🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

1996

Chassis Codes:

GC, GF, GM

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car

Usp:

Standard All-Wheel Drive, rally heritage, practical and durable.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Escort, Nissan Sentra.

Platform:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as standard on all trims.

Body Styles:

2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon.

Engine Options:

Reliable Boxer (flat) engines, known for their low center of gravity.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North American Market Models

Engine Variants Covered:

2.2L Naturally Aspirated (EJ22), 2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ25 - some markets/trims)

Drivetrain Variants Covered:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for a complete factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, emissions control

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, oxygen, MAP, etc.), wiring diagrams

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, manual transmission (all-wheel drive), shift linkage, differential (front/rear)

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (all-wheel drive), torque converter, transmission control module (TCM) diagnosis, gear selection, hydraulic control

Drivetrain:

Front and rear driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings, rear differential

Suspension:

Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rod ends, steering angle sensor

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake

Body Electrical:

Lighting system, interior lights, power windows, power door locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, horn, instrument cluster, dashboard warning lights

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant recharge procedures

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk, chassis specifications

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing procedures, scan tool usage

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, timing belt replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild, cylinder head repair, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body repair

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic approaches for common and uncommon drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, and mechanical failures

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, suspension alignment angles, electrical resistance values, fluid capacities, and dimensional tolerances

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component locations and wire routing

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of Subaru-specific or recommended special tools for various repair and maintenance procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for efficient information retrieval (typical for factory PDFs)

Quality:

High-resolution scans, typically mirroring original factory print quality.

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ22

Displacement 1:

2.2 Liters (2212 cc)

Configuration 1:

Naturally Aspirated, SOHC, Flat-4 (Boxer)

Bore X Stroke 1:

96.9 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.5:1

Horsepower 1:

110 hp @ 5200 RPM

Torque 1:

137 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM

Engine Code 2:

EJ25 (SOHC, DOHC variants exist in some markets)

Displacement 2:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Configuration 2:

Naturally Aspirated, SOHC, Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower 2:

165 hp @ 5600 RPM (varies by trim/market)

Torque 2:

162 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (varies by trim/market)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Grade:

87 Octane (minimum required)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential.

Manual Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary by model/trim, detailed in manual.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90 recommended)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4340 mm (Sedan), 4300 mm (Coupe), 4360 mm (Wagon)

Width:

Approx. 1690 mm

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm (Sedan), 1390 mm (Coupe), 1455 mm (Wagon)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2520 mm

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 150 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1250 kg - 1350 kg (varies by body style and transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Specific GVWR details would be in the manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-star (for the era, specific to test conditions)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-star (for the era, specific to test conditions)

ABS:

Available on higher trims, standard on some later models.

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard in 1996, but ISOFIX compatible points may exist in some markets.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions recommend 3,000 miles (4,800 km).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard copper plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum plugs (if applicable).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, due to the interference nature of Subaru engines. CRITICAL item.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 1 year.

Engine Oil Type 1:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG or SH rated)

Engine Oil Capacity 1:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (EJ22)

Engine Oil Type 2:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG or SH rated) - EJ25

Engine Oil Capacity 2:

Approx. 4.8 quarts (4.6 liters) with filter (EJ25)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix)

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or ATF Dexron II/III compatible.

Head Gaskets:

While not as prevalent as later generations, early EJ25 engines can experience head gasket failures. The EJ22 is generally more robust.

Timing Belt:

Belt degradation over time can lead to breakage, causing severe engine damage due to interference design. Adherence to replacement intervals is crucial.

Automatic Transmission:

Some automatic transmissions can develop issues with torque converter lock-up or shifting solenoids over high mileage.

Suspension Bushings:

Worn control arm and sway bar bushings are common due to age and mileage, leading to noise and handling degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries)

Philosophy:

Focus on practicality, safety, and all-weather capability through AWD.

First Generation:

First generation (GC/GF/GM) introduced in 1992 globally, 1995 in North America.

Second Generation:

Second generation (GDA/GDB) introduced in 2000.

Performance Variants:

Introduction of the Impreza WRX and WRX STI during this generation, though not typically covered in standard 'repair' manuals unless specified.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated as a reliable vehicle for its era, particularly the EJ22 engine models. AWD system highly praised.

Car And Driver:

Often featured in '10 Best' lists for affordability, performance, and all-weather capability, especially for AWD variants.