🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Outback

Generation:

3rd Generation (BP/BL)

Product Name:

Subaru Outback 3 Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Chassis Codes:

BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan - less common for Outback designation)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV, Station Wagon.

Target Audience:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking all-wheel-drive capability in a versatile package.

Key Competitors:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Xterra.

Subaru Differentiation:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, Boxer engine layout, excellent ground clearance, wagon-like driving dynamics with SUV utility.

Powertrain Offering:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, choice of horizontally-opposed ('Boxer') engines.

Practicality:

Spacious interior, flexible cargo area, higher ride height than traditional wagons.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 3000+ pages (typical for a complete factory-style workshop manual)

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, exhaust, engine control (ECU/ECM) diagnosis and repair.

Transmission Systems:

Automatic Transmission (4-speed and 5-speed), Manual Transmission (5-speed), clutch, driveshaft, differentials (front and rear), axle shafts, transfer case.

Brake Systems:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake hydraulics, parking brake, rotor and pad replacement, caliper service.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, door locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, body control module (BCM).

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis, and repair.

Body Chassis:

Exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, bumpers, chassis frame, corrosion protection.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), electrical circuit testing, component testing, diagnostic tool usage.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair.

Assembly Disassembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling and reassembling all major vehicle components and systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth Of Coverage:

Complete, from basic routine maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls and complex electrical system diagnostics.

Diagnostic Focus:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, including specific tests for common and uncommon faults, component resistance values, voltage checks, and signal analysis.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Print Readability:

High-resolution digital rendering optimized for clear printing.

Binding Style For Print:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type For Print:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ253

Engine Type 1:

2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower 1:

175 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1:

169 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code 2:

EZ30D

Engine Type 2:

3.0L DOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 (Boxer)

Horsepower 2:

245 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2:

217 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane minimum recommended.

Compression Ratio 2.5L:

9.7:1 (approx.)

Compression Ratio 3.0L:

10.7:1 (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission.

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT) for 2.5L, 5-speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT) for 3.0L.

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on all models. Differences in power distribution (viscous coupling center differential for manual, electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch for automatic).

Automatic Transmission Features:

Includes Subaru's 'Shift-less' AWD operation for seamless power transfer and available manual mode/paddle shifters on some higher trims (e.g., 5EAT).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.0 inches (2640 mm)

Length:

189.4 inches (4810 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

61.4 inches (1560 mm) (approx. without roof rails)

Ground Clearance:

8.4 inches (213 mm)

Wheelbase AWD:

104.0 inches (2640 mm)

Curb Weight 2.5L:

3380 - 3560 lbs (1533 - 1615 kg) (approx.)

Curb Weight 3.0L:

3610 - 3790 lbs (1637 - 1719 kg) (approx.)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

32.1 cu ft (909 L) (approx.)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

67.4 cu ft (1908 L) (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star (2005-2008 models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star (2005-2008 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Driver:

5-Star (2005-2008 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Passenger:

5-Star (2005-2008 models)

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4-Star (2005-2008 models)

Standard Safety Features:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (standard on some trims, optional on others).

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems available, often with subwoofer and amplifier. Steering wheel audio controls on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system integrated into the dashboard display on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims, electronically controlled.

Traction Control:

Standard electronically controlled traction control system.

Stability Control:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) available or standard on certain trims, enhancing stability during cornering and evasive maneuvers.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack on some models for connecting external music players.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming on later models/higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months for severe driving conditions, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months for normal driving. Refer to manual for specifics.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Replace at approximately 105,000 miles (169,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.

Engine Oil 2.5L:

SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on temperature), API certified.

Engine Oil 3.0L:

SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on temperature), API certified.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF HP (Genuine Subaru part number K051509390 or equivalent) orDexron III/Mercon compatible fluid, depending on specific transmission model year and type. Manual specifies precise type.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (Subaru recommends their own 5-speed manual transmission oil, part number K0305M0000 or similar).

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, ethylene glycol-based coolant. Do not mix coolant types.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 compatible brake fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent in this generation compared to earlier models, some EJ253 engines can still develop coolant leaks from the head gaskets over time, especially if maintenance intervals are neglected or if the engine is overheated.

Catalytic Converters:

Can degrade over time, leading to reduced engine performance and check engine lights. The manual will cover diagnosis and replacement procedures.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Some owners have reported issues with the 4EAT transmission in earlier years if fluid is not changed regularly, leading to slipping or harsh shifting. The manual will detail proper maintenance and troubleshooting.

Cv Joints And Axles:

Rubber boots can degrade and tear, leading to grease loss and eventual CV joint failure. Regular inspection is recommended.

Rear Differential Clunking:

Some owners experience a clunking noise from the rear differential. This is often related to differential fluid breakdown or worn bushings, detailed in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Dna:

Founded on a spirit of innovation, Subaru has consistently focused on engineering excellence, particularly in its adoption of boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, prioritizing safety and reliability.

Generation 3 Debut:

Introduced for the 2005 model year, the third-generation Outback (BP/BL) marked a significant redesign, becoming larger, more refined, and offering a more upscale interior compared to its predecessors.

Design Philosophy:

The third generation blended the ruggedness and capability of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car, often marketed as a 'crossover wagon' or 'SUV of wagons'.

Mid-Cycle Refresh:

Received a mild refresh for the 2008 model year, featuring updated front and rear styling, revised interior materials, and powertrain refinements.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured by Subaru Corporation at its plants in Japan (e.g., Gunma Prefecture).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ii Hs Top Safety Pick:

The Subaru Outback has historically performed well in IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) testing, often earning 'Top Safety Pick' designations for its robust safety features and structural integrity, including during this generation's lifespan.

Car And Driver 10Best:

While not consistently on the '10Best' list, Subaru vehicles, including the Outback, are often praised for their all-weather capability and practicality, contributing to their strong resale value and owner loyalty.