🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

2002

Engine Variant:

2.5L (Naturally Aspirated Gasoline)

Chassis Code:

GDB (specific to WRX, but often used loosely for 2.5L models)

Engine Code:

EJ253 (typical for 2.5L NA)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Small Family Car, known for its All-Wheel Drive capability and rally heritage.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, practical car owners seeking reliability and AWD, and those performing their own maintenance and repairs.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer.

Powertrain Advantage:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across most trims, a significant differentiator in its class.

Reliability:

Subaru's reputation for durable engineering and Boxer engine reliability.

Driving Dynamics:

Low center of gravity due to Boxer engine, contributing to stable handling.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service, maintenance, and repair for 2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5L (Gasoline).

Specific Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, HVAC, Bodywork, Diagnostics.

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive factory-level manuals)

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagrams, specifications, disassembly, assembly, testing, and troubleshooting for the 2.5L EJ253 engine, including fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Service procedures for both automatic (e.g., 4EAT) and manual transmissions, including fluid types, capacities, disassembly, reassembly, and troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, and all-wheel-drive system service and repair.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, power steering system service.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, brake pad/rotor replacement, brake caliper service, bleeding procedures, parking brake system.

Electrical:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, power windows, locks, audio system, fuses, relays, and ECU troubleshooting.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, blower motor, climate control unit diagnostics.

Bodywork:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, bumper service, interior trim removal.

Maintenance:

Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, guided troubleshooting trees.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension upgrades, and electrical component replacement.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuating component checks.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed and color-coded wiring schematics for all electrical systems.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for hard copy reference.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm (typical for EJ253)

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1 (typical for EJ253)

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, timing belt driven.

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by trim)

Torque:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by trim)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Octane Rating:

87 Octane (minimum, 89 recommended for optimal performance)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Standard on some trims)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (with Lock-Up Torque Converter, e.g., 4EAT)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System. Varies between manual (viscous coupling center differential) and automatic (electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Genuine Gear Oil recommended, e.g., K0305-F0030)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid, check manual for specific replacement)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

173.4 inches (4404 mm)

Width:

66.1 inches (1679 mm)

Height:

56.1 inches (1425 mm)

Wheelbase:

100.4 inches (2550 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2900-3100 lbs (1315-1406 kg), depending on trim and transmission

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for driver and front passenger in most tested configurations)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models with side airbags, if equipped)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models/trims.

Airbags:

Front airbags, optional front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional premium audio systems were available.

Display:

Basic digital clock/information display in the dashboard.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Keyless Entry:

Available on higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions or specific dealer-installed options might exist.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe conditions), or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal conditions). Refer to manual for specific guidance.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with every oil change.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles or sooner if dirty.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 105,000 miles (if using long-life iridium spark plugs as specified).

Timing Belt:

Replace every 105,000 miles or 7 years (critical maintenance item).

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher (Subaru Synthetic Oil recommended, e.g., K0010-F0005).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change.

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors), 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Head Gaskets:

While more prevalent on earlier EJ25 engines, early signs of potential head gasket seepage (oil or coolant leaks around the cylinder heads) can occur and are thoroughly detailed for diagnosis in the manual.

O2 Sensors:

Premature failure of oxygen sensors can occur, impacting fuel economy and emissions. Manual provides testing procedures.

Automatic Transmission:

Some automatic transmissions may exhibit delayed engagement or shifting issues, often related to fluid condition or valve body issues, covered in detailed troubleshooting.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), is renowned for its engineering prowess, particularly its symmetrical all-wheel-drive systems and horizontally-opposed Boxer engines.

Generation At Time:

Second Generation Impreza (GD/GG chassis, 2000-2007). The 2002 model year marks the facelift for this generation, introducing revised styling and interior updates.

Performance Variants:

While this manual covers the 2.5L naturally aspirated model, the second generation also included the legendary WRX and STI performance variants.

Production Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Popularity:

The Impreza consistently ranked well for safety and all-wheel-drive capability in its segment.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varied by year and specific components; the manual helps address common wear items to maintain reliability.