Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for AWD and practicality
Competitors 1997:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu
AWD Standard:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive was a significant differentiator and standard on many trims
Engine Options:
Reliable Boxer engines (EJ22 and EJ25D) offering good low-end torque
Body Styles:
Offered in Sedan and Wagon body styles, appealing to a wider audience
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed overhaul procedures, component testing, specifications for EJ22 and EJ25D engines
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system diagnostics, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed) and Automatic (4-speed) transmission overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system operation, maintenance, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, component replacement, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum/disc brakes, ABS system diagnostics, hydraulic system, component replacement
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, rack and pinion
Electrical System:
Full wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb replacement, circuit diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, operation, refrigerant, service
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal and installation, bumpers, doors, glass, trim
Body Interior:
Dashboard removal, seat removal, interior trim, airbags (where applicable)
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plugs
Engine Repair:
Timing belt replacement, head gasket repair, piston and ring installation, valve adjustments
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, torque converter replacement, transmission fluid flush and fill procedures
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting sensor failures, ECU diagnostics, starter motor and alternator testing
Suspension Service:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint and control arm replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability and electrical issues
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with step-by-step instructions and torque specifications
Engine Option 1:
2.2L SOHC EJ22 Boxer-4
Engine Option 2:
2.5L SOHC EJ25D Boxer-4 (Phase 1 DOHC in later models, but 1997 likely SOHC)
Ej22 Horsepower:
Approx. 135 hp @ 5600 rpm
Ej22 Torque:
Approx. 137 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Ej25D Horsepower:
Approx. 165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Ej25D Torque:
Approx. 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor type depending on specific engine variant
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal conditions)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical maintenance item)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles for conventional plugs, potentially longer for platinum plugs if equipped
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API SG or SH (check manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 quarts (with filter) for EJ22, 5.1 quarts for EJ25D
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (front and rear, center differential fluid specific to AWD system)
Head Gaskets:
Early EJ25D engines are known for head gasket failures, especially if coolant is not maintained properly
Cv Boots:
Front axle CV joint boots can wear and tear, leading to joint damage if not replaced promptly
Idler Pulley Bearing:
The idler pulley bearing for the timing belt can fail, often causing noise before catastrophic failure