnose electrical faults.

Body Repair:

Panel alignment, dent repair, rust remediation, door and window regulator repair.

Hv Ac Service:

Refrigerant recharging, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, condenser).

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers all aspects from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting flowcharts for various systems.

Specifications:

Includes all necessary torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values.

Diagrams:

Abundant exploded views, assembly diagrams, and detailed wiring schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

High-resolution PDF with searchable text for easy navigation and content retrieval.

Quality:

Optimized for digital viewing and printing. Clear text and legible diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ22, EJ18, EJ20 (various configurations depending on market and trim).

Displacement Ej22:

2.2 Liters (2212 cc)

Configuration Ej22:

Naturally Aspirated, SOHC, Boxer-4

Horsepower Ej22 Approx:

110-130 hp @ 5000-5500 rpm

Torque Ej22 Approx:

130-140 lb-ft @ 3200-4000 rpm

Engine Ej18:

1.8 Liter, Naturally Aspirated, SOHC, Boxer-4 (approx. 95-100 hp).

Engine Ej20 Turbo:

2.0 Liter, Turbocharged, DOHC, Boxer-4 (e.g., WRX models, approx. 200-250 hp).

Redline:

Typically around 6000-6500 rpm for naturally aspirated engines.

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended for NA engines, premium for turbo).

🔧 Transmission

Type Na:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type AWD Std:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (active on manual, driver-controlled center differential on some automatics).

Type Auto:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

AWD Auto:

Viscous coupling center differential, often with torque split bias.

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approx. 4350 mm (171.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2530 mm (99.6 in)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 95-100 cu ft (depending on body style).

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approx. 12-14 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-3100 lbs (1225-1406 kg) depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover:

Typically rated acceptable for rollover resistance by NHTSA.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional or standard on higher trims during this period.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was optional or standard on later models within this range; passenger airbag was uncommon for this generation.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM/Cassette stereo with optional CD player. Speaker count typically 2-4.

Features:

Limited driver assistance features by modern standards. ABS was the primary active safety technology available.

Features:

No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB. Analog systems only.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Timing Belt:

Recommended replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles or 5-7 years, critical for EJ series engines to prevent catastrophic damage upon failure.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Atf:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles for automatic transmissions, depending on service severity.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles for manual transmissions and transfer case/differentials.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).

Coolant:

Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Subaru Genuine ATF-HP or Dexron II/III compatible fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Differential Fluid:

GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil for front and rear differentials.

Head Gaskets:

While less prone than later EJ25 engines, some EJ22 and EJ25 engines can develop coolant leaks from head gaskets, especially if overheated.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

The hydraulic tensioner for the timing belt can fail, leading to belt slippage or breakage if not replaced proactively with the belt.

Clutch Wear:

Clutches can wear out prematurely, especially in AWD models or with aggressive driving.

Radiator Leaks:

Plastic end tanks on the radiator can become brittle and leak over time.

Cv Joint Boots:

Torn CV joint boots are a common issue that can lead to premature joint failure if not addressed.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, built its reputation on innovative engineering, particularly its boxer engines and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, originally developed for off-road and severe weather capabilities.

Launch:

The first-generation Impreza (GC/GF/GM chassis) was introduced globally in late 1992 for the 1993 model year, replacing the Subaru Leone.

Body Styles:

Offered in sedan (GC) and wagon (GF) variants. North America also received the coupe (GM) starting in 1995.

Performance Variants:

Introduction of the iconic WRX (World Rally eXperimental) model, featuring a turbocharged EJ20 engine and enhanced chassis, which became a homologation special for Subaru's World Rally Championship efforts.

Manufacturing:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

The Impreza WRX variants, particularly later ones, received acclaim from publications like Car and Driver for their performance and rally-inspired capabilities.

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the 1993-1996 models are less prominent, the Impreza generally maintained a solid reputation for build quality and safety for its class.