🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy / Liberty

Model Code:

BG (Wagon), BC/BD (Sedan)

Generation Name:

Second Generation (BC/BF/BG/BD)

Generation Years:

1989-1994

Product Name:

SUBARU LEGACY LIBERTY 1990-1994 Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Subaru's mid-size offering during the early 1990s, positioned as a versatile and capable sedan and wagon known for its all-wheel-drive capabilities and boxer engines.

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 626, Nissan Maxima, Mitsubishi Galant.

Distinguishing Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (on most models), horizontally opposed (boxer) engines, spacious interior, robust build quality, available turbocharged GT trim (Liberty RS).

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Covered Models:

All models (Sedan, Wagon)

Covered Engines:

All engines (e.g., EJ20, EJ22, EJ25, EJ18)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Comprehensive Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine electrical, transmission (manual & automatic), driveline, differentials.

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS), wheels & tires.

Body And Electrical:

Body & trim, heating & air conditioning (HVAC), electrical system (wiring diagrams, fuses, relays), lighting, instrumentation, interior & exterior features, security system.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, tire rotation, brake pad replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, DTC interpretation (where applicable), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system testing, mechanical component testing.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, starter/alternator replacement, body panel repair, HVAC system repair.

Installation:

Component replacement procedures, accessory installation guidance.

Depth:

Complete disassembly and reassembly instructions, torque specifications, alignment procedures, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text

Printability:

Printable pages

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clarity of diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Subaru EJ Series Boxer

Engine 1 Displacement Ltr:

2.2

Engine 1 Code:

EJ22

Engine 1 Configuration:

Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder

Engine 1 Horsepower Ps:

130

Engine 1 Torque Nm:

186

Engine 2 Displacement Ltr:

2.0

Engine 2 Code:

EJ20

Engine 2 Configuration:

Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder

Engine 2 Horsepower Ps:

125-150 (depending on variant)

Engine 2 Torque Nm:

170-190 (depending on variant)

Engine 3 Displacement Ltr:

2.5

Engine 3 Code:

EJ25

Engine 3 Configuration:

Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder

Engine 3 Horsepower Ps:

165

Engine 3 Torque Nm:

215

Engine 4 Displacement Ltr:

2.0 Turbocharged (RS model)

Engine 4 Code:

EJ20G

Engine 4 Configuration:

Turbocharged, Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder

Engine 4 Horsepower Ps:

220-250 (approx.)

Engine 4 Torque Nm:

270-300 (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (standard on most models)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most models, variable transfer clutch on auto trans.)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Mm:

2620

Length Mm Sedan:

4625

Length Mm Wagon:

4580

Width Mm:

1700

Height Mm Sedan:

1390

Height Mm Wagon:

1460

Curb Weight Kg:

1300-1450 (depending on model and drivetrain)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

1850-2000 (estimated)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Not Rated (NHTSA data for this era may be limited)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Not Rated (NHTSA data for this era may be limited)

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Not Rated (IIHS data for this era may be limited)

ABS:

Available (standard on higher trims and turbo models)

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this generation

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags available (standard on some later models).

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, driver and front passenger pretensioners.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced body structure, B-pillar reinforcements.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic analog controls.

Speaker System:

Basic speaker configurations, typically 4-6 speakers depending on trim.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not available (factory units).

Bluetooth:

Not available (factory units).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Km:

5,000 - 7,500 km (depending on driving conditions)

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or SL, Viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific temperature ranges)

Oil Filter Part Number:

e.g., Subaru 15208AA020, Wix 51334, Fram PH7317 (verify for specific engine)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Km:

40,000 - 60,000 km (automatic and manual)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent), 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru Special Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Gear oil SAE 75W-90 API GL-5

Head Gaskets:

While less common than in later EJ series, head gasket leaks can occur, especially on higher mileage or poorly maintained engines. The manual provides procedures for inspection and replacement.

Crankshaft Front Seal:

Leaking crankshaft front seal is a common issue that requires engine removal for replacement. Manual covers this procedure.

Cvt Problems:

N/A (CVTs were not offered on this generation).

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to noise and alignment issues. Manual details inspection and replacement.

Electrical Corrosion:

Age-related corrosion on connectors and grounds can affect various electrical systems. Wiring diagrams are crucial for diagnosis.

Turbo Failures:

On turbocharged models (RS), turbocharger failures can occur due to lack of proper warm-up/cool-down or poor oil maintenance. Manual covers turbocharger diagnosis and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of aviation engineering and a reputation for building durable, capable vehicles, particularly known for its pioneering use of All-Wheel Drive in passenger cars.

Legacy Introduction:

The Subaru Legacy was introduced globally in 1989 as a successor to the Subaru Leone, aiming to compete in the more upscale mid-size segment. The second generation (BC/BF/BG/BD) saw a significant redesign with more modern styling and improved performance.

Liberty Naming:

In many markets outside North America (e.g., Australia, UK), the Subaru Legacy was marketed as the Subaru Liberty.

Performance Variants:

The 'Liberty RS' (or 'Legacy Turbo' in some markets) featured a potent EJ20G turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, offering significant performance for its class.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Production Start Year:

1990

Production End Year:

1994

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Alist:

Subaru Legacy models, particularly the turbocharged versions, were often praised for their performance and AWD capabilities, sometimes appearing on Car and Driver's Ten Best lists in earlier generations, setting a benchmark for AWD sedans.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied; some models/engines were considered above average for their time, while others experienced specific issues (covered in manual). Overall, often seen as dependable with proper maintenance.

Certification:

N/A (Industry standard service manual, not a vehicle certification).