🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Liberty

Generation:

BH/BG

Model Years Covered:

1998-2003

Market Designation:

Australia, New Zealand, and other right-hand drive markets (known as Legacy in left-hand drive markets)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size family sedan/wagon, known for its All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and practicality.

Usp:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as standard, boxer engine layout contributing to a low center of gravity, robust build quality.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Mitsubishi Magna, Mazda 626/Mazda Atenza (Mazda 6).

Drivetrain:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, offering superior traction and stability.

Engine Layout:

Horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines, contributing to a lower center of gravity and improved handling.

Body Styles:

Offered in sedan and station wagon (Liberty Outback for higher ground clearance variant) body styles.

Target User:

DIY enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and Subaru owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Systems:

2.0L EJ20, 2.5L EJ25 SOHC and DOHC naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants

Transmission Systems:

5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (front disc, rear disc/drum), Wheels & Tires

Electrical Systems:

ECU, Engine Control, Ignition, Fuel Injection, Lighting, Instruments, Audio, HVAC, Power Windows, Central Locking, SRS Airbag System

Body And Interior:

Body panels, Doors, Bumpers, Seats, Trim, HVAC components

Technical Information:

Specifications, Diagrams, Troubleshooting charts, Torque values, Component identification

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500 pages (estimated, typical for comprehensive factory manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, though older print formats are possible)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, Cylinder heads, Pistons, Crankshaft, Camshafts, Timing belts/chains, Cooling system, Lubrication system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems (MPI), Ignition systems, Emission control systems (EVAP, EGR), Sensor testing and replacement, ECU diagnostics

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch operation, Gearbox overhaul (manual), Automatic transmission service and repair, Differentials, Driveshafts, AWD system

Braking System:

Brake hydraulics, ABS system (if equipped), Disc brake service, Drum brake service, Parking brake

Suspension Steering:

Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link suspension, Power steering system, Steering rack and pump

Electrical Components:

Wiring diagrams, Fuses and relays, Starter motor, Alternator, Battery, Lighting systems, Wiper/washer system

Diagnostic Procedures:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on specific variant), DTC reading and clearing, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair Procedures:

Component removal and installation, Overhaul instructions for major components, Body panel repair, Interior trim replacement

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug service, Fluid level checks and top-ups, Belt inspections and replacement

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized Subaru tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance, routine servicing, component repair, diagnostics, and complete engine/transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (most likely), High-resolution scans for clarity

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval

Quality:

Designed for clarity with detailed illustrations and diagrams, ensuring easy following of instructions.

Binding:

N/A (for digital format), but original print manuals typically had sturdy bound formats.

Paper:

N/A (for digital format), original manuals used durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ20

Engine Displacement 1:

2.0 Liters (1994 cc)

Engine Configuration 1:

Flat-4 (Horizontally opposed Boxer), DOHC or SOHC

Horsepower Range 1:

Approx. 125 hp (SOHC) to 165 hp (DOHC Naturally Aspirated)

Torque Range 1:

Approx. 176 Nm (SOHC) to 191 Nm (DOHC Naturally Aspirated)

Turbocharged Variant 1:

GT/GT-B variants featured turbocharged EJ20 engines (e.g., EJ205/EJ20G) with higher power outputs (190-250 hp).

Engine Code 2:

EJ25

Engine Displacement 2:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Engine Configuration 2:

Flat-4 (Horizontally opposed Boxer), SOHC

Horsepower Range 2:

Approx. 165 hp

Torque Range 2:

Approx. 225 Nm

Engine Position:

Front, longitudinally mounted

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating dependent on market and specific engine tune)

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors, EGR system, EVAP system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic (with overdrive)

Drivetrain Coupling:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system standard on most variants, with viscous coupling center differential for manual and electronically controlled clutch for automatic.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for each transmission and engine combination are detailed in the manual.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (manual transmission)

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (automatic transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan, 5-door Station Wagon

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2650 mm (104.3 inches)

Length:

Sedan: Approx. 4720 mm (185.8 inches), Wagon: Approx. 4755 mm (187.2 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 inches)

Height:

Sedan: Approx. 1435 mm (56.5 inches), Wagon: Approx. 1485 mm (58.5 inches)

Ground Clearance:

Standard: Approx. 150 mm (5.9 inches), Outback variants higher.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1350 kg - 1550 kg (depending on engine, transmission, and body style)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, specified in vehicle documentation.

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approx. 440 liters (15.5 cubic feet)

Cargo Volume Wagon:

Approx. 460 liters (16.2 cubic feet) with rear seats up, expandable to over 1500 liters with seats folded.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Vehicle safety ratings from this era vary by region and testing authority. Specific ratings for Australian NCAP or equivalent are not readily available but generally performed well for their time.

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction and stability in various conditions.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on many models, standard on higher trims.

Traction Control:

Traction control systems were optional or standard on certain higher-performance or later models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags were optional on some later models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Crumple Zones:

Reinforced safety cage and engineered crumple zones for improved impact absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM/CD players, often with cassette tape decks. Speaker configurations varied by trim level. Manual covers removal, installation, and basic wiring.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control system standard on most models.

Instrument Cluster:

Includes tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights. Manual provides diagnostic information for gauge failures.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard or optional depending on trim. Manual details operation and troubleshooting.

HVAC System:

Manual or automatic climate control systems. Manual covers component replacement (blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor) and refrigerant handling procedures.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first, or 10,000 km/12 months with synthetic oil (refer to manual for exact recommendations).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 km or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum or Iridium spark plugs typically last longer, e.g., 90,000-100,000 km. Refer to manual for specific plug type and interval.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for non-interference EJ engines (though some interference versions exist). Typically 100,000 km or 5 years. The manual details specific replacement procedures and related components (tensioners, idlers).

Coolant Replacement:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 km or 2-3 years. Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent is recommended.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

0W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 (depending on climate and engine variant, refer to manual for exact specs).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5-5.0 liters (4.7-5.3 US quarts) for EJ25, slightly less for EJ20.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru specific power steering fluid or Dexron III ATF

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent on this generation compared to earlier EJ25s, some instances of head gasket failure can occur. Manual covers inspection and replacement.

Timing Belt Wear:

Importance of timely timing belt replacement due to potential for engine damage if it breaks. Manual details correct tensioner and idler pulley replacement as well.

Automatic Transmission Behavior:

Some reports of delayed engagement or harsher shifts can be addressed through fluid changes and diagnostic checks outlined in the manual.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear and tear on suspension bushings can lead to noise and reduced handling. Manual provides part numbers and replacement procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), is known for its distinctive boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, often associated with ruggedness and outdoor lifestyles.

Generation Designation:

BH/BG generation, succeeding the BG/BK generation (1993-1998) and preceding the BP/BL generation (2003-2009).

Design Changes:

This generation saw a significant redesign with more rounded styling, improved aerodynamics, and a refined interior compared to its predecessor. Introduction of the more upscale Outback variant.

Key Variants:

Liberty, Liberty Outback (raised suspension, body cladding), GT and GT-B (turbocharged performance variants).

Production Years:

1998-2003

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Prefecture).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Awards:

The Subaru Liberty (Legacy) consistently received praise for its AWD system, handling, and practicality. Specific awards for this generation include 'Australia's Best Car' in its class from various publications in its launch year.

Consumer Reviews:

Generally well-regarded for reliability and capability, particularly in adverse weather conditions, though maintenance can be more involved than some front-wheel-drive competitors.