🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Model Years Covered:

2004, 2005

Chassis Codes:

BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Sedan/Wagon, AWD standard (primarily)

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Mazda6

All Wheel Drive:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system across most trims

Reliability:

Known for overall reliability and durability, especially powertrain

Practicality:

Offered in both sedan and wagon body styles, providing versatility

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service Repair and Maintenance

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, repair for all gasoline engines

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, ECU diagnostics, sensor data

Transmission:

Automatic and Manual transmission repair, overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Front and Rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, AWD system operation

Suspension:

Front and Rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorber/strut replacement

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, diagnosis and repair

Brakes:

Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, lines), ABS, parking brake, fluid specifications

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, fuses, relays, diagnosis

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system repair, recharge, diagnosis

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, doors, glass, seals

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seatbelt mechanisms

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, DTC interpretation

Component Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components

Rebuilding:

Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures with torque specifications

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick access to information

Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clarity of diagrams and text

Print Readability:

Printable pages suitable for workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC)

Displacement 1:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Configuration 1:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder

Horsepower 1:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 2:

EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged DOHC - GT models)

Displacement 2:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Configuration 2:

Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder, turbocharged

Horsepower 2:

210 hp @ 5600 rpm (GT Manual) / 215 hp @ 5600 rpm (GT Automatic)

Torque 2:

236 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (GT Manual) / 241 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (GT Automatic)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 octane recommended for GT models)

ECU Type:

Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) compatible diagnostic system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type 2:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (with manual mode on GT models)

AWD Integration:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system integrated with both transmission types

Automatic Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid

Manual Fluid:

Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil GL-5 75W-90 or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approx. 187.4 inches (4760 mm)

Width Sedan:

Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height Sedan:

Approx. 57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.1 inches (2645 mm)

Length Wagon:

Approx. 188.2 inches (4780 mm)

Width Wagon:

Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height Wagon:

Approx. 58.1 inches (1475 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3200 - 3600 lbs (1450 - 1630 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Offset:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, available curtain airbags (sedan)

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD stereo system, with optional premium audio and subwoofer on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on select trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal duty)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 miles (standard igniter plugs) / 100,000 miles (iridium plugs)

Coolant Replacement:

Initial 7 years/70,000 miles, then every 4 years/50,000 miles thereafter

Timing Belt:

This generation uses a timing *chain*, not a belt, requiring no scheduled replacement but proper lubrication.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 API SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM certified oil (check owner's manual for specific recommendations)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Head Gasket Leaks:

While less common than previous generations, early 2000s Subarus can still be susceptible to head gasket leaks, particularly on the EJ25 engines.

Oil Consumption:

Some EJ25 engines may exhibit increased oil consumption, especially as mileage increases.

Turbo Issues Gt:

Turbocharger failure or wastegate issues can occur on GT models if not properly maintained or subjected to excessive heat.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru History:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its engineering prowess, particularly with its boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Legacy Generation:

This generation represents the third generation of the Subaru Legacy, introduced for the 2000 model year and facelifted for 2004.

Manufacturing Plant:

Gunma, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2004-2005 Subaru Legacy models were recognized with high safety ratings, often achieving IIHS Top Safety Pick status for their performance in crash tests.

Jdpower Dependability:

Subaru as a brand often ranks well in J.D. Power dependability studies for its long-term reliability.