Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Subcompact (depending on body style), known for AWD capability
Key Selling Points:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), durability, practicality (especially wagons)
Key Competitors:
Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Mazda 323
Unique Features:
Pioneering AWD in its class, boxer engine architecture, often robust and reliable for the era
Covered Years:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 1000+ pages (comprehensive workshop manual)
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine:
Engine mechanical (EA81, EA82, EJ series), fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions (including 4WD/AWD systems, transfer cases), clutch system
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differentials, drive axles, CV joints, prop shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), alignment specifications
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, disc and drum brake service, parking brake
Steering:
Steering gearbox, power steering system, steering linkage
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays
Body And Trim:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, seals, doors, hoods, trunks
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable to the era), symptom-based diagnostics
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-ups, belt replacement
Repair:
Component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all covered systems
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, timing settings
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on specialized tools and diagnostic techniques relevant to the period
Engine Family:
EA81, EA82, early EJ series (depending on year and market)
Displacement Ea81:
1.8 Liters (1769 cc)
Displacement Ea82:
1.8 Liters (1769 cc), often turbocharged variants
Displacement Ej:
2.2 Liters (2212 cc) (introduced later in the generation)
Horsepower Ea81:
Approx. 70-80 hp (naturally aspirated)
Horsepower Ea82 Na:
Approx. 85-90 hp
Horsepower Ea82 Turbo:
Approx. 110-125 hp
Horsepower Ej22:
Approx. 130-135 hp
Torque Ea81:
Approx. 95-100 lb-ft
Torque Ea82 Turbo:
Approx. 130-140 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery Early:
Carbureted (Keihin, Hitachi) for early EA81 models
Fuel Delivery Later:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for EA82 and EJ series
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Regular)
Layout:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), SOHC or DOHC depending on engine variant
Standard Transmission:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (with AWD modes)
AWD System:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - various configurations including full-time and on-demand
Transfer Case:
Center differential with lock mechanism or viscous coupling unit (depending on specific AWD system)
Wheelbase Sedan:
Approx. 96.5 inches (2450 mm)
Wheelbase Wagon:
Approx. 96.7 inches (2455 mm)
Length:
Varies by body style (Sedan: ~168-172 in, Wagon: ~172-176 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2300-2800 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model, typically around 3500-4000 lbs
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A (Records from this era are less standardized)
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (some later models may have rear discs)
Parking Brake:
Mechanical parking brake acting on rear wheels
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced roof structure (inherent to Subaru's design philosophy)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, often with 2 or 4 speakers
Dashboard Controls:
Basic analog gauges, climate controls (manual HVAC), basic switchgear
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some higher-trim models later in the generation
Aux Input:
N/A (No factory auxiliary or USB inputs)
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific recommendations)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Timing Belt:
Critical replacement interval, typically 60,000-90,000 miles for EA82/EJ engines
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
Potential for head gasket failure on EA82 engines, especially turbocharged variants, due to heat and coolant leaks.
Rust:
Prone to rust, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and strut towers, especially in areas with road salt.
Carburetor Issues:
Carbureted models (EA81) can experience issues with wear, clogging, and tuning, affecting fuel economy and performance.
Cv Joints:
Wear on Constant Velocity (CV) joints, leading to clicking noises during turns, especially on AWD models.
Radiator Fans:
Electric radiator fans can fail over time, leading to overheating.
Subaru Founding:
Founded in 1953 as Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), later rebranded as Subaru Corporation
Subaru Logo Meaning:
Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, represented in the logo
Predecessor:
Subaru Leone (introduced 1971), also featured AWD
Positioning:
GL-10 was a higher trim level, often featuring more upscale amenities and potentially the turbocharged engine or advanced AWD systems
Next Generation:
Subaru Impreza (introduced 1992, phased in alongside GL-10)
Production Period:
1984-1994 (for the GL-10 designation within the second generation Leone platform)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan (Fuji Heavy Industries plants)
AWD Recognition:
Subaru's AWD systems in this era were consistently praised for their effectiveness in adverse weather conditions, contributing to strong customer loyalty.
Durability Perception:
Generally perceived as durable and reliable vehicles, particularly the naturally aspirated models, when properly maintained.
Manual Quality:
Professional, OEM-level technical documentation, essential for accurate repairs and maintenance.
