Market Segment:
Compact Crossover/SUV and Station Wagon. Positioned as a more rugged, all-weather alternative to traditional station wagons, emphasizing Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boxer engine.
Competitors:
Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer (smaller trims), Isuzu Rodeo, Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Vehicle Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine for low center of gravity, Increased Ground Clearance compared to standard Legacy, Rugged Body Cladding, Comfortable and Practical Interior.
Areas Covered:
General Information, Engine, Suspension, Driveline/Axle, Brakes, Transmission/Transaxle, Steering, HVAC, Restraint Systems, Body, Cab and Accessories, Control Systems, Wiring Diagrams, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Repair Procedures, Specifications, Component Removal/Installation, Torque Specifications, Electrical Schematics.
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
EJ22E, EJ25D (naturally aspirated and Phase II SOHC/DOHC for specific trims), Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Control System.
Drivetrain Systems:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System, Front and Rear Differentials, CV Axles, Drive Shafts, Clutch (if applicable), Transmission (4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual).
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and Rear Suspension (Struts, Control Arms, Bushings), Power Steering System, Disc Brakes (Front and Rear), ABS System, Parking Brake.
Body Electrical HVAC:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Power Accessories, Lighting, Instrument Panel, Audio System, Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts).
Electrical Control Systems:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), ABS Control Module, Wiring Diagrams for all major circuits, Fuse and Relay Locations, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs.
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, HVAC Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, diagnostic charts, symptom-based diagnostics, use of scan tools, electrical diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical schematics for accurate diagnosis.
File Type:
Likely print-on-demand or original factory printed publication.
Print Quality:
Factory original quality or high-quality reproduction.
Binding:
Typically comb-bound, spiral-bound, or perfect-bound for durability in a workshop environment.
Paper Quality:
Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper stock suitable for workshop use.
Engine Options:
2.5L SOHC EJ25D (142 hp @ 5600 rpm, 150 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) - common for '98 Outback. Some earlier models and specific trims might have featured the 2.2L EJ22E.
Horsepower Range:
135-142 hp
Torque Range:
145-150 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI).
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded Regular (87 Octane), though Premium (91+ Octane) is often recommended for optimal performance and longevity of the EJ25D engine.
Transmission Options:
4-Speed Automatic (4EAT) with AWD lock-up, 5-Speed Manual (4WD) with AWD.
Optional Transmission:
N/A (the listed transmissions were the primary options).
Automatic Transmission Features:
Subaru's electronically controlled 4EAT with 'Active AWD' system, often featuring a viscous coupling center differential.
NHTSA Ratings 1998:
Frontal Driver: 4/5 stars, Frontal Passenger: 4/5 stars. Side Impact: Not fully tested or rated by NHTSA for this specific year/model in many regions.
Active Safety Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (enhances traction and stability), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (standard on most trims).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Three-point Seatbelts with pretensioners, Crumple Zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player. Standard 4-speaker system, optional premium system.
Navigation:
No factory navigation system available for this model year.
Cruise Control:
Available as standard or optional on many trims.
ABS:
Standard on most trims, as noted in safety features.
Connectivity Options:
Limited to factory-installed options for the era. No Bluetooth or USB ports.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (typical for this era, though synthetic oils may allow extended intervals as per manufacturer recommendation).
Timing Belt Replacement:
At 90,000 miles or 7 years (critical for EJ25D engine; failure can cause catastrophic engine damage).
Coolant Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or SH rating). Check Owner's Manual for exact specification.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron III (for 4EAT Automatic Transmission). Manual transmission: Subaru Extra Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent (e.g., Prestone 50/50 mix). Avoid silicate-based coolants if possible for longevity.
Engine Issues:
Head Gaskets (especially on EJ25D, prone to leaks), Oil Leaks (valve covers, oil pan), Piston Slap (common on EJ25D, especially when cold), Crankshaft Position Sensor failure.
Drivetrain Issues:
CV Axle boot wear and tear, Automatic transmission shifting issues (if fluid/filter not maintained).
Suspension Steering Issues:
Worn Sway Bar Links and Bushings, worn ball joints and tie rod ends, Power steering pump leaks.
Electrical Issues:
Alternator failure, power window regulator failure, SRS (airbag) light illumination (often due to seat occupancy sensor or clock spring).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change for EJ25D.
Coolant Capacity:
7.1 US quarts (6.7 L).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
3.6 US quarts (3.4 L) for a fluid and filter change.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries) has a long history of producing reliable vehicles, known for their boxer engines and the development of All-Wheel Drive technology, particularly for rally racing and off-road capability.
Legacy Outback Evolution:
The Outback was introduced in 1995 as the 'Legacy Outback' based on the second-generation Legacy. It was a successful experiment in creating a more rugged, go-anywhere version of the Legacy wagon, effectively pioneering the 'crossover SUV' segment before the term became widely adopted.
Production Period:
Second Generation: 1995-1999. The 1998 model year falls within this generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily Subaru's main plants).
Automotive Press Awards:
The Subaru Outback (as a model line) has consistently received praise for its capability and practicality. While specific awards for the '98 model are scarce, it contributed to Subaru's reputation for all-weather capability and reliability in the adventurous vehicle segment. Often cited by publications like Car and Driver or MotorTrend for its segment-defining attributes.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Consumer Reports typically rated Subaru vehicles of this era well for mechanical reliability, though some specific model years had noted issues like head gaskets, which would be detailed in the manual.
