🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Outback

Year:

2008

Platform:

BP/BL

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 Subaru Outback positioned itself as a versatile all-wheel-drive crossover wagon, blending the utility of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car. It competed against models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape, emphasizing its standard AWD and boxer engine architecture.

Competitive Analysis:

The Outback's key differentiators were its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provided superior traction in adverse conditions compared to many front-wheel-drive biased competitors, and its unique boxer engine layout that contributed to a lower center of gravity for improved handling. Its wagon-like body style also offered more cargo flexibility than traditional sedans.

Key Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, available 2.5L Boxer 4-cylinder and 3.0L H6 Boxer 6-cylinder engines, spacious interior, increased ground clearance for light off-roading, wagon practicality, reputation for safety and reliability.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All major mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, trim, maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair for the 2008 Subaru Outback.

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (based on typical Subaru factory service manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Official Factory Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital, likely CD-ROM or downloadable executable/PDF archive)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (2.5L Naturally Aspirated, 3.0L H6 Naturally Aspirated), Transmission (5-speed Manual, 5-speed Automatic), Drivetrain (Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive), Suspension (Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-Link), Brakes (ABS, EBD), Steering (Power Assisted), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, HVAC, Electrical System (Body Control Module, Powertrain Control Module, Lighting, Instrumentation), SRS Airbag System, Security System, Audio System, Navigation System (if equipped), Chassis, Body Panels, Interior Trim.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, brake service), Engine Overhaul and Reassembly, Transmission Service and Repair, Differential and Axle Service, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Diagnosis and Repair, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Testing and Replacement, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation and Troubleshooting, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, Interior Component Installation and Removal, SRS Airbag System Safety Precautions and Repair, Emissions System Diagnosis and Repair, Wiring Diagrams, Component Specifications, Torque Specifications.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level technical detail, including step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic flowcharts, exploded views, wiring schematics, component testing specifications, and detailed torque values for all major systems. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary software executable, potentially with PDF or HTML content within. Searchable text and interactive diagrams are common in software formats.

Print Quality:

N/A (Software, not a printed manual)

Binding Type:

N/A (Software, not a printed manual)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software, not a printed manual)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.5L EJ25 SOHC/DOHC Naturally Aspirated Boxer 4-cylinder

Engine Options:

3.0L EZ30D DOHC Naturally Aspirated H6 Boxer 6-cylinder (available on Limited trims)

Horsepower 2.5L:

170 hp @ 5,800 rpm (approximately, may vary slightly by specific market/configuration)

Torque 2.5L:

170 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm (approximately, may vary slightly by specific market/configuration)

Horsepower 3.0L:

245 hp @ 6,600 rpm (approximately, may vary slightly by specific market/configuration)

Torque 3.0L:

217 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (approximately, may vary slightly by specific market/configuration)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI).

Engine Code 2.5L:

EJ253 (SOHC), EJ255 (DOHC Turbo - not for 2008 Outback)

Engine Code 3.0L:

EZ30D

Oil Capacity 2.5L:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.

Oil Capacity 3.0L:

6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter change.

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

5W-30 (API SG or higher for 2.5L, API SH or higher for 3.0L).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (TY754)

Optional Transmission:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (TG5D7...

Features Automatic:

Includes Subaru's 'VTD' (Variable Torque Distribution) AWD system, which typically biases power to the rear wheels for better dry-road handling, while still providing full-time AWD capability. Features a manual mode for driver control of gear selection.

Features Manual:

Direct coupling to the center differential for the Symmetrical AWD system, providing a 50/50 front/rear torque split.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) Fluid. Refer to manual for exact part number.

Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:

Approximately 3.4 US quarts (3.2 Liters) for a drain and fill. Overhaul requires significantly more.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90.

Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:

Approximately 1.8 US quarts (1.7 Liters).

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Exterior Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Exterior Height:

63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches (2670 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

33.5 cubic feet (949 Liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

68.5 cubic feet (1940 Liters)

Curb Weight 2.5L:

3,373 lbs (1530 kg) (Manual), 3,461 lbs (1570 kg) (Automatic)

Curb Weight 3.0L:

3,600 lbs (1633 kg) (Automatic)

Towing Capacity:

2,700 lbs (1225 kg) (with optional towing package, check local regulations)

Wheel Size:

17-inch alloy wheels standard on most trims.

Tire Size:

215/55R17

Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings NHTSA:

Good ratings in front and side crash tests. 4-star rollover resistance. (Specific ratings vary by exact configuration and test year).

Ratings IIHS:

Top Safety Pick for 2008 (achieved 'Good' in front, side, rear, and roof strength tests).

Passive Features:

Dual front advanced airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), 3-point height-adjustable seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, energy-absorbing steering column, body-structure crumple zones.

Active Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Subaru's 'Vehicle Dynamics Control' (VDC).

Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

Standard on all models.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional Sirius Satellite Radio and subwoofer. Higher trims may feature a premium audio system and an in-dash CD changer. Available touchscreen navigation system (optional).

Driver Assistance:

Standard features include ABS, EBD, BA, TCS, and VDC (ESC). No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist were available on this model.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack (3.5mm) for portable music players was becoming more common. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling was not standard and likely not available on most trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Climate Control:

Manual air conditioning standard. Automatic climate control available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Oil:

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 conditions. Check manual for specific recommendations based on model year and region.

Service Intervals Filters:

Engine oil filter: Replace with every oil change. Air filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Cabin air filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Service Intervals Spark Plugs:

2.5L (SOHC): 105,000 miles (168,000 km). 2.5L (DOHC - if applicable): 60,000 miles (96,000 km). 3.0L H6: 105,000 miles (168,000 km). Use Iridium-tipped spark plugs.

Service Intervals Brakes:

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or at every oil change. Replace brake fluid every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Service Intervals Coolant:

Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years, then every 52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 4 years thereafter.

Fluid Specifications Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru conditioner additive. 50/50 mixture with distilled water.

Fluid Specifications Power Steering:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF.

Known Issues:

Head gasket leaks (more common on earlier EJ25 engines, but can still occur; 2008 models are generally more robust). Premature wear of front suspension components (control arm bushings, ball joints). Automatic transmission fluid cooler leaks leading to cross-contamination of transmission fluid and engine coolant (especially prevalent on 4-speed automatics of earlier generations, but worth noting for vigilant maintenance). Catalytic converter issues. Wheel bearing wear.

Maintenance Manual Emphasis:

The manual provides critical details on inspecting the head gaskets for signs of leakage, proper torque sequences for engine components, and diagnostic procedures for AWD system faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its pioneering work with horizontally-opposed ('boxer') engines and its dedication to all-wheel-drive technology, originally developed for rally racing and snow-covered roads.

Model Evolution:

The 2008 Outback belongs to the third generation (BP/BL chassis) of the Subaru Outback, which debuted for the 2005 model year. This generation significantly increased the vehicle's size and refinement compared to its predecessors, moving it further into the crossover segment. Key updates for 2008 included minor styling tweaks and feature enhancements.

Production Years:

The third-generation Outback was produced from the 2005 to 2009 model years.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The 2008 Subaru Outback was recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a 'Top Safety Pick', underscoring its strong safety performance in crash testing.

Ratings:

Consistently received good to excellent ratings from automotive reviewers for its all-wheel-drive capability, comfortable ride, and practical interior space, although fuel economy was often cited as a drawback compared to front-wheel-drive competitors.

Certifications:

Certified as a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) in California and other states adhering to CARB standards.