🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

1996

Product Name:

Subaru Impreza 1996 Service Repair Manual

Chassis Codes:

GC, GF, GM

Engine Codes:

EJ15, EJ16, EJ18, EJ20

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact/Subcompact car

Brand Identity:

Known for AWD capability, rally heritage, and reliability

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Ford Focus

Segment Differentiation:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system across most trims, rally-inspired performance variants (e.g., WRX precursors)

Drivetrain Advantage:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for superior traction and handling in various conditions

Engine Durability:

Reputation for durable Boxer engines

Practicality:

Available in sedan, coupe, and wagon body styles offering versatility

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Models Covered:

All 1996 Subaru Impreza models (Sedan, Coupe, Wagon)

Regions Covered:

North America, Europe, Asia (specifications may vary slightly)

Approximate Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control, engine overhaul

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (5-speed), automatic transmission (4-speed), clutch system, transfer case, AWD system (Symmetrical AWD)

Drivetrain Systems:

Front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings

Braking Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear disc/drum brakes (depending on model), ABS system, parking brake

Suspension Steering:

Front MacPherson struts, rear independent suspension (multi-link), power steering system, steering column

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, fuses, relays, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system, components, and service procedures

Body Chassis:

Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, chassis components, torque specifications for fasteners

Maintenance Procedures:

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

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, radiator), transmission removal and installation, suspension component repair, brake caliper overhaul, exhaust system repair

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system diagnosis, DTC interpretation

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed engine rebuilding instructions, transmission overhauling, differential rebuilding

Installation Procedures:

Installation of common replacement parts and accessories

Diagnostic Depth:

Advanced diagnostics for engine performance, emissions, and electrical systems

Repair Depth:

Comprehensive repair procedures from minor adjustments to major overhauls

Diagrams Quality:

High-quality, detailed diagrams and illustrations for clarity

Special Tools:

Identification of special tools required for specific repairs

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder

Displacement Options:

1.5L (EJ15), 1.6L (EJ16), 1.8L (EJ18), 2.0L (EJ20 - naturally aspirated and turbocharged)

Horsepower Range:

95-200+ hp (depending on engine and trim, e.g., WRX STi variants)

Torque Range:

130-280+ Nm (depending on engine and trim)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, EGR system, secondary air injection (depending on market and engine)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain Configuration:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most models

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (manual transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4345 mm (Sedan), 4340 mm (Coupe), 4345 mm (Wagon)

Width:

1730 mm

Height:

1405 mm (Sedan), 1370 mm (Coupe), 1420 mm (Wagon)

Wheelbase:

2520 mm

Curb Weight:

1150-1300 kg (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Varies by model and year; early models may not have comprehensive ratings available by modern standards.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on select trims

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker count varies by trim.

Display Technology:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. No digital displays or infotainment screens.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this model year, focus is on AWD for traction.

Bluetooth Usb:

Not available on this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific recommendations)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (CRITICAL for EJ engines; interference design)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Genuine Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant (blue color)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF HP or DEXRON-III/MERCON compatible fluid

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Head Gasket Leaks:

While less prevalent than in later EJ generations, early EJ engines can be susceptible to head gasket leaks, particularly under hard use or with overheating.

Timing Belt Wear:

Failure to adhere to timing belt replacement intervals can lead to catastrophic engine damage due to the interference design.

Oil Leaks:

Common areas for oil leaks include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front crank seals.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and ball joints in the suspension can wear over time, leading to knocking noises and reduced handling precision.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru History:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a history dating back to aircraft manufacturing. The company is known for its engineering prowess, particularly in all-wheel-drive systems and horizontally opposed engines.

Impreza Generation 1:

The first generation Impreza (GC/GF/GM) was introduced in 1992 as a successor to the Subaru Leone. The 1996 model falls within the early phase of this generation, characterized by its rally-bred DNA and the introduction of performance variants like the WRX and WRX STi.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Subaru Impreza WRX variant has received accolades from automotive publications for its performance and handling, often appearing on 'best of' lists.

Rally Racing Heritage:

The Impreza platform is famously associated with Subaru's success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), reinforcing its image as a capable and performance-oriented vehicle.