Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size Crossover SUV / Wagon
        
     
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5.
        
     
    
    
        
            Distinguishing Factors:
        
        
            Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines, excellent handling and ride comfort, practical cargo space, robust build quality.
        
     
    
    
        
            Vehicle Philosophy:
        
        
            Versatile wagon/SUV that blends car-like handling with all-weather capability and practical space.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Value:
        
        
            Essential for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 2009 Subaru Legacy Outback effectively.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, starting, charging.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Automatic Transmission (4EAT, 5EAT) and Manual Transmission (5MT, 6MT) overhaul, diagnostics, and fluid services.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, AWD system operation and repair.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, bushings.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, column, alignment.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder, parking brake.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Charging system, starting system, battery, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, mirrors, seats, locks, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system operation, diagnostics, refrigerant handling, climate control unit.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis structure.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Systems:
        
        
            Airbag system, SRS components, seat belts, pretensioners, diagnostic procedures.
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil change, filter replacement, fluid level checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation.
        
     
    
        
            Major Repairs:
        
        
            Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system bleeding, clutch replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), live data interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Diagnostics:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams interpretation, continuity testing, voltage drop testing, signal tracing.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Expert-level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type 2.5I:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Type 3.0R:
        
        
            5-Speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type 2.5I Optional:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
        
     
    
    
        
            AWD System:
        
        
            Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (MT) or electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (AT).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec 4Eat:
        
        
            Subaru ATF HP (Dexron III/Mercon compatible)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec 5Eat:
        
        
            Subaru ATF HP
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
        
        
            API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact:
        
        
            5-Star Driver and Passenger
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact:
        
        
            5-Star Front and Rear Passengers
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset:
        
        
            Good
        
     
    
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Ebd:
        
        
            Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Vsc:
        
        
            Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Standard front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.
        
     
    
        
            Child Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Head Unit Options:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio systems and subwoofer available. Some models may have optional navigation systems.
        
     
    
        
            Display:
        
        
            Multi-function display for climate, audio, and vehicle status information.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard electronic cruise control.
        
     
    
        
            Power Adjustments:
        
        
            Available power adjustable driver and passenger seats, power windows, power mirrors, power sunroof.
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.
        
     
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming on some trims/packages.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions), whichever comes first. Refer to manual for details.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
        
        
            At every oil change.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 15 months.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 15 months.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 2.5I:
        
        
            105,000 miles ( iridium-tipped plugs).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 3.0R:
        
        
            105,000 miles (iridium-tipped plugs).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Replacement:
        
        
            First replacement at 7.5 years or 75,000 miles, then every 4 years or 45,000 miles thereafter.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            N/A (This generation uses a timing chain).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec 2.5I:
        
        
            SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec 3.0R:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Spec:
        
        
            Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent Subaru-approved P-OAT coolant).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Spec:
        
        
            SAE J1703 or FMVSS 116 DOT 3
        
     
    
    
        
            Head Gaskets:
        
        
            While less prevalent in the 2.5L SOHC engine compared to earlier DOHC versions, some instances may occur. The 3.0L H6 is generally more robust in this regard.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Wear:
        
        
            Front sway bar links and rear trailing arm bushings can be common wear items due to vehicle weight and typical usage.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Concerns:
        
        
            Some users report occasional hesitation or rough shifting with the 4EAT transmission; the 5EAT is generally smoother. Regular fluid changes are critical.
        
     
    
        
            Wheel Bearings:
        
        
            Can experience wear over time, particularly with high mileage or exposure to harsh conditions.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Brand Focus:
        
        
            Subaru is renowned for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and boxer engines, emphasizing safety, reliability, and capability.
        
     
    
    
        
            Third Generation:
        
        
            The 2009 model year is part of the third generation (BP/BL) Legacy, which ran from 2003 to 2009. The Outback variant was introduced as a distinct model from the sedan/wagon Legacy in this generation.
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy Third Gen:
        
        
            A more refined and mature design compared to previous generations, offering increased interior space and improved aerodynamics.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Gunma Plant, Japan.