Segment:
Compact Sports Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Subaru owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda Civic Si, Mazda3 MPS, Volkswagen Golf GTI
All Wheel Drive:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most trims)
Performance Variants:
Availability of high-performance WRX and STI models with turbocharged engines and enhanced chassis components.
Practicality:
Available in sedan and wagon body styles, offering practicality alongside performance.
Primary Coverage:
All service and repair procedures for the 2004 Subaru Impreza
Secondary Coverage:
Routine maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, component removal/installation, specifications, wiring diagrams, bodywork, interior/exterior components
Estimated Page Count:
Varies based on specific engine/trim, but comprehensive manuals typically range from 1500-3000+ pages for this generation.
Type:
Repair Manual / Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Engine Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel System, Emissions Control, Ignition System, Intake and Exhaust Systems, Turbocharger (if applicable)
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch System, Differential, Driveshaft, Axles, AWD System
Chassis:
Steering System, Suspension System (Front and Rear), Brakes (including ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical System, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Engine Control, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Climate Control, Body Sealing
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid)
Tune Up And Engine Repair:
Valve adjustment, timing belt/chain inspection and replacement (depending on engine variant), cylinder head removal/installation, piston and ring service, crankshaft and bearing service, complete engine rebuilding
Transmission And Drivetrain Repair:
Clutch replacement, manual transmission internal repair, automatic transmission overhaul, differential service and repair, driveshaft and CV joint replacement
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock absorber and strut replacement, control arm service, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack and pinion service
Brake System Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake fluid bleeding, ABS system diagnostics and repair
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing (sensors, actuators, modules), SRS system diagnostics and repair
Body And Trim Repair:
Door panel removal, seat removal, bumper repair/replacement, interior trim panel replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting trees.
Illustrations:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams and photographic illustrations for clarity.
Special Tools:
Identification of required special tools for specific repair procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Inclusion of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and repair procedures for common issues.
Engine Code Non Turbo:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC Boxer), EJ20 (various versions, e.g., EJ205 for WRX)
Engine Code Turbocharged:
EJ205 (2.0L Turbocharged Boxer for WRX), EJ257 (2.5L Turbocharged Boxer for STI)
Displacement 2 5I:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower 2 5I:
Approx. 173 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2 5I:
Approx. 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Displacement Wrx:
2.0 Liters (1994 cc)
Horsepower Wrx:
Approx. 227 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Wrx:
Approx. 217 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Displacement Sti:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower Sti:
Approx. 300 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sti:
Approx. 300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane for non-turbo, 91+ octane for WRX/STI)
Length:
Approx. 4415 mm (173.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)
Length:
Approx. 4465 mm (175.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1445 mm (56.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Varies by trim and body style, typically ranging from 2900 to 3400 lbs.
Wheelbase:
2535 mm (99.8 in)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1480 mm (58.3 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1475 mm (58.1 in)
Ground Clearance Sti:
Approx. 135 mm (5.3 in) (Lowered for performance)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (for front and rear passengers)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
E Brake:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) (often integrated with ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side airbags
Srs:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) including airbag system and pre-tensioner seatbelts
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced passenger compartment structure
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,750 to 7,500 miles (6,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Consult the manual for specific recommendations based on oil type used.
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km).
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement:
For standard EJ253: ~60,000 miles. For EJ205/EJ257: Varies, often with specialized spark plugs recommended.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 30,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter. (Subaru Super Coolant is often recommended).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Check periodically, change typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (check manual for exact recommendation).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Check periodically, change typically around 30,000-60,000 miles depending on use. (Use Dexron III or equivalent).
Differential Fluid Front Rear:
Check periodically, change typically around 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Non Turbo:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG, SH, or SJ classification). Consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Engine Oil Turbocharged:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SJ, SL, or SM classification) - often a higher quality synthetic is recommended.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine ATF or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 recommended)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent
Head Gaskets:
While less common on EJ253 (SOHC) engines compared to earlier EJ25D (DOHC), head gasket leaks can still occur. Subaru used multiple revisions of head gaskets.
Turbo Failure Wrx Sti:
Turbocharger failures can occur, especially with improper maintenance, oil starvation, or aggressive driving without adequate cool-down periods.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is generally considered normal for performance applications, but premature wear can result from abuse or towing.
Suspension Components:
Worn suspension bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings are common wear items, particularly on performance models driven hard.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ engines, especially with higher mileage, may exhibit increased oil consumption.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), is known for its boxer engines and standard All-Wheel Drive systems, particularly in its rally-bred performance vehicles.
Second Gen Introduction:
The second generation (GD/GG) Impreza debuted for the 2002 model year, with the 2004 model representing a significant update with revised styling and performance enhancements, especially for the WRX and STI models.
Performance Heritage:
The Impreza WRX and STI have a strong heritage in motorsports, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where they achieved significant success and influenced the development of production models.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan