Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, camshaft, timing belt, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system, engine control module (ECM), sensors, starter motor, alternator
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox internals, shift linkage, maintenance
Transmission Automatic:
Gearbox assembly, torque converter, valve body, electronic controls, maintenance
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, bushings, stabilizer bars, wheel alignment
Steering:
Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid, hydraulic lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, power windows, central locking, battery, fuses, relays
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis lubrication
Fuel And Emissions:
Fuel delivery system, evaporative emissions control (EVAP), exhaust system, oxygen sensors, catalytic converter operation.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, tune-ups
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, suspension component repair, brake system repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting common issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing
Special Procedures:
Timing belt replacement, AWD system service, clutch replacement, engine removal and installation
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all major systems, component location charts, and diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Detail Level:
Includes step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagrams, and wiring schematics.
Rebuild Instructions:
Likely includes complete rebuild procedures for major components such as the engine, transmission, and differentials.
Engine Code And Type:
EJ22 (2.2L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4), EJ18 (1.8L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 - less common in North America), EJ20 (2.0L Turbocharged Boxer-4 - WRX models, not typically covered in a general manual for this period).
Engine Configuration:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
EJ22: 92.0 mm x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
EJ22: 9.1:1
Valve Actuation:
Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) for EJ20 Turbo, Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) for EJ22 Naturally Aspirated engines. The manual will detail specifications for both.
Horsepower Ej22:
Approximately 110 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque Ej22:
Approximately 130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Typically around 35-45 psi
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Interference engine design means belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ certified. Viscosity: 5W-30 or 10W-30 typically recommended. Consult manual for exact ambient temperature recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a green type. Subaru recommends their Super Coolant or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on older EJ series engines, though less prevalent on EJ22 than EJ25), timing belt wear and failure, catalytic converter failure, minor oil leaks from seals and gaskets, suspension component wear (bushings, struts).
Idle Control Valve:
Can sometimes become dirty, leading to rough idle or stalling.
Oxygen Sensors:
Can degrade over time, affecting fuel economy and emissions.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing unique vehicles, including boxer engines and a strong emphasis on all-wheel-drive technology, stemming from their aerospace background.
First Generation Launch:
The Subaru Impreza was first introduced globally in 1992 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone. This first generation (GC/GF/GM) was designed to be a more modern and capable compact car.
Platform:
Shared its platform with the Subaru Legacy but was positioned as a smaller, more agile option.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
Performance Variants:
The later years of this generation saw the introduction of rally-inspired performance models like the WRX (not usually covered in standard service manuals but worth noting the lineage).