Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Unique Selling Proposition:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engine, excellent safety record, practicality for outdoor activities
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra (early models)
Vehicle Type:
Station Wagon/SUV Crossover
Drivetrain:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Engine Layout:
Front-engine, horizontally opposed (Boxer)
Covered Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Engine Coverage:
2.5L EJ25 SOHC/DOHC Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged (EJ251, EJ252, EJ253, EJ255, EJ257)
Transmission Coverage:
4-Speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Coverage:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - Symmetrical AWD System
Trim Level Coverage:
All factory trim levels
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 (typical for a comprehensive service manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, component testing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, emissions control (EGTS, catalytic converter), timing belt/chain replacement
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, ECM/ECU, sensors (MAF, MAP, O2, Crankshaft Position, Camshaft Position), wiring diagrams, troubleshooting
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox disassembly, assembly, operation, maintenance, fluid specifications
Transmission Automatic:
4EAT system operation, hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, overhaul, maintenance, fluid specifications, troubleshooting
Drivetrain AWD:
Symmetrical AWD system components, front/rear differentials, center differential, driveshafts, universal joints, maintenance
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, troubleshooting
Brakes:
Front vented disc, rear solid disc (or optional rear disc), ABS system, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers)
Body:
Exterior panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, body sealing, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heating system, climate control, refrigerant, component servicing
Electrical Body:
Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, fuse box, relay locations, wiring diagrams
Safety Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, component locations, servicing precautions
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspection, tire rotation
Diagnostic Procedures:
DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) retrieval and interpretation, on-board diagnostics (OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, and reassembly
Troubleshooting Guides:
System-specific troubleshooting flowcharts and symptom-to-cause guides
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system tracing
Engine Code Naturally Aspirated:
EJ251, EJ253
Engine Code Turbocharged:
EJ255, EJ257 (for XT models)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio Na:
9.7:1 (EJ251/EJ253)
Compression Ratio Turbo:
8.5:1 (EJ255/EJ257)
Horsepower Na:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ251/EJ253)
Torque Na:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EJ251/EJ253)
Horsepower Turbo:
210 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ255) / 230 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ257 - XT models)
Torque Turbo:
235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (EJ255) / 235 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (EJ257 - XT models)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91+ recommended for Turbocharged models)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR, Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Automatic Mode:
Full-time Symmetrical AWD with electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by year/model, detailed in manual
Automatic Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by year/model, detailed in manual
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Subaru Genuine ATF HP (or equivalent)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 Stars (Frontal Impact Passenger, Frontal Impact Driver, Side Impact Front Passenger, Side Impact Rear Passenger)
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs; optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Drivetrain Stability:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side airbags (depending on trim/year)
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seat belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions), consult manual for specific recommendation
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (copper plugs) / 100,000 miles (iridium plugs, if applicable)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 105 months (critical maintenance item for EJ engines)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or higher recommended, ILSAC GF-5 or higher)
Engine Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
Premature failure of head gaskets, especially on earlier naturally aspirated EJ25 engines (can be identified by coolant leaks or oil/coolant mixing). Manual details inspection and replacement.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ engines may exhibit higher than normal oil consumption. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Turbocharger Issues:
Turbo seals or bearing wear on turbocharged models can occur if not properly maintained (e.g., oil changes).
Automatic Transmission Behavior:
Occasional harsh shifts or slipping in 4EAT can be related to valve body issues or fluid degradation. Manual covers diagnosis.