🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Outback

Years Covered:

2000-2010

Chassis Codes:

BP (2nd Gen), BR (3rd Gen)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV / Station Wagon

Target Audience:

Active lifestyle consumers, families, individuals seeking AWD capability and practicality

Key Competitors:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue

Distinguishing Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine configuration, spacious interior, high ground clearance, reputation for durability and safety.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners and independent mechanics with factory-level diagnostic and repair information, saving time and money on maintenance and repairs.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Global (factory specifications applicable to most markets)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated, 3.0L H6 Naturally Aspirated, 2.5L Turbocharged (GT models)

Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic, 5-Speed Manual, 5-Speed Automatic (later models)

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, center, rear), drive axles, driveshaft

Suspension:

Front struts, rear struts, control arms, stabilizer bars, springs, bushings

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (vented), rear disc brakes (solid/vented), ABS, brake hydraulics, parking brake

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion, steering column, components

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, body electronics, instrument cluster, HVAC controls

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emissions control (EVAP)

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant, thermostat, water pump, cooling fans

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant handling

Body And Chassis:

Frame, body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, bumpers

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, ABS, traction control (VDC)

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation, coolant flush

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system faults, engine performance issues, transmission drivability problems

Repair:

Engine mechanical repairs (e.g., head gasket, timing belt/chain), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair

Installation:

Component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, fuel pump), accessory installation (as per factory procedures)

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical troubleshooting, and chassis component repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 2 5L Na:

EJ253 (SOHC/DOHC variants), 165-175 HP, 166-177 lb-ft torque

Engine 3 0L H6:

EZ30D/EZ30R (DOHC), 245-250 HP, 217-227 lb-ft torque

Engine 2 5L Turbo:

EJ255 (DOHC), 250 HP, 250-257 lb-ft torque (GT models)

Compression Ratio 2 5L:

10.0:1 (approx.)

Compression Ratio 3 0L H6:

10.7:1 (approx.)

Redline Rpm 2 5L:

6000 RPM (approx.)

Redline Rpm 3 0L H6:

6500 RPM (approx.)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or sequential electronic fuel injection (SEFI)

Recommended Octane:

87 or higher (89/91 for Turbo/H6 models)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., TY756)

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 4EAT), 5-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 5EAT on later models)

AWD System Type:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential

Automatic Transmission Modes:

Sport Shift (sequential manual control on some models)

📐 Dimensions

Length 2Nd Gen:

4660 mm (183.5 in)

Width 2Nd Gen:

1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height 2Nd Gen:

1570 mm (61.8 in)

Wheelbase 2Nd Gen:

2670 mm (105.1 in)

Ground Clearance:

approx. 8.1 inches (205 mm)

Passenger Volume:

approx. 105 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

approx. 34 cu ft

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

approx. 73 cu ft

Curb Weight Start:

approx. 3400 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

approx. 4700-4900 lbs (varies by model)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-star (for applicable model years)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for many model years in this range)

Vehicle Dynamics Control Vdc:

Standard on most models (Traction Control & Stability Control)

Anti Lock Braking System ABS:

Standard

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (side-curtain and rollover protection)

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM/CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional CD changer (2nd Gen), optional 6-disc changer (3rd Gen). Various speaker configurations.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on select trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Traction Control:

Integrated with VDC system.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack (on select models/head units).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty)

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 30,000 miles)

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 15,000-30,000 miles)

Spark Plugs 2 5L:

Replace at 105,000 miles (Iridium type)

Spark Plugs 3 0L H6:

Replace at 105,000 miles (Iridium type)

Timing Belt Chain 2 5L:

Timing Chain (interference engine - check manual for service)

Timing Belt Chain 3 0L H6:

Timing Chain (interference engine - check manual for service)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 (preferred for most models), SAE 5W-30 (can be used if 0W-20 unavailable)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (Subaru Long Life Coolant - Pink - is for newer models)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF HP or Dexron III (check specific transmission type)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Subaru ExtraS PS fluid (for viscous coupling center diff) / GL-5 Gear Oil (for transaxle)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru PS Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon

Head Gaskets 2 5L Ej25:

Common failure point, especially on earlier EJ25 SOHC and DOHC engines. Manual provides diagnostic and replacement procedures.

Oil Consumption Ej Engines:

Some EJ engines can consume oil. Manual details checking and maintenance to mitigate this.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Occasional torque converter shudder or transmission control module (TCM) issues. Manual covers diagnostics and repairs.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can wear out, causing noise. Manual covers replacement procedure.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Philosophy:

Emphasis on AWD, boxer engines, safety, and reliability, particularly in challenging weather conditions.

2Nd Gen Outback Bp:

Launched in 2000, based on the Subaru Legacy platform. Increased dimensions, more refined interior, and improved safety. Introduced the 3.0L H6 engine option.

3Rd Gen Outback Br:

Launched in 2009. Significantly redesigned with a higher roofline, increased ground clearance, and a more robust SUV-like stance. Introduction of the 2.5L Turbocharged GT models for this generation.

Manufacturing Plant:

Gunma Plant, Japan; Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), USA (for some models/markets)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Awards:

Consistently recognized for safety by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning 'Top Safety Pick' awards in many of these model years.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Often received good ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction in publications like Consumer Reports.

Epa Fuel Economy:

Varies by engine and transmission, typically 17-20 MPG city / 24-27 MPG highway.