🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Model Variant:

EJ22

Generation:

First Generation

Model Years Covered:

1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Engine Code:

EJ22

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Subaru Legacy EJ22 was positioned as a reliable and capable all-wheel-drive sedan and wagon, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and practicality.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, and Mitsubishi Galant, often differentiating itself with standard AWD and Subaru's boxer engine layout.

Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally opposed (boxer) EJ22 engine, robust build quality, comfortable ride, and practicality for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Manual Value:

This workshop manual provides invaluable technical guidance for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1991-1994 Subaru Legacy EJ22, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Complete Vehicle

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for full factory manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and specifications for the EJ22 engine, including timing belt, cooling system, lubrication, fuel injection, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Comprehensive coverage for both manual (5-speed) and automatic (4-speed) transmissions, including removal, installation, overhaul, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Includes front-wheel drive and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, differential service, driveshaft, CV joints, and propeller shafts.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, steering gear, power steering system, and alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum or disc/disc depending on trim), ABS system diagnosis and repair, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, and brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, door locks, ignition system, charging system (alternator, battery), and starter motor.

Body And Frame:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, chassis data, and corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, and evaporative emissions control system.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and oxygen sensors.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed procedures for routine services, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, and fluid flushes.

Troubleshooting:

Extensive diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for major component repairs and full unit overhauls.

Component Replacement:

Detailed guides for replacing individual parts and sub-assemblies.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and clear electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Professionally printed on high-quality paper, designed for durability in workshop environments.

Quality:

Sharp text and clear diagrams, ensuring legibility of technical illustrations.

Binding:

Sturdy binding (e.g., perfect binding, spiral binding, or case binding) to withstand frequent use.

Paper Quality:

Durable, tear-resistant paper stock suitable for a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) Four-Cylinder

Displacement:

2.2 Liters (2212 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1 (typical)

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Cam), 16 Valves (4 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower:

Approximately 130 hp @ 5500 rpm (varies slightly by year/trim)

Torque:

Approximately 137 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (varies slightly by year/trim)

Induction:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Coolant Type:

Subaru recommends specific coolant or a compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant (check manual for exact specifications).

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter (refer to manual for exact capacity and filter part numbers).

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate and specific Subaru recommendations, consult manual).

Spark Plugs:

Refer to manual for specific part numbers (e.g., NGK PFR5G-11, Denso PK20PR11 - verify with manual).

Replacement Interval:

Typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (consult manual for precise interval and part numbers for belt kit).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

AWD System Integration:

Both manual and automatic transmissions were available with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil type and capacity (typically GL-5 rated gear oil).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type and capacity (e.g., Subaru ATF, Dexron II/III compatible - verify with manual).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Length:

Approximately 180.7 inches (4590 mm)

Width:

Approximately 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

Approximately 56.7 inches (1440 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3000-3200 lbs (1360-1450 kg), varies by body style and drivetrain.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

Wheel Size:

Typically 14-inch or 15-inch alloy or steel wheels.

Tire Sizes:

Commonly 185/70R14, 195/60R15, 205/55R15 (consult manual for exact fitments).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Refer to NHTSA archives for specific crash test data for 1991-1994 models, as ratings were less standardized at the time. Expect respectable ratings for its era.

AWD System:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive enhances traction and stability in various conditions.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System available on higher trims or as an option.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard from 1992 onwards, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Chassis Design:

Reinforced chassis with crumple zones for improved occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim, controlling HVAC functions.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, facilitating highway driving.

All Wheel Drive:

The core technological feature, providing enhanced traction and stability.

Original Connectivity:

Limited to antenna for radio reception. No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (typical, consult manual for exact mileage and synthetic oil intervals).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (typical, inspect more frequently).

Cabin Air Filter:

Not standard on all models in this era, but if equipped, typically every 15,000 miles.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (typical, verify with manual).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months (typical, consult manual).

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., Dexron II/III or dedicated Subaru power steering fluid).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual).

Head Gaskets:

While less prone than some later Subaru engines, head gasket leaks can occur. The EJ22 is generally considered more robust than the EJ25 in this regard.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front/rear main seals can develop leaks over time.

Cooling System:

Radiator leaks, hose degradation, and thermostat failure can occur. Proper coolant maintenance is crucial.

Automatic Transmission:

Some early automatic transmissions might exhibit shifting issues or require fluid flushes to maintain performance.

Suspension Components:

Worn bushings, ball joints, and struts are common wear items on vehicles of this age.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of engineering innovative vehicles, particularly known for its pioneering use of boxer engines and All-Wheel Drive technology.

First Generation:

The first generation Subaru Legacy (BD/BG chassis) was introduced in 1989 in Japan and launched in North America for the 1990 model year. This manual covers the later years of this generation.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

Gt Turbo:

While this manual specifically covers the EJ22, higher performance trims like the GT Turbo featured turbocharged EJ22T engines, offering significantly more power.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

The Subaru Legacy often appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best lists in its early years, recognized for its AWD capabilities and value.

Motor Trend:

Received positive reviews from automotive publications like MotorTrend for its all-weather capability and comfortable ride.

Safety Certifications:

Met all relevant government safety standards for the model years 1991-1994.