🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

1996

Product Name:

Subaru Impreza 1996 Full Service Repair Manual

Chassis Codes:

GC, GF, GM

Engine Codes:

EJ15, EJ18, EJ20, EJ22

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive capability.

Competitors 1996:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mazda Protege, Ford Escort.

AWD Availability:

Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system was a key differentiator.

Engine Options:

Available with a range of Boxer (horizontally opposed) engines.

Performance Variants:

Offered in sedan and wagon body styles, with performance-oriented WRX models (though not all markets received WRX in '96).

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, and trim for the 1996 Subaru Impreza.

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission systems, clutch, driveshafts, differentials.

Brakes:

Brake system hydraulics, ABS, parking brake, disc and drum brake service.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension, power steering, steering column, wheel alignment.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body electrical, wiring diagrams.

Body:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis and frame, collision repair information.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and diagnosis.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems.

Rebuilding:

Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, diagnostic data.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for various configurations.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Clarity:

High-resolution scans ensuring legibility of text and diagrams.

Physical Binding:

Not applicable (digital format)

Physical Paper:

Not applicable (digital format)

Text Search:

Likely searchable text content within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Subaru EJ Series Boxer

Engine Displacement Common:

1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L (depending on market and trim)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 95 HP - 125 HP (for naturally aspirated models); higher for turbo variants.

Torque Range:

Approx. 100 lb-ft - 130 lb-ft (for naturally aspirated models).

Induction:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Configuration:

Horizontally opposed (Boxer)

ECU:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel and ignition management.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission standard on most models.

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission often optional.

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (standard on most models).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, e.g., SAE 75W-90.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) or equivalent Dexron II/III.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Wagon.

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2530 mm (99.6 in)

Length:

Approx. 4350 mm (171.3 in) for sedan, 4355 mm (171.5 in) for wagon.

Width:

Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1405 mm (55.3 in) for sedan, 1470 mm (57.9 in) for wagon.

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1200 kg - 1350 kg (2645 lbs - 2976 lbs) depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle VIN plate or manual.

Towing Capacity:

Generally not recommended for towing heavy loads; check local regulations and manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Check specific model year test results; generally performed adequately for its era.

IIHS Side Impact:

Check specific model year test results.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on many trims.

AWD:

All-Wheel Drive enhances traction and stability.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced chassis structure for improved rigidity.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette and CD players, with basic speaker systems.

Display:

Minimal dashboard display for climate control and radio information.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Phone Integration:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity; aftermarket solutions available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace at every oil change.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.

Spark Plugs:

Replace approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on type.

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Timing Belt:

Crucial maintenance item; typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Check manual for specific interval. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is common; check manual for climate-specific recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.2 - 4.5 quarts (4.0 - 4.3 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

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

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent in the EJ22 engines compared to later EJ25, some Impreza models may experience head gasket leaks, especially if overheated. The manual will detail inspection and replacement.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Some automatic transmissions may exhibit slipping or delayed engagement; proper fluid maintenance is key.

Radiator Leaks:

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

Wheel Bearings:

Front wheel bearings can wear prematurely, especially on AWD models.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Cast iron exhaust manifolds can develop cracks due to heat cycles.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Identity:

Subaru is known for its Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, stemming from its aviation heritage.

First Generation:

The first generation Impreza (GC/GF/GM chassis) debuted in 1992 globally, with the 1996 model year representing a mid-cycle update for some markets.

Rally Icon:

The Impreza gained significant motorsport fame through its success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), particularly with the WRX and STI variants.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

Production Years First Gen:

1992-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

AWD Leader:

Subaru Impreza generally recognized for its class-leading all-wheel-drive performance and handling.

Performance Tuning Potential:

Highly regarded in the automotive enthusiast community for its potential for performance upgrades.