Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing system (belts/chains), lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control (EGR, catalytic converter), intake and exhaust systems, turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission Manual:
Clutch operation, gear shifting mechanism, internal components, maintenance, and repair
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, hydraulic system, electronic controls, maintenance, and repair
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, AWD system operation and maintenance
Suspension:
Front struts/coilovers, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, sway bars
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), steering rack, steering column, tie rods
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system, horns
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hoods, trunk, glass, interior trim, structural components, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, refrigerant service
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, child seat anchors (ISOFIX)
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, brake inspections, belt inspections
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul, head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, transmission fluid and filter changes, torque converter replacement, internal transmission component repair
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush and bleed, ABS component testing
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut/shock replacement, control arm bushing replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement
Electrical Diagnostics And Repair:
Wiring harness repair, sensor testing, actuator diagnosis, starter and alternator testing and replacement
Bodywork And Trim:
Door panel removal, exterior trim replacement, glass replacement, bumper repair/replacement
HVAC Service:
Evaporator and condenser replacement, blower motor replacement, refrigerant recharge
Safety System Service:
Airbag module replacement, seat belt replacement, seat belt pretensioner replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
Specifies use of Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) or equivalent diagnostic scan tools
Special Tools:
Lists required Subaru special tools with part numbers for specific procedures
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Engine bearing clearances, piston ring gap, valve lash specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed color-coded electrical schematics for all systems
Illustrations And Diagrams:
High-quality diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step illustrations
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions) or 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving conditions).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace at every oil change.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles; replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles if operating in dusty conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Replace annually or every 15,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Check periodically; replacement interval typically 60,000-100,000 miles, consult manual.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Check periodically; replace fluid and filter every 30,000-60,000 miles, consult manual.
Coolant Replacement:
Replace every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Subaru Super Coolant is recommended.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace every 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs (standard on many models).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM or ILSAC GF-2, GF-3, GF-4
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter (approx.)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based antifreeze
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid
Head Gasket Leaks:
While more common on earlier EJ25 engines (pre-2005), some models may still experience head gasket issues. The 2004 model year is on the cusp of this potential issue.
Catalytic Converter Failure:
Can occur due to age, mileage, or engine issues leading to rich fuel mixture.
Suspension Component Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear over time, leading to noise and steering issues.