🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy Outback

Year:

2009

Market:

North America (implied by common sales practices)

Chassis Codes:

BL5 (sedan, less common for Outback), BP5 (wagon, primary for Outback)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2009 Subaru Legacy Outback occupied a unique niche as a more car-like, upscale alternative to traditional SUVs, emphasizing all-wheel-drive capability, safety, and a comfortable, wagon-based utility.

Competitors:

Competed with models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Edge, and to some extent, smaller crossover SUVs, while also appealing to buyers seeking a more rugged version of a mid-size wagon.

Features:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on all models, elevated ride height for increased ground clearance, comfortable and practical interior, available boxer engines known for low center of gravity.

📋 Manual Details

General:

Comprehensive service and repair information for the 2009 Subaru Legacy Outback.

Specific:

Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Body, Wiring System, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications.

Estimated:

Extensive (typically 1500-2500+ pages for full factory service manuals, exact count not provided).

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual.

Language:

English.

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF).

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (2.5L SOHC, 2.5L DOHC Turbo, 3.0L DOHC), engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS), drivetrain (AWD system components, CV axles, differentials).

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, sunroof (if equipped), seating systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power accessories, instrument cluster, infotainment systems, SRS (airbag) system, security systems.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.

Repair:

Engine repair (e.g., head gaskets, timing components), transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component installation, body panel repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system diagnostics, emissions diagnostics.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, fluid capacities, clearances, diagnostic values, wiring schematics.

Depth:

Highly detailed, covering everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to complex engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical system diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF). Optimized for searchability and printing.

Quality:

High resolution for clear display of diagrams, illustrations, and text. Printable pages.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format).

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.5L SOHC EJ253 Boxer-4. Naturally aspirated.

Engine 2:

2.5L DOHC EJ255 Turbocharged Boxer-4. Turbocharged and intercooled.

Engine 3:

3.0L DOHC EZ30D Boxer-6. Naturally aspirated, often referred to as the '3.0R' variant.

2.5I Hp:

~170 hp @ 5600 rpm (approximate)

2.5Gt Hp:

~243 hp @ 5200 rpm (approximate)

3.0R Hp:

~245 hp @ 6600 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines.

Valve Timing:

SOHC for 2.5L, DOHC for 2.5L Turbo and 3.0L. Subaru's Variable Valve Timing (VVT) likely implemented on DOHC variants.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Available with a 5-speed manual transmission (primarily on 2.5i models) or a 5-speed automatic transmission with SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive) control.

Transmission Options:

5-speed automatic (with paddle shifters or sequential manual mode on some higher trims like 3.0R). 5-speed manual on base 2.5i.

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled multi-plate clutch AWD system (automatic).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

~189.4 inches

Width:

~70.1 inches

Height:

~61.6 inches (standard ride height)

Wheelbase:

~104.0 inches

Ground Clearance:

~8.1 inches (significant for its class)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

~39.4 cubic feet (approximate with rear seats up)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

~73.3 cubic feet (approximate with rear seats folded)

Curb Weight 2.5I:

~3360 lbs (approximate)

Curb Weight 2.5Gt:

~3450 lbs (approximate)

Curb Weight 3.0R:

~3550 lbs (approximate)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Rollover:

4 Stars

IIHS Front Crash:

Good

IIHS Side Crash:

Good

IIHS Rear Crash:

Good

Active Safety:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard ABS, standard traction control, standard electronic stability control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control).

Passive Safety:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Factory-installed audio system with CD player, optional satellite radio, and steering wheel audio controls. Higher trims may offer a premium sound system and navigation.

Driver Aids:

Standard VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control), ABS, traction control. Optional features may include a rearview camera integrated into the navigation system.

Connectivity Features:

Auxiliary audio input jack (likely standard), Bluetooth hands-free calling might be available on higher trims or as an accessory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,750 miles with severe driving conditions or 7,500 miles with normal driving and synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific recommendations based on oil type and driving habits.

Major Service Milestones:

Spark plug replacement (approx. 60,000-100,000 miles depending on type), timing belt inspection/replacement (if applicable, though many later Subarus used timing chains or belts with very long intervals – verify for specific engine), coolant flush (approx. every 30,000-60,000 miles).

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher viscosity oil. Typically 5W-30 or 0W-20 depending on engine and climate. Consult manual for precise recommendation and capacity (approx. 4.8-5.5 quarts).

Transmission Fluid Atf:

Subaru Genuine ATF HP or equivalent. Capacity approx. 4.5-5.5 quarts for automatic transmission fluid change.

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity approx. 7.5-8.0 quarts.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent in later generations than earlier ones, the 2.5L SOHC and DOHC engines can be susceptible to coolant leaks from the head gaskets over time, particularly if overheated or poorly maintained. The manual provides diagnostic procedures.

Oil Leaks:

Common Subaru engines can experience oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, or front/rear crankshaft seals. The manual details replacement procedures.

Turbocharger Issues:

On the 2.5GT, proper maintenance of the turbocharger (regular oil changes, avoiding prolonged idling after hard driving) is crucial to prevent premature wear. The manual will cover turbo diagnostics and replacement.

Cvt Problems:

N/A for this year/model. This generation primarily used conventional automatic or manual transmissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Subaru has a long-standing reputation for building durable vehicles with a focus on all-wheel-drive technology and boxer engines, originating from its aerospace engineering roots.

Generation:

This 2009 model represents the third generation (BP chassis) of the Subaru Outback, which was based on the Legacy platform. It offered increased size, refinement, and improved features over its predecessors.

Production Years:

The third generation Outback (BP chassis) was produced from model year 2005 to 2009.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (primarily Gunma Prefecture).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Consistently received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS during its production run, reflecting Subaru's commitment to safety.

Year Awards:

Subaru models often received 'Best Resale Value' awards from Kelley Blue Book, and the Outback frequently appeared on 'Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks' list in various years, though specific 2009 awards would need deeper research.