🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

BD/BG/BK (2nd Generation, facelift)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability.

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Mazda 626.

AWD Standard:

Subaru's signature symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system was standard across most trims, offering superior traction and handling.

Reliability:

Generally regarded for its robust engineering and longevity, particularly the powertrain.

Body Styles:

Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon (often referred to as the Outback Sport or Legacy GT Wagon).

📋 Manual Details

Scope:

Complete factory service and repair information

Pages:

Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Likely a comprehensive printed manual or a digital PDF version

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and specifications for all engine variants.

Engine Performance:

Ignition timing, fuel delivery, emission control systems, and performance tuning.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis, overhaul, and repair of automatic transmissions.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system components, differentials, driveshafts, and CV joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, and bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), ABS, hydraulic components, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component locations, and diagnosis for all electrical circuits.

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, diagnosis, and repair of heating and air conditioning components.

Body And Interior:

Panel removal, interior trim, door mechanisms, and exterior body component service.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and service, seat belt mechanisms.

Chassis And Frame:

Frame construction, underbody components, and corrosion protection.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, and belt inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues.

Component Removal And Installation:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major and minor vehicle components.

Overhaul Procedures:

Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling major mechanical assemblies like engines and transmissions.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Torque Specifications:

Accurate torque values for all fasteners critical to vehicle assembly and repair.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain procedures.

Adjustment Procedures:

Procedures for adjusting brakes, clutch, headlights, and other systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (searchable, printable)

Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams.

Physical Binding:

Stapled, perfect bound, or spiral-bound (depending on original factory format or reproduction quality).

Physical Paper:

Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ251 (2.5L SOHC Flat-4)

Displacement 1:

2457 cc

Horsepower 1:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC Flat-4, later production)

Displacement 2:

2457 cc

Horsepower 2:

175 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2:

170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Turbo:

EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo Flat-4, found in GT models)

Displacement Turbo:

2457 cc

Horsepower Turbo:

212 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Turbo:

241 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended (91 octane for turbo models)

Configuration:

Horizontally opposed ('Boxer') 4-cylinder

DOHc Sohc:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) for non-turbo, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) for turbo models.

Timing Drive:

Timing belt

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-speed manual transmission

Transmission Type Opt:

4-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive)

AWD System:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models).

Transfer Case:

Viscous coupling center differential (part of the AWD system).

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

4705 mm (185.2 in)

Length Wagon:

4765 mm (187.6 in)

Width:

1730 mm (68.1 in)

Height Sedan:

1425 mm (56.1 in)

Height Wagon:

1485 mm (58.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2630 mm (103.5 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 150 mm (5.9 in)

Curb Weight Avg:

Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3200-3400 lbs), depending on trim and configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Varies by model, typically around 1900-2000 kg.

Towing Capacity:

Not typically specified or recommended for substantial towing.

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 15.1 cu ft

Cargo Volume Wagon:

Approx. 39.4 cu ft (with rear seats up), expandable with seats folded.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

Good

NHTSA Front Passenger:

Good

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Acceptable

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard.

AWD:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability.

Airbags:

Dual front airbags standard; side airbags optional on some trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions; pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette player, 4 or 6 speaker configurations depending on trim.

User Interface:

Basic analog controls for climate and audio, analog gauges for instrumentation.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Traction Control:

Optional on some models, or integrated with AWD system.

Auxiliary Inputs:

No factory auxiliary or USB inputs; aftermarket solutions may be available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (if equipped).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API certified)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF (or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or III compatible.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Head Gaskets:

While less common on the EJ251/EJ253 compared to later generations, head gasket leaks can still occur, particularly external leaks.

Automatic Transmission:

Some automatic transmissions might exhibit delayed engagement or slipping issues over time, often related to fluid degradation or valve body issues.

Wheel Bearings:

Front wheel bearings can wear out, leading to humming or grinding noises, especially at higher speeds.

Cv Axles:

CV boots are prone to tearing, which can lead to premature CV joint failure if not addressed.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Cracks in the exhaust manifold (especially on the driver's side) can cause ticking noises and exhaust leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Specialty:

Subaru has a long history of producing reliable, capable vehicles, with a particular focus on AWD and boxer engines.

Generation:

This manual covers the second generation (BD/BG/BK) Subaru Legacy, which ran from 1994 to 1999, but this specific manual is for the 2001 model year, which represents a facelift and continuation of this generation or an early part of the third generation's design lineage.

Updates 2001:

The 2001 model year saw cosmetic updates and potential minor powertrain refinements over the earlier second-generation models.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Often received good ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its safety structure in its era.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated as average to above average for reliability in its class during its production years, especially concerning the AWD powertrain.