🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1999

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard on most trims.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, and Chevrolet Malibu during its era. Subaru often differentiated itself with standard AWD and a reputation for reliability and practical design.

AWD System:

The hallmark of the Subaru Legacy, offering enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.

Engine Options:

Available with boxer engines, providing a lower center of gravity for improved handling.

Body Styles:

Offered in both sedan and wagon (Outback Sport and GT variants) body styles, catering to different consumer needs.

📋 Manual Details

Page Count:

4000+

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Format:

PDF

Language:

English

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Detailed coverage of EJ22, EJ25 SOHC, and EJ25 DOHC engines including maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all major components such as cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valves, and timing systems. Includes fuel injection, ignition, cooling, and lubrication systems.

Transmission Systems:

Comprehensive coverage for both 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., TZ1A3ZDAB) and 4-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., TZ103ZN1AA). Includes diagnostic procedures, fluid capacities and specifications, seal replacement, clutch service, torque converter inspection, valve body diagnostics, and complete transmission overhaul instructions.

Drivetrain And Axles:

Detailed information on front and rear differentials, propeller shafts, CV joints, axle shafts, and wheel bearings. Includes inspection, lubrication, repair, and replacement procedures for all drivetrain components.

Suspension And Steering:

In-depth coverage of front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, ball joints, and sway bars. Detailed procedures for steering system components, including power steering pump, rack and pinion, tie rods, and steering column.

Braking Systems:

Complete coverage of hydraulic braking systems, including master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, brake pads, and wheel cylinders. Includes procedures for bleeding brakes, replacing components, and troubleshooting issues. Also covers ABS system diagnostics and repair for applicable models.

Electrical And Electronic Systems:

Extensive electrical system schematics, wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, and component locations. Covers battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting systems, instrumentation, power windows, door locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, and HVAC controls. Detailed troubleshooting charts for common electrical faults.

Body And Chassis:

Covers exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, and seals. Includes procedures for adjustment, repair, and replacement. Details chassis components, frame structure, and mounting points.

HVAC Systems:

Detailed information on air conditioning and heating systems, including refrigerant types, charging procedures, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and blower motor service. Troubleshooting for climate control systems.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, power steering fluid replacement, and transmission fluid changes. Includes recommended service intervals and fluid types.

Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving common vehicle problems, including engine performance issues, starting problems, cooling system leaks, brake system malfunctions, electrical faults, and transmission shifting issues.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation. This includes major engine components, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper overhauls, suspension component replacement, and electrical component repairs.

Diagnostics:

Procedures for using diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-II scanner) to retrieve fault codes (DTCs) and interpret diagnostic data. Includes specific diagnostic tests for sensors, actuators, and control modules.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Precise torque specifications for all fasteners, critical component clearances and tolerances (e.g., piston ring gap, bearing clearance, valve lash), engine timing specifications, and diagnostic parameter ranges.

Depth:

Advanced diagnostics, complete engine and transmission overhaul, detailed electrical system troubleshooting, body repair, and component-level repair. Suitable for professional technicians and serious DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable due to PDF format, enabling quick retrieval of specific information.

Print Quality:

High quality, suitable for printing individual pages or sections for workshop use.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Displacement:

2.2 Liters (2212 cc)

Configuration:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder, SOHC

Horsepower:

Approx. 135 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 137 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Configuration:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder, SOHC

Horsepower:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Configuration:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)

Horsepower:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm (GT trim)

Torque:

Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (GT trim)

Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent API GL-4 approved coolant).

Oil Capacity:

4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (for EJ22 and EJ25 engines).

Oil Viscosity:

Refer to manual for climate-specific recommendations, typically 5W-30 or 10W-30. SAE 0W-20 for some newer Subarus, but likely 5W-30 for 1999.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is standard across most trims.

Model:

Examples: TZ1A3ZDAB

Gear Count:

5-speed

Model:

Examples: TZ103ZN1AA

Gear Count:

4-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission

Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compliant fluid.

Manual Transmission:

Approx. 2.2 US Quarts (2.1 Liters) for 5-speed manual. Specific gear oil type required.

Automatic Transmission:

Approx. 4.2 US Quarts (4.0 Liters) for torque converter drain and fill, approximately 7.4 US Quarts (7.0 Liters) for complete overhaul.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Length:

Sedan: Approx. 187.0 inches (4750 mm), Wagon: Approx. 189.2 inches (4805 mm)

Width:

Approx. 68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

Sedan: Approx. 56.5 inches (1435 mm), Wagon: Approx. 58.1 inches (1475 mm)

Curb Weight:

Varies by trim and drivetrain, typically ranging from 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Refer to NHTSA archives for specific 1999 Legacy ratings. Generally, 1990s vehicles had lower ratings compared to modern standards.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags were standard.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, with pre-tensioners for front occupants.

ABS:

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

AWD:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system enhances vehicle stability and traction, contributing to active safety.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Cruise Control:

Electronically controlled cruise control was available on many models.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles or 3 to 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (consult manual for specific recommendations).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum-tipped spark plugs typically last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Standard copper plugs would be shorter.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for EJ engines. Typically every 90,000 to 105,000 miles or 7-10 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil:

API Service SM or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended for most conditions.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Subaru Super Coolant is a premium option.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Head Gaskets:

While more prevalent in later generations, some early EJ engines could experience head gasket leaks. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Oil Leaks:

Common areas for leaks include valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets due to age and material degradation.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Some EJ engines can develop cracks in the exhaust manifolds, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises. The manual should cover diagnosis and replacement.

Automatic Transmission Behavior:

Occasional reports of rough shifting or delayed engagement, which can often be addressed by fluid changes and solenoid cleaning, or rebuilding if internal wear is present.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.)

Founding Principles:

Known for its engineering prowess in aerospace and its pioneering use of AWD and boxer engines in passenger cars.

First Generation:

Introduced in 1990 as a successor to the Subaru Leone. The 1999 model is part of the second generation (BD/BG/BK), produced from 1993-1999.

Second Generation Facelift:

The 1999 model year saw a significant facelift for the second generation, with updated styling, interior, and powertrain improvements.

Manufacturing Location:

Primary manufacturing plant in Gunma, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the '99 model year are not prominently recalled, Subaru consistently emphasized safety, which was reflected in their vehicle designs and available features like AWD and airbags.