🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1996

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, positioned as a reliable and capable all-wheel-drive (AWD) option in its class.

Competitors 1996:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Mazda 626.

Standard AWD:

Subaru's hallmark symmetrical all-wheel-drive system was standard on most models, enhancing traction and stability.

Subaru Boxer Engine:

Known for its low center of gravity and smooth operation.

Body Styles:

Offered in sedan and a popular wagon (often called 'outback' or 'GT' variants with raised suspension and cladding) body styles.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Body And Chassis:

Yes

HVAC:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Interior Trim:

Yes

Wiring Diagrams:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Maintenance Schedules:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, based on common offerings)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, engine management, ignition, fuel delivery, emissions control, lubrication, cooling, intake, and exhaust systems.

Transmission Systems:

Manual and automatic transmission overhauls, clutch operation, gear shifting mechanisms, torque converter, and transmission control systems.

Brake Systems:

Disc and drum brake systems, ABS, brake fluid, caliper and cylinder servicing, parking brake.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering rack/gearbox.

Electrical And Electronics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, ECU functions.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass, structural components, chassis lubrication.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system components, refrigerant servicing.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, tire rotations, brake pad inspection.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation (where applicable for the era).

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major systems.

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for engine teardown, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), timing belt/chain service, cylinder head servicing.

Transmission Repair:

Transmission disassembly, clutch replacement, seal replacement, torque converter installation, automatic transmission internal servicing.

Brake Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, brake line bleeding, ABS component diagnosis and replacement.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Using wiring diagrams to diagnose circuit faults, component testing, connector inspection.

Suspension Alignment:

Specifications for wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) and adjustments.

Body Repair:

Procedures for door alignment, window replacement, bumper repair, minor bodywork.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Provides the necessary information for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical faults without specialized scan tools (for basic issues).

Rebuild Instructions:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major mechanical components like engines and transmissions.

Specification Data:

Includes critical torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other essential data for proper repair and assembly.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

Likely a searchable PDF, allowing for quick text-based lookups of specific terms or components. May include high-resolution diagrams and illustrations.

Illustration Quality:

High-quality technical illustrations, diagrams, and exploded views that are crucial for understanding assembly and disassembly procedures.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format. If a printed version is offered, expect a durable binding suitable for workshop use (e.g., spiral-bound or perfect bound).

Paper Quality:

Not applicable for digital format. If a printed version is offered, it would typically be on durable, thicker paper to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ22 (most common), EJ25 (higher performance variants like GT)

Engine Type:

Horizontally-opposed ('Boxer') 4-cylinder, SOHC or DOHC depending on variant.

Displacement Ej22:

2.2 Liters (2212 cc)

Displacement Ej25:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Horsepower Ej22:

Approx. 135 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Ej22:

Approx. 140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower Ej25 Sohc:

Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Ej25 Sohc:

Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower Ej25 DOHc Turbo (Gt):

Approx. 205 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque Ej25 DOHc Turbo (Gt):

Approx. 220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for turbo models)

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) managing fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions. OBD-II compliant for this model year.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with electronically controlled torque converter lock-up.

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is standard on all models and integrates with both manual and automatic transmissions. Features viscous coupling limited-slip center differential in manual, and electronically controlled clutch pack in automatic. Rear differential is typically open unless LSD was an option on specific trims.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 185.8 inches (Sedan) / 189.4 inches (Wagon)

Width:

Approx. 68.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 55.7 inches (Sedan) / 57.5 inches (Wagon)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.3 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (depending on engine and transmission)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

Good (for its era, though ratings were less standardized)

NHTSA Front Passenger:

Good (for its era)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available option or standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette player and AM/FM radio, often with CD player option. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

OBD Ii:

This model year introduced OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliance, allowing for standardized diagnostic scanning of engine and emission control systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (NGK V-Power or equivalent recommended).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage on interference engines.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Use Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 45,000 miles or 36 months.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent recommended.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API SG or SH. For turbo models, SAE 10W-30 may be recommended in warmer climates.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change for EJ22/EJ25.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru All-Season Synthetic Power Steering Fluid or equivalent. Dexron II/III may be acceptable but consult manual.

Head Gaskets:

While less prone than later generations, early EJ25 engines (especially the DOHC 2.5) can be susceptible to head gasket failure. The manual will detail proper torque sequences and procedures if replacement is needed.

Timing Belt:

Failure to adhere to the strict timing belt replacement interval is a common cause of major engine damage. The manual will emphasize this critical maintenance item.

Cv Axle Boots:

Wear and tear on CV joint boots can lead to joint damage, especially in AWD vehicles subjected to hard driving or off-road use (common with Outback variants).

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets and rear main seals can develop leaks over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Focus:

Subaru has a long history of producing reliable vehicles, with a strong emphasis on AWD technology and boxer engines.

Legacy Generation:

This 1996 model is part of the second generation (BG/BD) Legacy, introduced in late 1994.

Design Changes:

The second generation featured a more rounded and aerodynamic design compared to its predecessor. Styling cues included larger headlights and a revised grille.

Production Period:

Second generation produced from 1994 to 1999.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Common Reputation:

Subaru Legacy models from this era are generally regarded as durable and capable vehicles, particularly appreciated for their AWD capabilities in adverse weather conditions.