Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, valve train
Engine Performance:
Fuel delivery, ignition system, emission control, cooling system, lubrication system
Engine Management:
ECU, sensors, actuators, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Automatic Transmission:
Component descriptions, removal/installation, hydraulic control, electronic control, torque converter
Manual Transmission:
Component descriptions, removal/installation, clutch system, gear shift mechanism
All Wheel Drive System:
Center differential, rear differential, drive shafts, hub assembly, viscous coupling unit (if applicable)
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, stabilizer bar, bushings, wheel bearings
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link independent suspension, trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, bushings
Brake System Front:
Disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, master cylinder, ABS components
Brake System Rear:
Disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, parking brake mechanism, ABS components
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, universal joints
Battery And Charging:
Battery specifications, alternator, starter motor
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lights, fog lights, bulb replacement
Instrumentation And Gauges:
Dashboard layout, indicator lights, gauge cluster diagnostics
Audio And Navigation:
Radio, speakers, amplifier, navigation unit removal/installation
Power Windows And Locks:
Motor replacement, switch diagnostics, linkage adjustments
Wiper And Washer System:
Wiper motor, linkage, washer pump, nozzles
Climate Control System:
HVAC blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant recharge, control panel diagnostics
Airbag System:
Component locations, SRS warning light diagnostics, module replacement procedures
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood and tailgate, chassis component torque specs
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections, spark plug replacement
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement
Transmission Overhaul:
Disassembly, inspection, reassembly of automatic and manual transmissions
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake fluid flush and bleeding, parking brake adjustment
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm bushings, ball joint replacement, power steering fluid service, steering rack alignment
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component testing, troubleshooting common electrical faults
Body Work And Trim:
Removal and installation of interior and exterior trim panels, door handle replacement, mirror replacement
HVAC System Repair:
Refrigerant system servicing, blower motor replacement, actuator diagnostics, cabin air filter replacement
Tire And Wheel Service:
Tire rotation, wheel alignment specifications, wheel bearing replacement
Diagnostic Troubleshooting Charts:
Step-by-step guides for diagnosing common problems based on symptoms
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive, factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for major component rebuilds (engine, transmission)
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Systematic diagnostic approaches for identifying and resolving issues
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise torque values, clearances, and measurements for all components
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Good
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Good
NHTSA Side Driver Impact:
Good
NHTSA Side Passenger Impact:
Good
NHTSA Side Rear Occupant:
Good
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4/5 Star (depending on specific configuration)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Score:
Good
IIHS Rear Impact Score:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebs:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Available Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front-passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front-seat side-impact airbags and curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, front seat pretensioners
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Service Intervals General
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (severe conditions), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (normal conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for Iridium or Platinum plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), change fluid around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or based on usage.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change fluid around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or based on usage.
Differential Fluid Change Front Rear:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), change fluid around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or based on usage.
Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) thereafter.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Drive Belts Inspection:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace if cracked or worn.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Head Gaskets:
While less common on the EJ253 than earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual provides diagnostic and replacement procedures.
Rear Wheel Bearing Wear:
Rear wheel bearings can sometimes wear prematurely. The manual details bearing inspection and replacement.
Catalytic Converter Concerns:
In some high-mileage vehicles, catalytic converter efficiency can decrease. The manual covers exhaust system diagnosis.
Automatic Transmission Performance:
Some early models might exhibit shifting issues; the manual covers transmission diagnostics and valve body testing.