🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Chassis Codes:

BH (Wagon), BE (Sedan)

Generation:

Third Generation (1998-2004)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Vehicle owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts seeking professional-level repair information for their Subaru Legacy.

Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-equivalent technical data and procedures, enabling complex repairs and maintenance typically reserved for authorized service centers, thus saving on labor costs.

Features:

Comprehensive coverage, detailed diagrams, step-by-step instructions, diagnostic flowcharts, torque specifications, and fluid recommendations.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Models:

Sedan Body: L, GT, GT-LTD, OUTBACK-LTD. Wagon Body: BRIGHTON, L, GT, OUTBACK, OUTBACK-CW, OUTBACK-LTD.

Applicable Years:

Primary focus on 2000 model year, with suitability for adjacent years within the generation due to shared platforms and components.

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive FSMs)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Languages Provided:

English, Español, Svensk

Download Format:

RAR archive containing PDF files

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for engine components (e.g., cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train).

Engine Lubrication And Cooling:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler, radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant passages, and system maintenance.

Engine Fuel And Emission Control:

Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, exhaust system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, PCV system, and evaporative emission control (EVAP).

Drivetrain:

Clutch system (mechanical/hydraulic), manual transmission (operation, overhaul), automatic transmission (operation, overhaul), propeller shaft, differential carrier, front axle, and rear axle assemblies.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering gear, power steering system, and wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs/drums), hydraulic system components (master cylinder, calipers, lines, hoses), parking brake, and ABS system.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, gauges, switches, fuses, relays, and comprehensive wiring diagrams.

Body And Trim:

Body panels, doors, interior trim, dashboard, seating, glass, seals, and basic bodywork repair guidelines.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis, and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Restraint System:

Airbag system components, seat belt mechanisms, and related safety features.

Diagnosis:

Includes diagnostic procedures for various systems, often referencing OBD-II codes and troubleshooting trees.

Maintenance Adjustments:

Covers routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures, and component adjustments.

Service Operations:

Detailed instructions for common service tasks, component replacements, and repair procedures.

Disassembly Assembly:

Comprehensive step-by-step guides for dismantling and reassembling major vehicle components and systems.

Depth:

Complete Factory Service Manual (FSM) quality, mirroring dealership technician resources, covering everything from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and major component overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Extracted File Type:

PDF

Compression Format:

RAR (Requires WinRAR, WinZip, or 7-ZIP)

PDF Features:

Searchable text, printable pages, high-resolution diagrams.

Printability:

Designed to be printed by the user, with clear formatting and diagrams.

Binding:

Digital download (not a physical book)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2000:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ253), 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255/EJ257 - for GT/GT-LTD models)

Horsepower 2.5I Na:

~165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2.5I Na:

~162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower 2.5Gt Turbo:

~190 hp @ 5500 rpm (estimated, can vary)

Torque 2.5Gt Turbo:

~200 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (estimated, can vary)

Fuel System Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Layout:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine

Timing Drive:

Timing Belt (for EJ253 and early EJ255/EJ257)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-Speed Manual Transmission, 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Features:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is standard on all models.

AWD System:

Active All-Wheel Drive system with viscous coupling center differential or electronically controlled variable transfer clutch depending on transmission and trim.

📐 Dimensions

Sedan Length:

~187.2 inches

Wagon Length:

~186.6 inches (Outback Wagon: ~187.6 inches)

Sedan Width:

~69.7 inches

Wagon Width:

~69.7 inches

Sedan Height:

~56.5 inches

Wagon Height:

~57.7 inches (Outback Wagon: ~61.4 inches)

Curb Weight Range:

~3100 - 3500 lbs (depending on body style, engine, and transmission)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Refer to specific year and trim for detailed NHTSA crash test ratings (typically performed well for its era).

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on most trims, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard.

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, optional side airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Factory-installed CD players, optional premium audio systems, basic digital displays for climate and trip information.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards; primary driver assistance is the standard AWD system. Cruise control typically standard.

Connectivity Options:

Basic connectivity, often limited to auxiliary input for audio on later models of this generation.

🔧 Maintenance

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 60,000 to 105,000 miles or 5-7 years, depending on model year and driving conditions. Critical maintenance item.

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, or per manufacturer recommendation based on oil type (conventional vs. synthetic).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium), intervals can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific API service classification (e.g., API SG or higher) and viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30). Often recommends synthetic or synthetic blend.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant. Check capacity in manual.

Transmission Fluid Atf:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid for automatic transmissions.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90.

Common Problems:

Head gasket leaks (especially on earlier EJ25 engines, though less prevalent on this generation than prior), oil leaks (crankshaft seals, valve cover gaskets), transmission synchro wear (manual), torque converter shudder (automatic), wheel bearing wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, known for its Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, has a strong reputation for safety, reliability, and capability in various driving conditions.

Legacy Generation 3:

The third generation (1998-2004) saw a significant redesign with more modern styling, improved interior comfort, and refined engineering. The Outback variant became a distinct model line, offering increased ground clearance and rugged styling.

Production Location:

Globally manufactured, with primary assembly in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Subaru vehicles from this era consistently received good safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA, contributing to Subaru's reputation for safety.