Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV / Station Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Subaru owners seeking comprehensive repair information
Competitors 1998:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee
AWD Standard:
True (Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system)
Ground Clearance:
Higher than standard Legacy, offering light off-road capability
Value Proposition:
Provides the same detailed information as dealer workshop manuals, empowering owners for maintenance and repair.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Engine diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4EAT), Manual Transmission (5MT), Clutch system, Drivetrain (Subaru All-Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brake system (front disc, rear drum/disc), Wheel alignment
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power windows, Locks, Mirrors, Audio system, HVAC controls, Engine control module (ECM) and sensors
Body:
Body structure, Exterior trim, Interior trim, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Glass replacement, Body repair, Paint codes
Maintenance:
Oil change, Filter replacement, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement, Fluid checks and changes, Tune-ups
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission rebuild, Brake component replacement, Suspension component replacement, Electrical diagnostics and repair, HVAC system repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Sensor testing, Component testing procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (dealer-level technical information for repair and maintenance)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Boxer Engine
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Configuration:
Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder (EJ25D)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves
Horsepower:
165 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque:
177 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.8 (with filter)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SH or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic (4EAT) with Subaru's All-Wheel Drive system
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT) with Subaru's All-Wheel Drive system
AWD System:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (on manual) or electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (on automatic).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Genuine ATF or equivalent (Dexron II/III compatible for some models, refer to specific manual section)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Quarts:
Approx. 3.6 (pan removal) / 9.0 (total overhaul)
NHTSA Front Driver Side:
Not directly available for this specific model year and trim, but generally rated well for its class.
NHTSA Front Passenger Side:
Not directly available for this specific model year and trim.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
AWD Traction:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive enhances traction and stability.
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front seats
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system (may be present, verify with manual)
Oil Change Interval Miles:
3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal duty)
Timing Belt Replacement Miles:
60,000 - 75,000 miles (CRITICAL for EJ25D engine; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage)
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
30,000 miles (standard copper plugs)
Coolant Flush Interval Miles:
30,000 miles or 2 years
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or DEXRON II/III compatible fluid
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant or a quality ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Head Gaskets:
While the EJ25D (SOHC) engine is generally more reliable than the DOHC EJ25, head gasket leaks (internal coolant leaks or oil/coolant mixing) are a known concern and a primary focus of this manual.
Timing Belt:
Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley failure can occur, leading to belt slippage or breakage.
Oil Leaks:
Rear main seal and oil cooler seals are common leak points.
Subaru AWD Legacy:
Subaru is renowned for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a hallmark since the 1970s.
Outback Origin:
The Outback was introduced in 1995 as the 'Legacy Outback', a more rugged, lifted version of the Legacy station wagon.
Second Generation:
The 1998 model belongs to the second generation (BD/BG, 1995-1999), which saw styling updates and chassis refinements.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma, Japan
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year Competitor:
While not awarded 'SUV of the Year' itself, the Outback was a strong contender in the emerging crossover segment and praised for its AWD capability.
Insurance Institute Highway Safety IIHS:
Refer to specific IIHS reports for this model year for detailed crash test ratings (often ranked 'Good' or 'Acceptable' for its era).
