🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy Outback

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

BP

Engine Codes:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA), EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Crossover/Station Wagon with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard

Usp:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, wagon practicality, comfortable ride

Competitors:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra (at the time of release)

Drivetrain:

Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system

Engine Options:

Naturally aspirated and turbocharged Boxer engines

Design Philosophy:

Functional, durable, and capable for various road conditions

📋 Manual Details

Main Coverage:

All Subaru Legacy Outback models 2004

Regional Variants:

North American Market specifications

Estimated Pages:

1800+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (AWD System), Fuel System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, EBD), Wheel & Tire

Electrical:

Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors)

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Doors, Bumpers, Chassis Electrical

HVAC:

Air Conditioning, Heater, Ventilation System

Safety Systems:

Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Repair:

Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension bushing replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, scan tool usage, sensor testing

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostics Level:

Advanced diagnostic procedures including circuit testing and component diagnosis

Wiring Diagrams:

Full color, system-specific wiring diagrams included

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Features:

Searchable text, bookmark navigation, high-resolution images

Image Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, clear illustrations, crisp text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Boxer)

Displacement:

2498 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 80.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Horsepower Hp:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Lb Ft:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Turbocharged Engine Type:

EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer)

Turbocharged Horsepower Hp:

210 hp @ 5600 rpm

Turbocharged Torque Lb Ft:

235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane for Turbo)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) ignition

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (4EAT)

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Drivetrain Integration:

Integrated with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system

Automatic Modes:

Includes 'Snow' mode for enhanced traction in slippery conditions

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

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

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 3.9 Quarts (3.7 Liters) for initial fill, 7.9 Quarts (7.5 Liters) total capacity

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

61.2 inches (1555 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2650 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

39.4 cubic feet (1116 liters)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

71.4 cubic feet (2021 liters)

Curb Weight Approx:

3300 - 3550 lbs (1497 - 1610 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain

Towing Capacity:

2400 lbs (1090 kg) with proper equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:

5-Star

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (Good is the highest rating)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system with amplifier

Display:

Digital clock, odometer, trip meter, and basic vehicle status indicators

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

All Wheel Drive:

Advanced traction and stability control through AWD system

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on audio inputs and basic vehicle communication

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe service) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal service)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 15 months

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 15 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

105,000 miles (Iridium plugs)

Timing Belt Replacement:

105,000 miles or 105 months (critical for EJ engines)

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL or ILSAC GF-2, GF-3)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with long-life additives

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Head Gaskets:

While not as prevalent as in earlier generations, some EJ25 engines can experience head gasket leaks over time. Early detection is key.

Catalytic Converter:

Can sometimes become clogged, leading to reduced power. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures.

Oxygen Sensors:

Can fail with age, affecting fuel economy and emissions. The manual provides diagnostic steps.

Automatic Transmission Behavior:

Some minor hesitation or firm shifts can be addressed with fluid changes and potential solenoid adjustments, detailed in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Company Origin:

Japanese manufacturer founded in 1917, known for its boxer engines and AWD systems

Outback Origin:

The Outback nameplate was introduced in 1995 as a more rugged, higher-riding version of the Subaru Legacy wagon.

Generation Context:

The 2004 model is part of the second generation (second phase facelift) of the Outback, built on the Subaru Legacy platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Awards:

While specific awards for the 2004 model year aren't as widely publicized as some later generations, the Outback line consistently received praise for its AWD capability and practicality in various automotive publications.

Consumer Reports:

Often rated favorably for reliability and owner satisfaction, though some model years had specific concerns addressed in the manual.