Vehicle Category:
Compact/Subcompact Sedans, Wagons, and Hatchbacks
Key Competitors:
Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 323, Mitsubishi Mirage
Subaru Signature Features:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on many models/trims), boxer engines, durable construction, strong off-road/all-weather capability for its class.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, Subaru enthusiasts, independent repair shops seeking comprehensive technical data.
Regions Covered:
North America (primarily), adaptable for other markets
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF likely, based on typical aftermarket offerings)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, engine management (ECU diagnostics)
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission (3-speed automatic and 4/5-speed manual), clutch, driveshafts, front and rear differentials, AWD system (full-time and part-time variants)
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front struts, rear independent suspension), steering (rack and pinion), braking system (front discs, rear drums/discs), wheel alignment
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, dashboard instruments, power windows/locks (if equipped), radio, wipers, HVAC controls
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, weatherstripping, corrosion protection, paint codes
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and replacements, belt adjustments, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems; diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, steering rack repair, electrical component repair
Installation Procedures:
Component replacement, accessory installation guidelines
Emission Control Systems:
Detailed explanations of emission control hardware and troubleshooting procedures specific to the era's regulations (e.g., EGR, catalytic converters).
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic strategies.
Digital File Type:
Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printing.
Searchability:
Searchable text within the PDF for quick access to specific topics.
Digital Render Quality:
High-resolution scans or original digital files ensuring clear text and diagrams.
Physical Format If Applicable:
Not applicable for digital format; typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for print versions.
Physical Format If Applicable:
Not applicable for digital format; typically heavy-duty paper stock for print versions.
Manual Coverage Scope:
Complete factory service information, not a condensed or Haynes-style manual. Covers all aspects of repair and maintenance.
Engine Family:
EA Series (EA81, EA82)
Engine Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Engine Displacement Common:
1.8 Liters (1769cc) and 1.6 Liters (1595cc)
Fuel Delivery Common:
Carbureted (early models) and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI/SPI)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 70-95 HP, depending on engine variant and market regulations.
Torque Range:
Approximately 90-115 lb-ft, depending on engine variant.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Common Engine Codes:
EA81, EA82, EA82T (turbocharged)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed Automatic Transmission, 5-speed Manual Transmission (on some higher trims/later models)
AWD System Description:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most models). Configurations include: full-time AWD with viscous coupling center differential, part-time 4WD with lockable center differential.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Federal Safety Standards Compliance:
Compliant with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) of the era.
Active Safety Features:
Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (later models may offer rear discs), limited-slip differential (on some AWD systems).
Passive Safety Features:
Lap and shoulder belts (front and rear), reinforced chassis structure, impact-absorbing steering column, side-impact beams (later models).
Audio System Type:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional upgraded systems.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 2-4 speakers, depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to mechanical systems; advanced electronic driver assistance features were not common in this era.
Connectivity Options:
None (analog systems only).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for exact grade based on temperature).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, exhaust system rust, wheel bearings, CV joints (especially on AWD models), radiator leaks, head gaskets (less common than later Subaru models, but still a potential issue).
Electrical Quirks:
Flickering dashboard lights, issues with door lock actuators, alternator problems.
Engine Specifics:
Carburetor adjustment/cleaning, fuel pump reliability, timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific engine variant - EA82 typically had timing belts).
Subaru Philosophy:
Subaru has a heritage rooted in aviation and engineering excellence, emphasizing durability, safety, and innovative drivetrain technologies like the boxer engine and AWD.
Dl Gl Lineage:
The DL and GL models represented Subaru's core passenger car offerings in the 1980s and early 1990s, evolving from the earlier Leone platform.
Key Design Changes:
Significant styling updates occurred in 1985 and 1990, reflecting contemporary automotive design trends while retaining Subaru's functional approach. Introduction of turbocharged variants (GL-10 Turbo) and updated AWD systems.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Gunma Plant, Japan.
Vehicle Reputation:
Known for ruggedness, reliability, and exceptional all-weather capability for their time, particularly the AWD variants.
Automotive Press Mention:
Often praised for their practicality and value, especially by those living in snowy climates.
