🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy Outback

Year:

2008

Market:

North America

Chassis Code:

BP (Wagon body, equivalent to BL sedan)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Crossover/Wagon, often considered a 'soft-roader'.

Target Audience:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, those seeking AWD capability in a wagon/SUV form factor.

Competitors:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5 (though CX-5 is later generation).

Drivetrain Advantage:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, a significant differentiator against front-wheel drive biased competitors.

Ground Clearance:

Higher than typical sedans/wagons, offering better capability on uneven terrain and in snow.

Practicality:

Spacious interior, versatile cargo area, wagon-like utility combined with SUV-like ride height.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and diagnostic procedures for all systems of the 2008 Subaru Legacy Outback.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 2000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (2.5L EJ253, 3.0L EZ30D), engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emissions control.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (including VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control), front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.

Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (TY755V), 4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT/430LE) - including operation, maintenance, and overhaul.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson strut with lower control arm, rear multi-link independent suspension, coil springs, shock absorbers, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion steering, steering column, universal joints, steering fluid.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, power distribution.

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System), seatbelts, pre-tensioners, occupant sensing.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, belt inspections and replacements, battery testing.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head repair, transmission overhaul (manual and automatic), brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common issues, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and clearing, sensor testing, actuator testing, use of Subaru Select Monitor (SSM).

Component Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing all major and minor components, including torque specifications.

Depth:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, in-depth mechanical repair instructions, comprehensive wiring diagrams, component removal and installation, specifications for virtually every aspect of the vehicle.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans/creation, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ253

Engine Description 1:

2.5-liter, SOHC, naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder engine.

Displacement 1:

2457 cc

Bore X Stroke 1:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.7:1

Horsepower 1:

170 hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque 1:

170 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Engine Code 2:

EZ30D

Engine Description 2:

3.0-liter, DOHC, naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed (Boxer) 6-cylinder engine.

Displacement 2:

2999 cc

Bore X Stroke 2:

89.2 mm x 77.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

10.7:1

Horsepower 2:

245 hp @ 6,600 rpm

Torque 2:

217 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline.

Recommended Octane 1:

87 AKI (for EJ253).

Recommended Octane 2:

91 AKI (for EZ30D - Premium unleaded recommended for optimal performance).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Model 1:

TY755V

Transmission Fluid Spec 1:

Subaru Extra MT Gear Oil (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90)

Transmission Type 2:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Model 2:

4EAT (430LE)

Transmission Fluid Spec 2:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent Dexron III compatible)

Drivetrain Layout:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with front engine, front-transverse mounting. AWD system varies slightly between manual (viscous center coupling) and automatic (electronically controlled variable transfer clutch) transmissions for optimal power distribution.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

63.0 inches (1600 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.0 inches (2642 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Approach Angle:

Approx. 29 degrees

Departure Angle:

Approx. 23 degrees

Breakover Angle:

Approx. 21 degrees

Wheel Size:

17-inch alloy wheels standard

Tire Size Standard:

215/55R17

Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 100.7 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 33.5 cubic feet

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 67.4 cubic feet

Curb Weight 2.5L Auto:

Approx. 3417 lbs (1550 kg)

Curb Weight 3.0L Auto:

Approx. 3538 lbs (1605 kg)

Towing Capacity:

2,400 lbs (1089 kg) (when properly equipped with trailer brake controller)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:

Good

IIHS Rear Impact Crash Test:

Good

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability.

Vdc:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (Traction Control and Stability Control) standard on all models.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags (standard).

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available premium audio systems, often with CD player, MP3 compatibility, and auxiliary input. Some models feature Harman Kardon sound systems.

Navigation:

Optional factory-integrated navigation system.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry system.

Power Liftgate:

Available on higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (under severe driving conditions) OR 7,500 miles or 12 months (under normal driving conditions) - consult manual for specific conditions.

Engine Oil Type Ej253:

SAE 5W-30, API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-3 or higher (synthetic recommended).

Engine Oil Type Ez30D:

SAE 5W-30, API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-3 or higher (synthetic recommended).

Oil Filter Part Number Ej253:

15208AA031 (OEM) or equivalent (e.g., Wix 57055, Mann-Filter HU711/1x).

Oil Filter Part Number Ez30D:

15208AA100 (OEM) or equivalent (e.g., Wix 57712, Mann-Filter HU821x).

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (Silicate-free, Ethylene Glycol-based).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) for 2.5L; Approx. 7.3 quarts (6.9 liters) for 3.0L.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type and condition, consult manual).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 30,000 miles (severe) or 60,000 miles (normal) - highly recommended to change.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles.

Differential Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than in earlier generations, some EJ series engines (including EJ253) can still experience head gasket failures. Proper maintenance is crucial. (Note: The EZ30D is generally more robust in this regard).

Wheel Bearings:

Can be prone to premature wear, especially in vehicles used in harsh climates or with oversized tires.

Cv Joints:

Outer CV joint boots can tear, leading to contamination and wear of the joint itself.

Power Steering Pump:

Occasional reports of noisy or failing power steering pumps.

Ac Compressor Clutch:

Failure of the AC compressor clutch can occur, leading to loss of AC function.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged or fail over time, affecting engine performance and emissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Legacy Introduction:

The Subaru Legacy was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone.

Subaru AWD Tradition:

Subaru has a long history of offering All-Wheel Drive, establishing its reputation for traction and capability.

Outback Origin:

The Outback variant began as the 'Suspect' Outback Sport in 1995, based on the Legacy, offering increased ground clearance and rugged styling. It became a distinct model line in 1996.

Third Generation:

The 2008 model year belongs to the third generation of the Subaru Outback (BP chassis for wagon, BL for sedan), which ran from 2005 to 2009.

Mid Cycle Refresh:

The 2008 model year received a minor facelift and updates from the 2005-2007 models.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2008 Subaru Outback received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award for its excellent crash test performance.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally ranked as average to above-average for reliability by consumer reporting organizations, though specific model years and engines can vary.