🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy Outback

Year:

2009

Chassis Code:

BP (for wagon body style)

Engine Codes:

EJ253 (2.5L), EZ30D (3.0L H6)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size crossover wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and wagon-based utility.

Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan X-Trail (or Rogue), Volkswagen Tiguan.

Differentiation:

Subaru's symmetrical AWD system, boxer engine design, and wagon practicality provided a unique offering in the compact SUV/crossover segment.

Standard Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine, spacious interior, elevated ground clearance, roof rails.

Trim Levels:

Likely included 2.5i (2.5L engine) and 3.0R (3.0L H6 engine) with various sub-trims.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All mechanical, electrical, and body systems for the 2009 Subaru Legacy Outback.

Secondary Coverage:

Diagnostics, troubleshooting, routine maintenance, component replacement, and repair procedures.

Estimated Pages:

Over 2500 pages (typical for a complete factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), Searchable

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (EJ253, EZ30D), fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission (4EAT, 5EAT), manual transmission (5MT), clutch system, driveshafts, differentials (front, center, rear), AWD system (Symmetrical AWD).

Chassis:

Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system (power steering), braking system (ABS, EBD, ventilated discs), wheel alignment.

Electrical:

Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting, charging system, starting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, audio system, navigation system, climate control electronics.

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (manual and automatic), exterior trim, bumpers, sunroof (if equipped).

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), belt inspections and replacement, tire rotation.

Repair:

Engine component removal/installation (e.g., cylinder heads, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, strut/shock absorber replacement, power steering pump replacement, AC system service, radiator replacement.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, circuit diagrams, component testing procedures, sensor testing, actuator testing.

Installation:

Accessory installation (e.g., trailer hitch, roof rails), component upgrades, sensor replacement procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes, text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format; printable for coil, comb, or three-ring binding.

Paper:

Not applicable for digital format; recommended for durable paper for printed copies.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 2.5I:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (EJ253)

Displacement 2.5I:

2457 cc

Bore Stroke 2.5I:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2.5I:

9.7:1

Horsepower 2.5I:

170 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque 2.5I:

170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Type 3.0R:

3.0L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-6 (EZ30D)

Displacement 3.0R:

2999 cc

Bore Stroke 3.0R:

89.2 mm x 79.3 mm

Compression Ratio 3.0R:

10.7:1

Horsepower 3.0R:

245 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque 3.0R:

217 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Grade Recommendation:

87 octane (for 2.5i), 91 octane recommended for 3.0R for optimal performance.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 2.5I:

4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT)

Transmission 3.0R:

5-speed automatic transmission (5EAT)

Manual Option:

5-speed manual transmission (5MT) available on some 2.5i models.

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Split (ATS) for automatic, viscous coupling limited-slip center differential for manual.

Transmission Fluid Spec 4Eat:

Subaru ATF HP (Part # K0621Y0070 or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Spec 5Eat:

Subaru ATF HP (Part # K0621Y0070 or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Spec 5Mt:

Subaru Extra-S GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil (Part # KOS261236)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 189.4 inches (4810 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

Approx. 61.4 inches (1560 mm) (without roof rails)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.0 inches (2640 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 31.5 cubic feet (892 L)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 71.3 cubic feet (2019 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3300 - 3600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) depending on engine and trim.

Towing Capacity:

2700 lbs (1225 kg) (with proper trailer brake controller and equipment).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash Test:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Crash Test:

Good

IIHS Side Crash Test:

Good

IIHS Rear Crash Protection Head Restraints:

Good

Active Safety:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Passive Safety:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints, front and rear crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio systems, satellite radio readiness, and available in-dash navigation system.

Features:

Standard Symmetrical AWD. Cruise control. Traction control and stability control (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC) available on certain trims.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity was an option on higher trims, often integrated with the audio or navigation system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months, or every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months under severe conditions or synthetic oil use (refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Replacement typically around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect/replace annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Spark Plugs 2.5I:

Iridium spark plugs, typically replace around 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Spark Plugs 3.0R:

Iridium spark plugs, typically replace around 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Coolant Change:

Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4 years thereafter.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil 2.5I:

5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or higher). Capacity: 4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter.

Engine Oil 3.0R:

5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or higher). Capacity: 6.9 US quarts (6.5 L) with filter.

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-HOAT coolant. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 US quarts (7.1 L) for 2.5L, 8.4 US quarts (7.9 L) for 3.0L.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While not as prevalent as earlier generations, EJ253 engines can still be susceptible to head gasket leaks over time. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Automatic Transmission:

Some reports of premature wear or failure in the 4EAT transmission, particularly if not maintained with proper fluid changes. Manual provides detailed troubleshooting.

Wheel Bearings:

Wheel bearings can experience wear and noise, especially on AWD vehicles. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

Suspension Components:

Like many vehicles in this class, front struts and bushings may require replacement due to wear and tear over mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Subaru is renowned for its horizontally opposed (boxer) engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which are standard on most of its vehicles.

Generation:

This 2009 model is part of the third generation (BP) of the Subaru Legacy Outback, produced from 2003 to 2009. It was based on the fourth generation Legacy sedan and wagon platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2009 Subaru Outback received an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Kbb Ratings:

Kelley Blue Book often rated Subaru vehicles highly for their all-weather capability and residual value.