🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2003

Trim Levels Covered:

L, GT, Outback

Chassis Code General:

BH/BE Series

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, often positioned as an all-wheel-drive (AWD) focused alternative to front-wheel-drive (FWD) competitors.

Key Competitors 2003:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Ford Mondeo/Fusion.

Subaru Brand Differentiator:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims), horizontally opposed (Boxer) engines, reputation for safety and durability.

2003 Legacy Highlights:

Introduction of the 4th generation platform (BP/BL), revised styling, improved interior, continued emphasis on AWD and safety.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive workshop and service information

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, torque specifications, cylinder head, block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain systems, lubrication, cooling system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold.

Engine Management And Emissions:

Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, sensors (O2, MAF, TPS, CKP, CMP), actuators, ECM/PCM diagnosis, evaporative emission control (EVAP), catalytic converter, emission control systems.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox assembly, disassembly, gear ratios, shift mechanisms, torque specifications, internal components, maintenance.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, transmission control unit (TCU), valve body, hydraulic circuits, gear sets, clutch packs, seals, internal components, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fluid specifications, maintenance.

Drivetrain And Axles:

Front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings, AWD system operation, maintenance, and repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings), alignment specifications, troubleshooting, repair procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses), steering column, linkage, diagnosis, fluid specifications, repair.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs, calipers, pads, lines, master cylinder, ABS), parking brake, hydraulic system bleeding, specifications, maintenance, repair.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, structural components, door mechanisms, glass, bumpers, trim, rust prevention, repair techniques.

Electrical System Components:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition switch, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, washer system.

Electrical System Wiring:

Wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, connector pinouts, fuse box diagrams, relay locations, troubleshooting electrical faults.

Comfort And Convenience:

HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, sunroof, keyless entry, remote start (if applicable).

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, ABS system, traction control (if equipped), cruise control.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, fuel filter replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnosis.

Repair And Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all major vehicle systems.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Engine rebuilding, transmission rebuilding, differential rebuilding, and other major component overhauls.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Schematic interpretation, circuit testing, component testing, diagnosis of wiring harness issues.

Special Tools And Equipment:

Identification of required special tools for specific procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.

Depth Of Coverage:

Factory-level diagnostic and repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Print Quality Recommendation:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type For Printed:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type For Printed:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 2 5I:

EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine Displacement 2 5I:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Engine Configuration 2 5I:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder

Horsepower 2 5I:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2 5I:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code Gt:

EJ255 (Turbocharged)

Engine Displacement Gt:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Engine Configuration Gt:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder, Turbocharged

Horsepower Gt:

210 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Gt:

235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Redline Rpm Typical:

6200 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 recommended for GT model)

ECU Type:

Denso or Hitachi ECU

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4AT) with Sportshift

AWD System Type:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all trims for 2003)

AWD System Details Manual:

Viscous coupling center differential (VCD) with a 50/50 front/rear torque split.

AWD System Details Automatic:

Active All-Wheel Drive system with an electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch, adjusting torque bias based on acceleration and wheel slip.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Sedan:

101.4 inches

Wheelbase Outback:

101.6 inches

Length Sedan:

186.8 inches

Length Outback:

188.8 inches

Width:

69.7 inches

Height Sedan:

56.1 inches

Height Outback:

59.3 inches

Ground Clearance Sedan:

5.9 inches

Ground Clearance Outback:

7.0 inches

Curb Weight Base Model Approx:

3100 - 3300 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

4350 - 4550 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

4 Stars

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) available on some trims, standard on GT

Airbags Front:

Dual front SRS airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags, optional front and rear side-curtain airbags (on some models)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio systems with multiple speakers and amplifier.

Display Screen:

Basic digital clock/display, no central infotainment screen on most trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

All Wheel Drive:

Advanced Symmetrical AWD system providing enhanced traction and stability in various conditions.

Auxiliary Input:

N/A (typically) - older model without standard auxiliary input.

Keyless Entry:

Available keyless entry and remote alarm system on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Typical:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving), consult manual for specifics.

Timing Belt Replacement:

105,000 miles or 105 months for EJ25 engines.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 30 months.

Engine Oil Type 2 5I:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-2 or higher)

Engine Oil Type Gt:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-2 or higher), synthetic oil recommended for turbo.

Engine Oil Capacity 2 5I:

4.8 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity Gt:

4.8 quarts (with filter)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

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

Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant

Head Gasket Leaks:

While not as prevalent as in earlier generations, EJ25 engines can still be prone to head gasket leaks, especially if maintenance is neglected. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

Turbo Failure Gt:

Turbocharger issues can arise on GT models due to heat and oil degradation. Manual provides turbo system diagnostics and repair.

Cv Joint Wear:

Front CV joints can wear over time, especially in AWD vehicles. Manual covers inspection and replacement.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Exhaust manifold cracks can occur due to heat cycles. Manual details inspection and replacement procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) has a long history in aviation engineering, influencing their focus on symmetrical designs and AWD systems.

Legacy First Generation:

Launched in 1989 as a mid-size competitor, establishing the AWD platform.

Legacy Second Generation:

1995-1999 (BD/BG), refined design and AWD.

Legacy Third Generation:

2000-2004 (BE/BH), introducing the Outback variant as a distinct model, significant redesign.

Production Location:

Subaru's main manufacturing plant in Gunma, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick History:

Subaru Legacy models from this era often received good safety ratings, contributing to the brand's reputation.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Variable reliability history, but specific year and model performance can be detailed in the manual for repair insights.