Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size sedan and wagon.
        
     
    
        
            Brand Identity:
        
        
            Subaru is known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, boxer engines, and a reputation for reliability and safety.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima, Mazda 626.
        
     
    
    
        
            AWD Standard:
        
        
            Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on most models, providing enhanced traction and stability.
        
     
    
        
            Boxer Engine:
        
        
            Horizontally opposed ('boxer') engine design, offering a lower center of gravity and smoother operation.
        
     
    
        
            Durability:
        
        
            Reputation for robust engineering and long-term durability.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Systems:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, engine control, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emissions control.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Systems:
        
        
            Manual transmission, automatic transmission, all-wheel drive system (AWD), drive shafts, axles, differentials.
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Systems:
        
        
            Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Systems:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, power door locks, HVAC controls, audio system, wiring diagrams.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, airbags, bumpers.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance Procedures:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Procedures:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (where applicable).
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul Procedures:
        
        
            Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Adjustment Procedures:
        
        
            Valve adjustments, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments.
        
     
    
    
        
            Diagnostic Tools:
        
        
            Information on required specialized tools and diagnostic equipment for accurate repairs.
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Detailed torque values for all fasteners and critical components.
        
     
    
        
            Clearances And Tolerances:
        
        
            Specifications for critical component clearances and operating tolerances.
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Comprehensive electrical system wiring schematics for easy tracing and troubleshooting.
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage instructions for Subaru-specific special tools.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Likely searchable text within the PDF for efficient information retrieval.
        
     
    
        
            Print Quality:
        
        
            Designed for printing, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding For Printed Version:
        
        
            Assumed to be a professional binding (e.g., comb, spiral, perfect binding) if purchased as a physical copy.
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper Quality For Printed Version:
        
        
            Likely on durable paper suitable for workshop environments.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code 1:
        
        
            EJ22 (2.2L)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Configuration 1:
        
        
            2.2L Naturally Aspirated SOHC Boxer-4
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 1:
        
        
            Approximately 135 hp @ 5600 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 1:
        
        
            Approximately 145 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Delivery 1:
        
        
            Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Code 2:
        
        
            EJ25D (2.5L DOHC)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Configuration 2:
        
        
            2.5L Naturally Aspirated DOHC Boxer-4
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2:
        
        
            Approximately 165 hp @ 5600 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2:
        
        
            Approximately 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Delivery 2:
        
        
            Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Management:
        
        
            Engine Control Unit (ECU) based, likely with OBD-II compliance (check specific VIN for exact implementation).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Standard:
        
        
            5-speed manual transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Optional:
        
        
            4-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter
        
     
    
    
        
            AWD Integration:
        
        
            Integral All-Wheel Drive system (Active AWD for automatic transmission, viscous coupling center differential for manual).
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Subaru ATF, Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for precise specification).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approximately 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approximately 186.8 inches (4745 mm) for sedan, 189.6 inches (4816 mm) for wagon
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approximately 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approximately 55.9 inches (1420 mm) for sedan, 57.1 inches (1450 mm) for wagon
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Varies by trim and drivetrain, typically 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Ratings 1997:
        
        
            Specific 1997 NHTSA ratings may not be readily available or comparable to modern standards. Refer to general safety features.
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point front and rear seat belts.
        
     
    
        
            Structure:
        
        
            Reinforced body structure for impact protection.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available or standard on higher trims.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, possibly a CD player on higher trims. Speaker configurations varied by trim.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS Availability:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available option or standard on higher trim levels, assisting with steering control during hard braking.
        
     
    
    
        
            OBD Interface:
        
        
            On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) port likely present, supporting emission and engine diagnostics, though the implementation might be early-stage for the '97 model year.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 3,000 to 7,500 miles (5,000 to 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for exact recommendation).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Crucial for EJ series engines. Typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure causes catastrophic engine damage due to interference design.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Refer to manual; typically around 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Specification:
        
        
            Refer to manual for viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-30) and API service category (e.g., SG or higher).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Specification:
        
        
            Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (refer to manual for exact type and mixture).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Specification:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
        
     
    
    
        
            Head Gasket Leaks:
        
        
            A common issue on EJ series engines, particularly the 2.5L DOHC (EJ25D), leading to coolant leaks or internal contamination. The manual will detail procedures for diagnosis and replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Leaks:
        
        
            Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can degrade over time and leak.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Wear:
        
        
            Wear in bushings, ball joints, and struts is common due to age and mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Cv Axle Boots:
        
        
            Torn CV axle boots can lead to joint failure.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Subaru Origins:
        
        
            Subaru is the automotive division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), a Japanese transportation conglomerate with a history dating back to aircraft manufacturing.
        
     
    
    
        
            Legacy Introduction:
        
        
            The Subaru Legacy was introduced in 1989 as a successor to the Subaru Leone. The 1997 model year represents the second generation (BD/BG/BK chassis) of the Legacy, produced from 1993 to 1999.
        
     
    
        
            Second Generation Features:
        
        
            This generation saw a significant redesign with a larger and more aerodynamic body, improved interior space, and refined mechanicals, including the introduction of the more powerful 2.5L DOHC engine.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Location:
        
        
            Primarily manufactured in Japan.