Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.
Competitors 1998:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Contour, Nissan Altima, Mazda 626.
AWD Standard:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on most models, differentiating it from many competitors offering FWD as standard.
Engine Options:
Reliable Boxer (flat) engines, known for their low center of gravity.
Body Styles:
Offered in Sedan and Wagon body styles.
Durability:
Generally considered a durable and long-lasting vehicle with proper maintenance.
Primary Coverage:
North America (Likely based on engine codes EJ22, EJ25D)
Secondary Coverage:
May include some European/Asian market variations depending on specific edition, but primary focus is likely USDM/CADM
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Full Service & Repair Manual
Format:
Likely digitally reproduced factory manual (PDF) or a professionally printed copy.
Engine:
All aspects of engine repair, overhaul, diagnostics, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid changes, clutch replacement, driveline components.
Brakes:
Front and Rear brake system diagnosis and repair, including disc and drum systems, ABS operation and service.
Suspension Steering:
Front and Rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system service, wheel alignment procedures.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for lighting, ignition, charging system, starting system, body electronics, instrument cluster.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, heater core service, blower motor, climate control panel.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim removal, glass replacement, chassis component torque specifications.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-I/OBD-II error code interpretation (where applicable).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid level checks, belt inspections.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing all major components (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, CV axles).
Overhaul Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Digital Format:
PDF (searchable text is a significant advantage if available)
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation for clear diagrams and text.
Binding:
N/A (for digital format); Spiral or perfect bound for printed versions.
Paper:
N/A (for digital format); High-quality, durable paper for printed versions.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Boxer (Flat) 4-cylinder
Displacement Ej22:
2.2 Liters (2212 cc)
Displacement Ej25D:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc) - DOHC Non-Interference
Horsepower Ej22:
135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Ej22:
140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower Ej25D:
165 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Ej25D:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
105,000 miles or 105 months (whichever comes first)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK BKR6E-11 or equivalent (check manual for specifics)
Ej25D Headgaskets:
Early EJ25D engines were prone to head gasket failure due to design issues. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Manual Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with AWD)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for AT, viscous center coupling for MT)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron II/III compatible (confirm with manual for specific fill)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90 or 80W-90, check manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles under normal conditions, or more frequently under severe conditions (refer to manual).
Manual Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Typically every 60,000 miles (refer to manual).
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars (Likely for 1998 model, may vary slightly by test parameters)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars (Likely for 1998 model)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on most models or optional.
AWD Traction:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, often with optional CD player. Speaker configuration typically 4 or 6 speakers.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C, heater, and fan speed controls. Some higher trims may have automatic climate control.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
OBD Port:
OBD-II diagnostic port located under the dashboard, enabling basic emission code scanning.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions) - refer to manual for detailed breakdown.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 15 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
N/A (typically not equipped with cabin air filter in 1998)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months.
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 API SG or SH (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (with filter) for 2.2L; 4.8 US quarts (with filter) for 2.5L (check manual)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks.
Radiator Corrosion:
Radiators can develop leaks due to corrosion, especially if incorrect coolant is used.
Cv Axle Boots:
Front CV axle boots are a common wear item and can tear, leading to joint damage if not replaced promptly.
E Brake Cable Adjustment:
Rear parking brake cables can stretch and require adjustment or replacement.
Subaru Legacy Introduction:
The Legacy was introduced globally in 1989 as Subaru's flagship model, replacing the Subaru Leone.
Second Generation Start:
The 1998 model year represents the second generation of the Subaru Legacy (chassis code BD/BG/BK), introduced in 1993.
Styling Updates:
The 1998 model year received a facelift, including revised front and rear styling, updated interior trim, and optional larger alloy wheels.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured by Subaru Corporation in Japan.
AWD Recognition:
Subaru's AWD system has consistently received positive reviews for its all-weather capability and performance.
Consumer Reports Ratings Historical:
Historically, Subaru models have shown mixed reliability ratings, with some praised for durability and others flagged for specific issues (e.g., head gaskets). The manual is essential for addressing potential wear items.