🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza WRX STI

Year:

2009

Chassis Code:

GRB/GVB (Hatchback/Sedan)

Engine Code:

EJ257

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, tuners, performance drivers, owners seeking detailed DIY repair and maintenance information.

Competitors 2009:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX (non-STI), Volkswagen GTI, Mazdaspeed3.

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

Engine:

2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine.

Suspension:

Performance-tuned independent suspension with front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbone.

Braking:

High-performance Brembo braking system.

Dccd:

Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) for adjustable torque distribution.

Body Styles:

Available in 4-door sedan (GVB) and 5-door hatchback (GRB) body styles.

📋 Manual Details

Region:

Global (primarily North America, Japan, Europe)

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, turbocharger system, emissions control.

Transmission:

6-speed manual transmission (TY856WB1CA), clutch system, drivetrain (differentials, driveshafts, axles).

Brakes:

Front (Brembo 4-piston calipers) and rear (Brembo 2-piston calipers) braking systems, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms), steering system (power steering, steering column), alignment specifications.

Electrical Electronics:

ECU, wiring diagrams, sensors, actuators, lighting, charging system, starting system, body control modules, infotainment system.

Body Chassis:

Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, chassis components, corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belt pretensioners, SRS control module.

General Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection.

Engine Repair:

Engine overhaul, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, head gasket repair, timing belt/chain replacement.

Transmission Repair:

Transmission disassembly and reassembly, clutch replacement, driveline component repair.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake fluid bleeding, ABS component testing.

Suspension Steering Repair:

Shock absorber and strut replacement, control arm and bushing replacement, power steering pump and rack service.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults, component testing, wiring harness repair, sensor replacement.

Bodywork Repair:

Panel replacement, dent repair, rust prevention, door and window adjustment.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation.

Special Tools:

Lists and descriptions of specific tools required for various procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics.

Diagnostic Focus:

Includes detailed diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretations (DTCs), and troubleshooting flowcharts.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for the disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major components.

Wiring Diagrams:

High-quality, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing for physical reference.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder

Displacement:

2457 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 80.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.4:1

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), sequential electronic fuel injection

Turbocharger:

Twin-scroll IHI VF48 turbocharger with intercooler

Redline:

7500 RPM

Horsepower Hp:

305 hp @ 6000 RPM

Torque Lb-Ft:

290 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

15.9 gallons (60 liters)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Model:

TY856WB1CA

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic Twin-Plate Clutch

Dccd:

Driver Controlled Center Differential (Auto/Manual modes).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

3.0 US quarts (2.8 liters)

Front Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90

Rear Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Limited Slip)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

179.1 inches (4550 mm)

Length Hatchback:

173.8 inches (4415 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height Sedan:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Height Hatchback:

58.1 inches (1475 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.0 inches (2615 mm)

Front Track:

59.8 inches (1520 mm)

Rear Track:

59.8 inches (1520 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.0 inches (127 mm)

Curb Weight Sedan:

3417 lbs (1550 kg)

Curb Weight Hatchback:

3373 lbs (1530 kg)

Cargo Volume Sedan:

11.3 cubic feet (320 liters)

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

19.0 cubic feet (538 liters) (seats up)

Standard Wheel Size:

18 x 8.5 inch alloy

Optional Wheel Size:

18 x 8.5 inch BBS forged alloy

Standard Tire Size:

245/40R18

Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Center Bore:

56.1 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star

IIHS Front Crash:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Brake Assist:

Brake Assist (BA)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

Airbags:

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

Seatbelts:

3-point ELR front seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, 3-point ELR rear seat belts.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard premium audio system with CD player, auxiliary input. Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Display:

Multi-function display in instrument cluster for trip computer, AWD system status, etc.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Limited Electronic Aids:

Relatively basic electronic driver aids compared to modern vehicles, focusing on mechanical grip and AWD performance.

Aux Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack.

Bluetooth:

Not available as standard for this model year; aftermarket solutions are common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal driving). Refer to manual for specifics. Subaru often recommends shorter intervals for performance models.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles or 15 months.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (Iridium type).

Brake Fluid:

Replace every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Crucial for performance driving.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Replace every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru recommends fluid changes more frequently for enthusiasts.

Differential Fluid:

Replace every 30,000 miles or 30 months.

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-HOAT type.

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Piston Ring Land Failure:

A known issue with the EJ257 engine, particularly in earlier models and when modified without proper tuning, can lead to ring land damage, resulting in loss of compression and oil consumption.

Clutch Wear:

High-performance driving can lead to accelerated clutch wear. The twin-plate clutch is robust but susceptible to abuse.

Catalytic Converter:

Can be prone to failure due to heat and exhaust stresses, especially if the engine runs rich or is modified.

Suspension Bushings:

Worn suspension bushings, especially in the control arms, can lead to sloppy handling and noise.

Engine Break In:

Proper engine break-in procedure is crucial for EJ257 longevity. The manual will detail this.

Tuning Considerations:

Engine modifications and tuning require careful attention to fuel delivery, ignition timing, and cooling to prevent catastrophic engine failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Rally Heritage:

Subaru's extensive history and success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) heavily influenced the WRX and STI models, fostering their performance image.

Third Gen Impreza Platform:

The 2009 model year marked a significant redesign, moving to the third generation (GE/GH/GR/GV) Impreza platform, featuring a new chassis and a controversial shift to a more conventional compact car design (especially the hatchback) compared to the previous generation's rally-bred aesthetic.

Sti Development:

The STI variant continued to be Subaru's halo performance model, featuring the EJ257 engine, upgraded suspension, brakes, and the DCCD system, differentiating it from the standard WRX.

Production Location:

Ōta, Gunma, Japan (Subaru's main manufacturing facility)

Production Years For Model:

The third generation Impreza (including WRX and WRX STI) was produced from model year 2008 to 2014.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Sport Compact Awards:

The Impreza WRX STI consistently received accolades from automotive publications and enthusiasts for its performance, handling, and rally-inspired capabilities.

Handling Praise:

Praised for its exceptional grip and agility due to the Symmetrical AWD and DCCD system.

Emission Standards:

Meets EPA and CARB emission standards for its model year (specifics vary by region).