1997-1998 Subaru Impreza Service Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Impreza Model Generation: First Generation (GC/GF/GM) Model Years Covered: 1997-1998 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Sedan/Wagon, often positioned as an affordable performance...

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Sku: 586349

Tags: 1997 1998 Car Cars Impreza Subaru

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Model Generation:

First Generation (GC/GF/GM)

Model Years Covered:

1997-1998

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Compact Sedan/Wagon, often positioned as an affordable performance and rally-inspired vehicle

Key Selling Points:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), boxer engine, rally heritage, practical design

Competitive Analysis

Primary Competitors:

Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort

Key Features Vehicle

AWD System:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive providing enhanced traction and stability

Engine Layout:

Horizontally-opposed ('boxer') engine for lower center of gravity and balanced weight distribution

Body Styles:

Sedan (GC) and Wagon (GF)

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, though not explicitly stated, common for this era)

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for full factory service manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, repair procedures for EJ22, EJ25, EJ20 Turbo engines

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control systems, turbocharger systems (where applicable)

Transmission Manual:

Overhaul, repair, diagnosis of 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., TY754) including clutch system

Transmission Automatic:

Overhaul, repair, diagnosis of 4-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., 4EAT) including torque converter

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, rear, center), driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, control arms, sway bars, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS system components, brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system repair

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment

Body:

Body panels, doors, hoods, trunk, glass, interior trim, body sealing, chassis repair

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component locations, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, horn, wipers

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling

Comfort Convenience:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, cruise control, remote keyless entry

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, engine codes

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, and reinstallation across all major systems

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls, including torque specifications and clearances

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive list of all critical torque values for engine, chassis, and drivetrain components

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component identification and pinouts

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of Subaru-specific or specialized tools required for certain repairs

Technical Depth

Depth:

Factory-level detail for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and basic OBD-I/OBD-II principles applicable to the era

Specification Detail:

Precise tolerances, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical specifications

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Format Type:

Digital (typically PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Designed for printing individual sections or the entire manual

Print Quality

Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital originals ensure clarity of text and diagrams

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type

Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Code Na:

EJ22 (2.2L SOHC) and EJ25 (2.5L DOHC)

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ20G/EJ205 (2.0L Turbocharged DOHC - WRX/STI variants, common in some markets)

Performance

Hp Ej22:

Approx. 135-137 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Ej22:

Approx. 135-138 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Hp Ej25:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm (non-turbo)

Torque Ej25:

Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (non-turbo)

Hp Ej20 Turbo:

Approx. 210-250 hp (market dependent for WRX/STI)

Torque Ej20 Turbo:

Approx. 200-250 lb-ft (market dependent for WRX/STI)

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, higher recommended for turbo models)

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition system (DIDS) or distributor with coil-on-plug on some models

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type Na:

5-speed Manual Transmission (TY754, TY755 variants)

Optional

Transmission Type Auto:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

Features

AWD Coupling:

Center differential with viscous coupling (manual) or electronically controlled clutch pack (automatic)

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios provided in manual for each transmission type and variant

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Subaru Extra-S or equivalent recommended)

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

Subaru ATF HP (or compatible ATF as specified by Subaru)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase:

Approx. 99.9 inches (2538 mm)

Length:

Sedan: Approx. 174.6 inches (4435 mm), Wagon: Approx. 175.0 inches (4445 mm)

Width:

Approx. 66.1 inches (1679 mm)

Height:

Sedan: Approx. 55.3 inches (1405 mm), Wagon: Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheel Base Sedan:

99.9 inches

Wheel Base Wagon:

99.9 inches

Cargo

Cargo Volume Wagon:

Approx. 37.7 cu ft (seats up), 64.1 cu ft (seats down)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2800-3100 lbs (depending on engine and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4-star (1997 model year)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4-star (1997 model year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for models tested)

Active Features

Available (standard on some trims/options)

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard

Seatbelts:

Front seat pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Head Unit:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo with optional CD player

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems

Driver Assistance

ABS System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims, providing enhanced braking control

Traction Control:

Traction control system (TCS) was an option on some models, particularly WRX variants

Connectivity

Aux Input:

N/A (No factory aux input)

Bluetooth:

N/A (No factory Bluetooth)

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions; 1,875 miles or 3 months under severe driving conditions (refer to manual for exact definition of severe)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (refer to manual)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 90,000 miles or 6-7 years (crucial for EJ engines)

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG/SH rated (check manual for specific temperature ranges)

Coolant Spec:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Known Issues

Head Gaskets:

Premature head gasket failure, particularly on EJ25 DOHC engines, due to coolant leaks and potential internal damage

Oil Leaks:

Common oil leaks from front and rear main seals, valve cover gaskets

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some EJ25 engines can consume oil due to piston ring design

Suspension Wear:

Wear in ball joints, control arm bushings, and struts common with age and mileage

Catalytic Converter:

Failure due to age, oil burning, or coolant contamination

Transmission Mounts:

Degradation of rubber mounts leading to clunking under acceleration/deceleration

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Subaru Focus:

Engineering excellence, AWD expertise, boxer engines, safety, durability

Model Evolution

First Generation Introduction:

Introduced in 1992 (Japan), 1995 (North America), with significant updates for the 1997 model year (GC8/GF8 redesign)

Rally Heritage:

Foundation for World Rally Championship (WRC) success, particularly the WRX and STI variants

Production

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Gunma Prefecture)

Production Years First Gen:

1992-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 10Best:

Subaru Impreza WRX variants were frequently recognized by automotive publications for performance

Ratings

Consumer Reports:

Varied reliability ratings depending on the specific engine and model year; known issues often cited.

Certifications

Emissions:

Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the respective model years.