Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Compact Crossover SUV
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors 2003:
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Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra
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Key Features
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Standard AWD:
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Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system standard on all trims, providing excellent traction and stability.
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Practicality:
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Spacious interior for its class, good cargo capacity, and versatile seating arrangements, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Safety Orientation:
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Designed with safety in mind, featuring a robust chassis and standard safety equipment.
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Manual Details
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Coverage Areas
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Covered Sections:
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Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Interior, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Specifications
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Page Count
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Estimated Pages:
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Approx. 1500-2000 pages (typical for a complete factory service manual)
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Manual Type
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Type:
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Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual / Shop Manual
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Language
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Language:
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English
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Format
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Format:
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PDF Download
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Powertrain:
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Detailed coverage of EJ25 SOHC and DOHC naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, including timing belt service, head gasket repair, fuel injection systems, ignition systems, cooling systems, and exhaust systems.
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Drivetrain:
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Comprehensive information on Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, including front and rear differentials, viscous coupling center differential, driveshafts, and wheel bearings.
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Suspension And Steering:
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Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms, sway bars), power steering system, and steering rack.
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Brakes:
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Front and rear brake systems (discs, calipers, pads), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, parking brake.
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Electrical System:
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Full wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, relay locations, starter motor, alternator, battery service, lighting systems, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster, ECU (Engine Control Unit) and sensor diagnostics.
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HVAC:
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Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, climate control panels.
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Body And Interior:
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Door panel removal, seat adjustment, bumper replacement, exterior trim, interior trim panels, glass replacement.
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Procedures Included
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues.
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Maintenance:
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Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid checks and changes, timing belt replacement, and tune-ups.
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Repair And Rebuild:
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Detailed procedures for engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement, and more.
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Adjustments And Calibrations:
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Procedures for adjusting clutch engagement, aligning headlights, setting idle speed (where applicable), and other necessary calibrations.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Expert level. Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, and specialized tool requirements.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Code And Type:
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EJ251 (2.5L SOHC NA), EJ253 (2.5L DOHC NA), EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged - for XT models)
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Performance
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Horsepower Na:
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Approx. 165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (NA models)
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Torque Na:
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Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (NA models)
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Horsepower Turbo:
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Approx. 210 hp @ 5,600 rpm (XT Turbo models)
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Torque Turbo:
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Approx. 235 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm (XT Turbo models)
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Fuel System
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Type:
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Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
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Engine Features
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Block Material:
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Aluminum Alloy
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Head Material:
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Aluminum Alloy
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Timing Belt:
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Yes, requires periodic replacement. Critical maintenance item.
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Combustion Type:
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Naturally Aspirated (NA) and Turbocharged
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Dimensions
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Exterior
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Length:
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Approx. 177.7 inches (4515 mm)
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Width:
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Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)
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Height:
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Approx. 63.0 inches (1600 mm)
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Wheelbase:
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Approx. 103.1 inches (2619 mm)
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Interior
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Passenger Volume:
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Approx. 96.8 cu ft (2740 L)
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Cargo
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Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
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Approx. 34.7 cu ft (983 L)
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Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
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Approx. 68.5 cu ft (1940 L)
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Weights
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Curb Weight:
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Approx. 3,250 - 3,500 lbs (1474 - 1588 kg) depending on trim and transmission
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change:
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Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe driving) / Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal driving) - refer to manual for specific driving conditions.
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Timing Belt:
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Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first. Highly critical maintenance item.
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Spark Plugs:
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Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.
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Cabin Air Filter:
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Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil:
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SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher certified). Check dipstick for level.
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Coolant:
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Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water.
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 3
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Known Issues
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Head Gaskets:
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While the 2003 model year generally improved upon earlier versions, some EJ25 engines are still prone to head gasket leaks over time. The service manual provides detailed procedures for diagnosis and replacement.
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Oil Consumption:
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Some EJ25 engines can develop oil consumption issues. The manual covers piston ring and cylinder wall inspection.
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Catalytic Converter:
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Can become clogged over time, affecting performance and emissions. Manual provides diagnostic procedures.
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