🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1997

Chassis Codes:

BD, BG, BK (based on generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan/Wagon

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts.

Competitors 1997:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda Millenia, Nissan Maxima

Key Differentiators:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across most trims, horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines, reputation for durability and rally heritage.

Aawd System:

Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.

Engine Layout:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine configuration, providing a lower center of gravity for improved handling.

Body Styles:

Offered in sedan (BD) and wagon (BG) body styles, providing versatility.

📋 Manual Details

Systems:

Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (AWD), Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System, HVAC, Body & Interior, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Total Pages:

4000+

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul procedures, component specifications, timing belt replacement, piston and ring installation, cylinder head reconditioning, crankshaft and bearing service, lubrication system diagnosis.

Engine Management:

Ignition system diagnosis and repair, fuel injection system troubleshooting, sensor identification and testing (e.g., MAF, MAP, O2, TPS, CMP, CKP), ECU diagnosis and common fault codes.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch service, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage adjustment, component specifications, fluid capacities and types.

Transmission Automatic:

ATF type and capacity, torque converter service, valve body diagnosis, transmission control module (TCM) operation, overhaul procedures.

Drivetrain:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system operation, front and rear differential service, driveshaft and CV joint inspection and replacement, viscous coupling unit (VCU) troubleshooting.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints), wheel alignment specifications, power steering system diagnosis, steering rack and column service.

Brakes:

Brake system bleeding procedures, ABS component testing and diagnosis, rotor and pad replacement, caliper service, parking brake adjustment, brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, relay identification, starter and alternator testing, battery service, lighting system diagnosis, power window and lock troubleshooting.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system servicing, refrigerant type and capacity, blower motor testing, heater core replacement, climate control system diagnosis.

Body And Interior:

Body panel alignment, door and lock mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement, bumper repair.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic trees for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems. Use of scan tools (OBD-I/OBD-II considerations for the era).

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing major components such as engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, radiators, fuel pumps, and CV axles.

Rebuild Procedures:

Complete overhaul instructions for engines and transmissions, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.

Electrical Component Testing:

Testing procedures for sensors, actuators, relays, and control modules using multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Bodywork And Paint:

Guidance on minor body repairs, rust prevention, and basic paintwork considerations.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid checks to complex engine and transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans, optimized for readability and searchability within the PDF document.

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF, allowing users to quickly find specific topics or keywords.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing users to create hard copies of specific sections for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ22E

Engine Type:

2.2L SOHC 16-valve Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Horsepower:

135 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

138 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Code:

EJ25D

Engine Type:

2.5L DOHC 16-valve Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

177 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.0 Liters (6.3 US Quarts)

Oil Type:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended for most conditions.

Oil Capacity With Filter:

4.2 Liters (4.4 US Quarts)

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Subaru 15208AA002 (or equivalent aftermarket)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (for most trims)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Lock-up Torque Converter)

AWD Engagement:

Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (manual transmission) and electronically controlled clutch (automatic transmission).

Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Check manual for specific Subaru recommendations)

Fluid Type:

Dexron IIE or equivalent (Check manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Sedan: approx. 183.7 in. / Wagon: approx. 185.8 in.

Width:

approx. 67.5 in.

Height:

Sedan: approx. 53.7 in. / Wagon: approx. 56.7 in.

Wheelbase:

approx. 104.3 in.

Track Width Front:

approx. 58.3 in.

Track Width Rear:

approx. 57.7 in.

Curb Weight:

Varies by trim and body style, typically 3000-3300 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Check specific model VIN plate

Towing Capacity:

Not typically recommended without specific Subaru accessory towing package and modifications.

Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy or steel wheels

Tire Size Example:

P205/60R15 or P205/55R16

Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

Lug Nut Torque:

80-90 lb-ft (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

N/A (Testing protocols different in 1997)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (standard on most trims)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims or as an option.

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this model year.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems, depending on trim.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) providing enhanced braking control.

Cruise Control:

Standard on many trims.

OBD Standard:

OBD-I with some OBD-II compliance beginning in 1996, though OBD-II diagnostic capabilities may be limited compared to later models. Manual covers diagnostic connector locations and basic codes.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation; refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace at every oil change.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles typically.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000 miles (use appropriate copper or platinum plugs as specified).

Timing Belt:

Critical: Replace every 60,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 30,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000 miles or as indicated.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 24,000 miles or 2 years.

Head Gaskets:

While more prevalent on later EJ25D engines, early signs of coolant leaks or misfires can indicate potential head gasket issues. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Failure can lead to no-start or stalling issues. The manual covers testing and replacement.

Idle Air Control Valve Iacv:

Can become clogged, leading to rough idling or stalling. Cleaning procedures are detailed.

Oxygen Sensors:

Degradation can affect fuel economy and emissions. Testing and replacement guidance is provided.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron IIE or equivalent power steering fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid

Clutch Fluid:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid (for hydraulic clutch systems)

📚 Vehicle History

Foundation:

Founded in 1917 as Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru started producing automobiles in the 1950s.

Specialization:

Known for its horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, often associated with rallying and adventure.

First Generation:

First generation Subaru Legacy launched in 1989 (Japan), 1990 (North America).

Second Generation:

The 1997 model year falls within the second generation (1995-1999), which introduced updated styling, improved safety, and new engine options (like the 2.5L EJ25D).

Performance Variants:

While not the GT-B or STI models, this generation laid the groundwork for Subaru's performance heritage, with the EJ25D offering a notable power increase.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Subaru Legacy models (particularly wagon variants) were often recognized by publications like Car and Driver for their utility and AWD capabilities.

Safety Ratings:

While specific NHTSA ratings for 1997 are hard to find, the chassis was considered robust for its era. The manual will detail safety system components and inspections.