🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

GL-10

Model Years Covered:

1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Chassis Codes:

A-series (e.g., A47, A52, A67 for sedan/wagon)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Subaru GL-10 was a significant model for Subaru during a period of growth for the brand, known for its robust AWD system and practical wagon/sedan designs. This manual serves owners and independent repair shops seeking to maintain and repair these durable vehicles.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Corolla/Camry, Honda Civic/Accord, and Nissan Sentra/Stanza, often offering superior all-wheel-drive capability as a key differentiator.

Key Features:

Optional turbocharging on some models, distinctive "Bling-Bling" grille on later models, standard or optional Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full service, repair, maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting for all systems

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Drivetrain, Steering, Suspension (Front & Rear), Brakes (Front & Rear), Electrical System (Charging, Starting, Lighting, Ignition, Gauges, Wiper/Washer, HVAC), Body & Chassis, Body Electrical, Climate Control, Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

Procedures Included:

Scheduled maintenance, routine inspections, component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system service, suspension alignment, electrical diagnostics, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting flowcharts, torque specifications, component testing, replacement procedures, A/C service, emission control system repair

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed diagnostic procedures, and wiring schematic interpretation.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans, often including searchable text for easy navigation and printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

EA82 (Series)

Engine Variants:

1.8L (1767cc) SOHC Naturally Aspirated & Turbocharged Boxer-4 (EA82)

Naturally Aspirated Hp:

Approx. 90-95 HP @ 5200 RPM

Turbocharged Hp:

Approx. 115-125 HP @ 5200 RPM

Torque Nm:

Naturally Aspirated: ~142 Nm (105 lb-ft) @ 3200 RPM; Turbocharged: ~176 Nm (130 lb-ft) @ 3200 RPM

Fuel System:

Fuel Injection (Port or Electronic Multi-Point - SPFI/MPI depending on year/model)

Engine Management:

ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 78.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (NA) / 7.7:1 (Turbo)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (with Lock-up Torque Converter)

Drivetrain Options:

Full-Time 4WD (standard on many models) or Part-Time 4WD selectable via transfer lever.

Gear Ratios:

Manual: 3.454 (1st), 1.944 (2nd), 1.322 (3rd), 0.972 (4th), 0.755 (5th), 3.700 (Reverse); Differential: 4.111

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 97.2 inches (2469 mm)

Length:

Approx. 169.1 - 172.2 inches (4300 - 4375 mm) depending on body style.

Width:

Approx. 65.2 - 66.1 inches (1656 - 1679 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.7 - 59.1 inches (1415 - 1500 mm) depending on body style.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2500 - 2800 lbs (1134 - 1270 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3500 - 3800 lbs (1588 - 1724 kg)

Cargo Volume Wagon:

Significant for its class, with folding rear seats.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings Era:

NHTSA ratings from this era were less comprehensive than today's standards. Focus was on frontal impact. Vehicles of this vintage generally had simpler safety structures.

Active Features:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction and stability.

Passive Features:

Lap and shoulder belts, collapsible steering column, reinforced body structure.

Braking System:

Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Drum Brakes (some later models may have rear discs).

Tire Size:

Commonly 185/70R13 or 195/60R14, depending on trim and year.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x140 mm

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound system. Manual controls for HVAC.

Driver Assistance Features:

Primarily focused on AWD for traction. No electronic driver aids like ABS, traction control, or stability control typical of modern vehicles.

Connectivity Features:

None (analog systems).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles (20,000-25,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km), depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 5 years. Crucial due to interference engine design.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to Subaru specifications.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF.

Differential Fluid:

GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil for front and rear differentials.

Known Issues:

Head gasket leaks (common on EA82 engines, especially if overheated), rust/corrosion on body panels and suspension components, potential turbocharger issues on turbocharged models, aging electrical components, clutch wear, carburetor issues (on earlier carbureted models if applicable).

Torque Specs:

Detailed torque specifications for all major components (cylinder head, wheel nuts, etc.) are included in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a history dating back to aircraft manufacturing. Its automotive division is known for pioneering and popularizing AWD technology in passenger vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The GL-10 evolved from earlier Subaru models like the Leone and Loyale. It represented Subaru's move towards more modern styling and comfort features, while retaining its core AWD strengths.

Production Location:

Japan

Production Years Global:

The "GL-10" designation primarily refers to models from the mid-80s to early 90s, part of the broader Subaru Leone generation which ran from 1971 to 1994.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the GL-10 might be limited, Subaru as a brand gained recognition during this period for its pioneering AWD technology and its rugged, reliable vehicles, particularly appealing to those in adverse weather conditions.