🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy B4

Model Code:

BD/BG Chassis

Product Name:

Subaru Legacy B4 1989-1994 Factory Service Repair Manual

Year Coverage:

1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan/wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive and boxer engines.

Target Audience:

Drivers seeking capable, reliable vehicles, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Galant.

AWD:

Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard on most models.

Engine Layout:

Horizontally-opposed ('boxer') engine configuration for lower center of gravity.

Body Styles:

Available as a sedan (B4) and a station wagon (G4).

Performance Variants:

GT and GT-B trims offered turbocharged engines for enhanced performance.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Scope:

Complete Vehicle Service and Repair

Pages:

Hundreds (exact count not specified but implied comprehensive)

Format:

Downloadable PDF

Print Capability:

Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive engine service, diagnosis, and repair for all applicable engines (e.g., EJ20, EJ22).

Engine Management:

EFI, ignition system, sensors, actuators, ECM troubleshooting and repair.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, lines, emissions control (EVAP).

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox, driveline, driveshafts, differentials.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission operation, hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, solenoids, diagnosis.

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, center differential, viscous coupling unit, mechanical components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, bushings, alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, pump, rack and pinion, tie rods, steering column.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), calipers, rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, fuses, relays, power distribution.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, components, operation, and servicing.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, trim.

Body Interior:

Dashboard, seats, upholstery, door panels, trim, carpeting.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (if equipped), structural integrity.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.

Adjustment:

Valve clearance adjustment, timing belt tensioning, parking brake adjustment.

Installation:

Component replacement and installation procedures.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of special Subaru tools required for specific repairs.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.

Clearances:

Specifications for all critical mechanical clearances and tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (standard for factory manuals).

Quality:

Designed for clarity and readability when printed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes:

EJ20, EJ22, EJ20G (turbocharged)

Displacement Naturally Aspirated:

1.8L (EA82 - early models/markets), 2.0L, 2.2L

Displacement Turbocharged:

2.0L (EJ20G)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 115-130 hp (naturally aspirated), 200-220 hp (turbocharged GT variants)

Torque Range:

Approx. 130-140 lb-ft (naturally aspirated), 200-230 lb-ft (turbocharged GT variants)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based system, depending on variant.

Type:

Liquid-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)

AWD Integration:

Integrated with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios detailed within the manual.

Manual Fluid:

Hypoid gear oil SAE 75W-90 GL-5 (typical, refer to manual for exact spec).

Automatic Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid, refer to manual for exact spec).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4560-4690 mm (depending on body style and specific model year).

Width:

Approx. 1690-1715 mm.

Height:

Approx. 1400-1450 mm (sedan), 1460-1500 mm (wagon).

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2625 mm.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1450 kg (depending on configuration).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle's compliance plate or manual.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm.

Typical Tire Size:

185/70R14, 195/60R15, 205/55R15 (depending on trim and year).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

NHTSA/IIHS data for this era may be limited; manual provides structural repair guidelines.

ABS:

Available on higher trims, ABS component servicing and diagnosis covered.

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical AWD enhances traction and stability.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags available on later models; manual covers SRS system components and precautions.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioner seatbelts on some models; detailed information on seatbelt systems.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette/CD player, speaker configurations. Manual covers removal, installation, and basic troubleshooting.

Dashboard Controls:

Climate controls, instrument cluster, warning lights. Manual explains their function and diagnostic indicators.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (optional on some trims); manual details its operation, components, and troubleshooting.

Electrical Connectors:

Detailed diagrams for all major electrical connectors, facilitating aftermarket accessory installation or repair.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (typical, refer to manual for exact/severe duty intervals).

Air Filter:

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

Spark Plugs:

Replace typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on type (copper, platinum, iridium).

Timing Belt:

Replace every 90,000 - 105,000 miles or 7 years (critical for interference engines like EJ series). Manual will specify exact interval and procedures.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH or higher, viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for climate-specific recommendations).

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for precise specification).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual).

Head Gaskets:

While more prevalent in later EJ engines, early models can experience head gasket leaks. Manual covers inspection and replacement procedures.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

Tensioner failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage; manual details inspection and replacement.

Oil Leaks:

Common areas include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front crank seal.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to noise and alignment issues.

AWD Center Differential:

Viscous coupling unit in AWD systems can wear; manual provides service information.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Focus:

Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) known for aviation engineering and robust vehicle platforms.

First Generation Legacy:

Introduced in 1989 as a successor to the Subaru Leone, marking Subaru's entry into the mid-size segment.

Chassis Codes:

BD (Sedan), BG (Wagon) for the second generation (1994-1999), though this manual covers the initial BD/BG platform's early years (often referred to as first-gen or early second-gen depending on market interpretation).

Production Years Covered:

1989-1994.

Manufacturing Plants:

Primarily Japan (Gunma Prefecture).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver તિહાસ:

The Subaru Legacy was often featured in Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in subsequent generations, indicating its strong market reception for performance and value.

Consumer Reports History:

Generally rated well for reliability and performance in its class, especially for its AWD capabilities.

Manufacturer Certification:

Official Subaru Factory Service Manual.