Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for AWD capabilities.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Subaru owners seeking comprehensive repair information.
Competitors 1998:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus.
Subaru Distinction:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system across most trims, horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines.
Powertrain Options:
DOHC EJ25D 2.5L boxer engine; some markets may have had other engine options (less common for 1998 North America).
Body Styles:
Sedan and Wagon.
Primary Coverage:
North American Market
Market Specific:
Yes, tailored to 1998 model year specifications
Estimated Pages:
Over 1000 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Purpose:
Repair, Diagnosis, Maintenance, Overhaul
Primary Language:
English
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if a high-quality scan
Engine:
Detailed coverage for all engine variants, including diagnostics, overhaul, timing belt replacement, and emission controls.
Transmission:
Coverage for both automatic (4EAT) and manual transmissions, including fluid changes, internal component repair, and clutch service.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system components, including differential service and axle repair.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, alignment procedures, and shock absorber replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS system diagnosis and repair, brake fluid bleeding, and component replacement.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing, starter, alternator, battery service, and lighting systems.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, climate control diagnostics, and refrigerant handling.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and structural repair information.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and removal, seatbelt mechanisms, and related safety components.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, and other routine maintenance items.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanation.
Repair Procedures:
Complete disassembly and reassembly instructions for all major vehicle components.
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Specification Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical parameters.
Troubleshooting Charts:
Flowcharts for diagnosing specific symptoms.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using OBD-II scan tools and specific Subaru diagnostic equipment if applicable.
Component Testing:
Methods for testing individual electrical and mechanical components using multimeters and specialized testers.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for Subaru-specific tools required for certain procedures.
Diagrams Illustrations:
High-quality, detailed diagrams and exploded views for component identification and assembly.
Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Horsepower Hp:
165 hp @ 5,600 RPM (approx.)
Torque Lb-Ft:
155 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM (approx.)
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (minimum)
Type:
4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Drivetrain Standard:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Drivetrain Optional:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) available with manual transmission on some trims (less common for '98 Legacy).
Automatic Modes:
Includes 'Normal', 'Power', and 'Snow' modes for adaptive driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexter II/Dexron III certified fluid), Capacity: 6.7 US quarts (approx. 6.3 L)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (API GL-5), Capacity: 3.4 US quarts (approx. 3.2 L)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (Driver/Passenger) - specific year data may vary, but generally good for era.
IIHS Crash Test:
Good ratings in frontal offset tests for its time.
ABS:
Standard on most trims, Anti-lock Braking System.
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and stability.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
Rear seat LATCH anchors (emerging technology for this era).
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control with A/C.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most higher trims.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges with tachometer, speedometer, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
Cellular Phone Integration:
None (vehicle era predates widespread integrated Bluetooth/smart connectivity).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions. 7,500 miles or 7.5 months under severe conditions (consult manual for specifics).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (depending on plug type specified).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure is catastrophic. This manual will detail the procedure.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or SH rated (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate).
Engine Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze) mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: 7.0 US quarts (approx. 6.6 L)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Special Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III compatible ATF.
Head Gaskets:
While less prone than some earlier Subaru engines, EJ25D engines can develop coolant leaks from head gaskets. The manual will cover inspection and replacement.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Can fail, leading to stalling or no-start conditions. Manual will detail testing.
Automatic Transmission Behavior:
Some units may exhibit harsh shifting or delayed engagement; manual provides diagnostic routines.
Subaru Focus:
Engineering for reliability, safety, and all-weather capability, often with distinctive boxer engines and AWD.
Generation Start:
First generation Subaru Legacy (BC/BF/BJ) introduced in 1989.
Generation Covered:
Second generation (BD/BG/BK), introduced for the 1995 model year, with a facelift in 1998.
Updates 1998:
Minor styling updates, potential powertrain enhancements, and interior refinements for the 1998 model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (various Subaru plants, e.g., Gunma)
Consumer Reports Rating:
Generally received good to excellent reliability ratings from publications like Consumer Reports during its production run.
Car And Driver Comparison:
Often featured in comparison tests against competitors, praised for AWD and handling.
Emisiones Compliance:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.