Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control (EVAP, catalytic converter), ECU diagnosis and programming, sensors (MAF, MAP, O2, crank/cam position), actuators
Transmission Manual:
Clutch operation, gear linkage, gear shift mechanism, internal transmission components, removal and installation
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, valve body, electronic control unit (TCU), shift solenoid operation, removal and installation
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system operation, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel bearings
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake system
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension geometry, struts, shocks, coil springs, control arms, sway bars, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), steering column, tie rods, steering rack, alignment specifications
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, audio system, power windows/locks
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, refrigerant system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, controls, diagnostics
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS) operation, diagnostics, seat belt mechanisms
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, component testing procedures
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, scan tool usage, live data interpretation, component electrical testing
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, suspension alignment angles, tire pressures
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, color-coded wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Code 1:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC)
Displacement 1:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Configuration 1:
Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder
Horsepower 1:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)
Torque 1:
166 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approximate)
Bore X Stroke 1:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
10.0:1
Fuel Delivery 1:
Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type 1:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Engine Code 2:
EZ30D (3.0L H6)
Displacement 2:
3.0 Liters (2999 cc)
Configuration 2:
Naturally Aspirated, Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 6-Cylinder
Horsepower 2:
243 hp @ 6600 rpm (approximate)
Torque 2:
219 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approximate)
Bore X Stroke 2:
89.2 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
10.7:1
Fuel Delivery 2:
Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type 2:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (Driver), 5-Star (Passenger) for 2008 models
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (Top Safety Pick in its class)
Active Safety Standard:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Active Safety Optional:
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Safety Standard:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (under severe driving conditions) or 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (under normal driving conditions), or every 6 months regardless of mileage.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 15 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 15 months
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (OEM recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
The EJ253 uses a timing belt. Replacement is typically recommended every 105,000 miles or 105 months.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.8 US Quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change (API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3/GF-4 5W-30 or 10W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
5.1 US Quarts (4.8 Liters) with filter change (API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3/GF-4 5W-30 or 10W-30)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While generally improved from earlier generations, some EJ25 engines can still experience head gasket leaks over time, particularly if overheated or poorly maintained.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can be prone to wear and noise, especially with AWD components.
Catalytic Converter:
Premature failure of the catalytic converter can occur, often linked to engine misfires or oil consumption.
Cv Joints:
Front CV boots can split, leading to premature wear of the CV joints if not addressed.
Automatic Transmission Logic:
Some owners report a desire for more aggressive shift points in the 4-speed automatic.
Brand Focus:
Subaru is renowned for its horizontally opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, emphasizing capability and safety.
Generation Introduction:
The 2008 model year falls within the fourth generation of the Subaru Legacy, which ran from 2003-2009 (BP/BL).
Key Updates 2008:
Minor styling updates, improved interior materials, and some powertrain enhancements were typical for mid-cycle refreshes, though specific 2008 changes should be verified.
Performance Variants:
The GT models featured turbocharged engines (2.5L EJ255) and often sport-tuned suspension, providing higher performance levels.
Manufacturing Location:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan