Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Subaru owners seeking detailed maintenance and repair information.
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level technical data, empowering users to perform complex repairs and maintenance effectively, saving on dealership costs.
Documentation Source:
Based on Subaru factory service documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables confident DIY repairs, proactive maintenance, and better understanding of vehicle systems, increasing lifespan and resale value.
Coverage Scope:
All service and repair procedures for the specified model years.
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2000+ (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Manual Format:
Downloadable Service and Repair Manual
Manual Category:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Digital Format:
PDF (likely, optimized for digital access and searchability)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (EJ20, EJ25 variants), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emission control, engine diagnostics.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (e.g., TY754, TY856), automatic transmission (e.g., 4EAT, 5EAT), clutch system, drivetrain, all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front/rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheel alignment.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power windows/locks, audio, climate control, instrument cluster, starting/charging, body control modules.
Body And Trim:
Interior and exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, body panels, structural repairs, paint, corrosion protection.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault identification.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, schematics, part identification.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Subaru-specific or specialized tools required for repairs.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive; covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including interpretation of sensor data and troubleshooting of complex electronic systems.
Engine Families:
EJ20, EJ25 series Boxer engines.
Common Engine Codes And Displacements:
EJ204 (2.0L DOHC NA), EJ251/EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA), EJ205 (2.0L DOHC Turbo - WRX), EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo - WRX/STI).
Horsepower Range:
165 hp (2.5L NA) to 300 hp (STI) depending on engine and trim.
Torque Range:
187 lb-ft (2.5L NA) to 300 lb-ft (STI) depending on engine and trim.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), multi-point or sequential injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by engine variant, premium recommended for turbo models).
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., TY754) on most models, some base models might have 5-speed manual. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across most trims.
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 4EAT) available on naturally aspirated models, 5-speed automatic (5EAT) on some higher trims/later years.
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with various differentials (viscous coupling center differential, open rear differential on NA, limited-slip differentials on WRX/STI).
Transmission Fluid Specifications:
Manual: GL-5 Gear Oil (specific weight like 75W-90), Automatic: Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent).
Body Styles:
2-door coupe (WRX STI), 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon (also known as Sportswagon or Outback Sport).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2525 mm (99.4 inches) for sedan/coupe, 2535 mm (99.8 inches) for wagon.
Length:
Varies by body style, approx. 4415-4480 mm (173.8-176.4 inches).
Width:
Approx. 1700-1740 mm (66.9-68.5 inches).
Height:
Approx. 1400-1485 mm (55.1-58.5 inches).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1300-1450 kg (2866-3197 lbs) depending on trim and drivetrain.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 1800-1950 kg (3968-4299 lbs).
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Generally rated 4-star for driver and passenger in frontal impact (varies by specific test year).
IIHS Ratings:
Good in frontal offset tests for some configurations.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front discs, solid rear discs standard; larger ventilated discs on WRX/STI). Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available or standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Available on some models, or integrated with AWD/ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags and curtain airbags available on some higher trims or later model years.
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear seat belts.
Audio System:
Factory radios with CD player, AM/FM tuner. Optional premium sound systems available on higher trims.
Display Screen:
Basic dashboard displays for climate, audio. Limited to no integrated navigation or large touchscreen displays in this era.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
ABS Traction Control:
As mentioned in safety, ABS and traction control systems were becoming more prevalent.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack may be available on later models or as an aftermarket addition.
Bluetooth:
Generally not available from the factory on this generation; often an aftermarket addition.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-7,500 miles (5,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (synthetic recommended).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
NGK Iridium spark plugs typically recommended for 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
For EJ25 engines, typically 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. EJ20 models might have different intervals or a timing chain. The manual will detail this for specific engines.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, SN or ILSAC GF-2, GF-3, GF-4. Viscosity grade: 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check owner's manual for specific climate/engine recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or a high-quality, silicate-free Asian-type antifreeze/coolant. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gaskets:
Early EJ25 SOHC engines (EJ251/EJ253) are known for head gasket failures, especially around the 100,000-mile mark. Turbocharged EJ205/EJ255 engines are generally more robust but can still have issues if not maintained.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is a common concern, especially on manual transmission WRX/STI models subjected to hard driving.
Turbo Failures:
Turbocharger issues can occur on WRX/STI models due to heat, oil coking, or aggressive driving. Regular oil changes and proper cool-down procedures are critical.
Catalytic Converter:
Can degrade over time and lead to reduced engine performance. Requires specific diagnostic procedures.
Subaru Legacy:
Subaru's automotive history is rooted in innovation, particularly with its horizontally-opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, emphasizing performance and capability.
Gd Gg Generation:
This generation (GD for sedans, GG for wagons) introduced a significant redesign, evolving from the previous 'bug eye' design to the more modern 'blob eye' (2003-2005) and 'hawk eye' (2006-2007) front fascias. It saw the introduction of more potent WRX and WRX STI variants.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing location was Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Assembly also occurred in other locations for specific markets.
Key Variants:
Impreza 2.5 RS, Impreza Outback Sport, WRX, WRX STI. Special editions like the STI S203, S204 also exist.