🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1997

👋 Introduction

Era Positioning:

The 1997 Subaru Legacy represented Subaru's entry into the mid-size sedan and wagon segment, emphasizing AWD as a standard feature and boxer engine performance.

Key Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, and Nissan Altima, differentiating itself with standard AWD and a more rugged, outdoorsy image.

Standard AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all models, a significant differentiator.

Boxer Engine:

The characteristic Subaru horizontally opposed (boxer) engine, known for its low center of gravity and smooth operation.

Body Styles:

Available in sedan and wagon body styles, catering to different consumer needs.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed engine teardown, inspection, assembly, and overhaul for all variants.

Engine Management:

ECU diagnostics, sensor operation, fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions control.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for all manual transmission variants.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of automatic transmission units.

Drivetrain AWD:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system diagnosis, maintenance, and repair (center differential, viscous coupling, etc.).

Suspension:

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

Brakes:

Brake system diagnostics, component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), hydraulic system bleeding, ABS system.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis, pump and rack repair, steering column components.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults.

Body And Trim:

Exterior panel replacement, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, heater core replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, including DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing all major and minor vehicle components.

Engine Rebuilding:

Step-by-step guide for complete engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measuring, and reassembly.

Transmission Overhaul:

Procedures for dismantling, inspecting, and reassembling both manual and automatic transmissions.

Electrical Component Testing:

Testing of sensors, actuators, relays, motors, and other electrical parts using multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Alignment Procedures:

Front and rear wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.

Diagnostic Codes:

Includes OBD-I and early OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings.

Torque Specifications:

All critical torque specifications for engine, chassis, and driveline components.

Clearances Tolerances:

Detailed specifications for engine component clearances and machining tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans, likely searchable text where OCR has been applied.

Printability:

Designed for clear printing of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ22 (2.2L SOHC)

Engine Description 1:

Naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) engine.

Displacement 1:

2211 cc (2.2 Liters)

Bore Stroke 1:

96.9 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.5:1

Horsepower 1:

135 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

138 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Code:

EJ25D (2.5L DOHC)

Engine Description:

Naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) engine, often found in higher trims or performance variants.

Displacement:

2457 cc (2.5 Liters)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2:

162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded Regular Gasoline (Octane Rating 87 or higher)

Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 (preferred for most conditions). Check manual for temperature variations.

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission

AWD Integration:

Both transmissions are integrated with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Fluid Type Automatic:

Subaru Genuine ATF-HP or equivalent DEXRON III (check specific manual recommendation)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 182.1 inches (4625 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)

Length:

Approx. 185.0 inches (4700 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

Approx. 57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100 - 3400 lbs (1400 - 1540 kg), varies by trim and drivetrain.

Wheel Size:

Typically 15 or 16 inches.

Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Tire Size Examples:

195/60R15, 205/55R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA ratings for this model year are difficult to find, but vehicles of this era generally had lower structural integrity compared to modern standards. Consult specific crash test databases if available.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often optional or standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags were standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard factory-installed AM/FM/Cassette or optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim.

Controls:

Manual climate controls and radio tuning knobs/buttons.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control was typically available, often as an option or standard on higher trims.

Phone Integration:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity; aftermarket solutions would be required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult specific manual recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on air quality.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical service item for EJ series engines. Recommended replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate inhibitors.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III ATF.

Head Gaskets:

While less common on the EJ22, the EJ25D engine (especially early versions) is known for potential head gasket failures due to sealant degradation. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Oil Leaks:

Common areas for oil leaks include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and front/rear crankshaft seals. The manual provides repair methods.

Cv Axle Boots:

The front CV axle boots are susceptible to cracking and tearing, leading to grease loss and premature CV joint wear, especially in colder climates.

Oxygen Sensors:

Oxygen sensors can degrade over time, affecting fuel economy and emissions. The manual covers their testing and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Origins:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a heritage rooted in aviation, influencing its distinct engineering, particularly the boxer engine and AWD.

Legacy Introduction:

The second generation Subaru Legacy (BD/BG chassis) debuted in 1993 and ran through 1999. The 1997 model falls within this generation, representing a mid-cycle refresh for some markets.

Chassis Code:

BD (Sedan), BG (Wagon)

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Subaru vehicles, including the Legacy of this era, generally received decent reliability ratings from publications like Consumer Reports, particularly for their powertrain.

Car And Driver Reviews:

Often praised for its all-weather capability and sporty handling, though sometimes criticized for interior refinement and a less powerful base engine compared to some competitors.