Segment:
        
        
            Compact car, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, performance tuning community, general vehicle owners seeking detailed repair information
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra
        
     
    
        
            Subaru Advantage:
        
        
            Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine layout
        
     
    
    
        
            Driving Dynamics:
        
        
            Agile handling due to low center of gravity from boxer engine and AWD
        
     
    
        
            Performance Variants:
        
        
            Introduction of the iconic WRX (World Rally eXperimental) model in later years of this generation, although base models are covered here.
        
     
    
        
            Reliability:
        
        
            Generally considered reliable, but head gasket issues can be a common concern on certain EJ engines.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Full engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system
        
     
    
        
            Engine Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel injection (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system
        
     
    
        
            Engine Ignition System:
        
        
            Ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring, ECU control
        
     
    
        
            Engine Emissions Control:
        
        
            Catalytic converter, EGR system, oxygen sensors, PCV system
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Clutch assembly, gearbox overhaul, gear selection, driveline components
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Hydraulic system, valve body, torque converter, gear shifts, TCU control
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain AWD:
        
        
            Center differential, viscous coupling unit, rear differential, front axle, driveshafts
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, anti-roll bars
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering rack and pump, steering column, linkage, wheel alignment specifications
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Disc brake system (front/rear), ABS system (if equipped), parking brake, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Body panel removal/installation, structural components, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Seat belts, airbags (early systems, typically driver/passenger deployed).
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance Procedures:
        
        
            Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad replacement
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
        
        
            Systematic diagnostic flowcharts, common fault codes, symptoms and causes, electrical troubleshooting guides
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Engine rebuild, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component repair
        
     
    
        
            Installation Procedures:
        
        
            Component removal and installation for all major systems
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of Subaru-specific special tools for complex procedures
        
     
    
        
            Tightening Specifications:
        
        
            Torque values for all critical fasteners
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Of Coverage:
        
        
            Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and wiring diagrams
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Focus:
        
        
            Detailed diagnostic procedures for engine performance, drivability, electrical faults, and HVAC issues
        
     
    
        
            Rebuild Instructions:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for major component rebuilds
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Displacement Common:
        
        
            2.2 Liters (EJ22)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Layout:
        
        
            Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), SOHC and DOHC configurations
        
     
    
        
            Engine Aspirated:
        
        
            Naturally Aspirated (Turbocharged variants like WRX/STi exist, but this FSM primarily covers NA)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Ej22:
        
        
            Approximately 130-135 hp (depending on exact spec and market)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Ej22:
        
        
            Approximately 135-140 lb-ft (depending on exact spec and market)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Pump Type:
        
        
            In-tank electric fuel pump
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission:
        
        
            5-speed Manual (e.g., MY11, MG11 series)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission:
        
        
            4-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic (4EAT series)
        
     
    
    
        
            Drivetrain Configuration:
        
        
            Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most models
        
     
    
        
            AWD System Details:
        
        
            Viscous coupling center differential (mechanical AWD on some base models)
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            GL-5 Gear Oil (specific viscosity like 75W-90 recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent Dexron/Mercon compatible fluid with proper checks)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (for conventional oil)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type Spec:
        
        
            API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations)
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical interval for interference engines)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush Interval:
        
        
            Every 24,000 miles or 24 months
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Approximately 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum)
        
     
    
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron/Mercon ATF
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
        
     
    
    
        
            Head Gaskets:
        
        
            Common failure point on EJ series engines, often due to material degradation. Manual provides repair procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Leaks:
        
        
            Can occur from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front/rear main seals.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Shifting:
        
        
            Occasional harsh shifting or delayed engagement can occur, often related to fluid and filter service or valve body issues.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Wear:
        
        
            Bushings and struts can wear over time, leading to noise and degraded handling.
        
     
    
        
            Oxygen Sensors:
        
        
            Can fail with age, affecting fuel economy and emissions.