🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1998

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Competitors:

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

Distinguishing Features:

Standard AWD on most trims, horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines, robust build quality, practical interior space.

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Subaru enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

2.2L EJ22, 2.5L EJ25 DOHC/SOHC

Transmission Coverage:

4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual

Chassis Coverage:

Front Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Body Coverage:

Sedan, Wagon

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 1500-2000

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR, PCV), turbocharging (if applicable)

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox, shift linkage, removal, disassembly, assembly

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, solenoids, removal, disassembly, assembly

Drivetrain:

Front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, AWD system operation and maintenance

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering rack, wheel alignment

Brakes:

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

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control modules

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant handling

Body And Interior:

Exterior panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seating, dashboard, headliner

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation

Repair Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system bleeding and repair, electrical component replacement

Installation Removal:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components like engine, transmission, suspension parts, body panels

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, valve lash adjustments, bearing clearances

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and diagrams.

Printable:

Yes, pages are designed to be printable.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

2.2L (2212cc) EJ22 SOHC 16-valve Flat-4 (Boxer)

Engine 2:

2.5L (2457cc) EJ25 DOHC 16-valve Flat-4 (Boxer)

Engine 3:

2.5L (2457cc) EJ25 SOHC 16-valve Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower Ej22:

135 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Ej22:

137 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower Ej25 DOHc:

165 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque Ej25 DOHc:

162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower Ej25 Sohc:

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque Ej25 Sohc:

157 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended

ECU Type:

Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (All-Wheel Drive)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Available with FWD and AWD)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Check specific model variant for exact recommendation)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP or equivalent, Dexron III (Check specific model variant for exact recommendation)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.3 inches

Length:

Approx. 184.0 inches (Sedan) / 187.0 inches (Wagon)

Width:

Approx. 67.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 57.7 inches (Sedan) / 58.7 inches (Wagon)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (Varies by trim and drivetrain)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4200-4400 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact:

Not rated for this specific model year generation in readily available public records, but generally considered robust for its era.

IIHS Side Impact:

Data for 1998 models is limited; focus on general design principles of the era.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System available on select trims.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's side pretensioner.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage construction.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls with fan speed and temperature selection. Recirculation mode.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Telematics:

No advanced telematics or Bluetooth connectivity. Basic communication via cellular phones (external).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace at every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for EJ series engines to prevent catastrophic damage).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for EJ22/EJ25. Check manual for exact capacity.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. 5W-30 for extreme cold. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Head Gaskets:

While not as prevalent as on later generations, some EJ series engines of this era can develop head gasket leaks, especially the EJ25 DOHC. The manual will detail procedures for inspection and replacement.

Automatic Transmission Shifts:

Some instances of rough shifting or delayed engagement can occur. The manual provides diagnostic steps for the transmission control system.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

Failure of the timing belt tensioner can lead to belt slippage or breakage. Regular replacement of the belt and tensioner is crucial.

Oil Leaks:

Leaking valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets are common maintenance items addressed in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of engineering innovative vehicles, particularly known for its expertise in all-wheel-drive systems and horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engines.

Legacy Generations:

The 1998 Legacy is part of the second generation (BD/BG/BK chassis, 1995-1999), representing a significant styling and engineering update from the first generation.

Manufacturing Location:

Mainly manufactured in Japan, with some assembly in other regions.

Sales Trend:

The second generation saw consistent sales, solidifying the Legacy's reputation for reliability and AWD capability in North America.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

The Subaru Legacy has consistently been recognized for its safety and all-wheel-drive performance. While specific awards for the 1998 model may vary, the generation as a whole contributed to Subaru's reputation.